The arrival of this darling little book in my mailbox started a whole flurry of cutting and stitching over the weekend. Oh, this book! I've actually been pining away for this book for some time, and was surprised and thrilled to finally run across it. We have here a third edition (1964), printed in England, with a copyright date of 1950, so that's going back to another time entirely. Inside are the most darling illustrations and embroidery patterns, mainly for making a child's hexagon quilt, but there are a couple of samplers, an embroidered pinafore style apron, and some other things inside as well. This is my first crack at making a hexagonal quilt and so far, I like it! And that surprised me, because I didn't think I would. Hexagons always seemed somewhat tedious and complicated to cut and sew precisely. But I found out, there's a technique. Not difficult! And more than one way of achieving a perfect patch. (We do like having options.)
There's the hand-stitch method described in the book using a cardboard template to stitch around, and the "modern" freezer paper method requiring an iron. I tried both methods and got great results with each. Each method has its own merits though, so I can't say one way is better than the other. Neither way is faster than the other either, when you consider the time spent printing and cutting out (many) freezer paper templates.
This project has been ideal for using up scraps. I love the satisfaction of making something out of nothing. Turning trash into treasure, so to speak. The colors may not relate perfectly, but the repeating hexagonal shape unifies them, and besides I must admit I love a randomly pieced quilt with the unexpected burst of color or the odd print that catches the eye.
I've been looking for a quilt project that could be done without a sewing machine, something I could just reach into a basket and stitch on, and this fit that criteria perfectly.
So, I made a 4-inch template (measured from point-to-point across the middle), twice the usual size, in order to fit some small embroidered motifs in the middle of some of the blocks. At this point, I'm still playing around with the "blocks" and haven't decided on a border color. Maybe I'll stick with white, in the same manner that a "Grandmother's Flower Garden" quilt is done. Mine is basically an enlarged and simplified version of that. I'll keep posting on my progress.
Oh, she does look a bit like Jemima Puddle-Duck! So darling.
What a wonderful find! Isn't it fun to come across something like that? Your hexies are really cute, especially with the embroidery in the center.
Posted by: Jane S. | February 04, 2013 at 04:25 PM
Oh where ever did you find that darling boo? Angela
Posted by: angela | February 04, 2013 at 04:55 PM
I meant book. : )
Posted by: angela | February 04, 2013 at 04:56 PM
your embroidery scattered amung the hexies is precious! I love old sewing & cooking books :)
Posted by: Allison | February 04, 2013 at 05:45 PM
OMG! This is a wonderous book! I want one now! Love your hexie quilt idea...very pretty!
Posted by: Julie | February 04, 2013 at 06:17 PM
My younger sister is working on one of these, I am going to send her over to see your cute embroideries in yours! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | February 04, 2013 at 06:20 PM
My grandmother started making this quilt in the 1930's out of old shirts. She never finished it and I have all the pieces she started. I've been thinking about framing the parts she did complete. That is going to be a beautiful quilt
Posted by: Pam C | February 04, 2013 at 07:59 PM
I love your tiny stitches...I use a cardboard template and a marker to cut and sew my hexagons and I stitch them by hand.
Posted by: Samantha | February 04, 2013 at 09:13 PM
I love the hexes for your quilt. I have lots of leftover fabric and have been thinking of a quilt of some sort. You give me hope that I could possibly do this.
Blessings,
Betsy
Posted by: Betsy | February 04, 2013 at 10:51 PM
I am doing a Grandmother's Flower Garden hexagon quilt right now too...so I love this post. Using up tiny bits of scraps and hand stitching is so good for the winter spirit! I must embroider something in the center of some of mine as that is my true love...embroidery! Your lamb is so cute...we are having lambs on our farm right now! Can't wait to see your quilt progress! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: katherine | February 05, 2013 at 05:35 AM
Oh my! What a sweet book and even sweeter set of hexagons!
Posted by: Laura | February 05, 2013 at 09:02 AM
I love this so much. The bright colors and cute animals. Oh how I wish I knew how to hand stitch!
Posted by: Grandma Tillies Bakery | February 05, 2013 at 05:25 PM
It's going to look wonderful , especially with your embroidery !
I love making hexagon quilts , but mine are miniature ones for doll houses . Perfect for a relaxing evening sewing by the fire .
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | February 06, 2013 at 11:26 AM