My Sentimental Favourite

It's been a long time since I've done any English paper piecing. 

My quilting life began in 1986 with an English paper pieced Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. 

Twenty seven years later and I still love this classic design.

The hexagon will forever be my sentimental favorite quilt shape.

I don't know that I will ever manage a large English paper pieced quilt again.  But a little project with only about 100 of these?  Totally doable.

Although couldn't you just picture a huge quilt made with thousands of these little half-inchers?

PS:  I'm glue-basting.

A year ago today ...

Comments

[Susan]

Oh for crying out loud, a bigger hint than those wonderful hexies would help!!! After seeing what happened with your coffin hexies, I decided to attempt regular ones first and just bought 100 package of 1 inch size, now at least tell me if I am close to the size you are playing with right now and should I or shouldn't I be attempting this project!! Oh, what the heck, I have floral, I have the hexies, I'm jumping in the pool with you!!!

[Pattie]

I love, Love, LOVE doing EPP, and the fabrics you're using are scrumptious! Can't wait to see your finished product!

Two questions about glue-basting: do you do it all around the edges or just in the center, to hold the fabric while you stitch? How do you remove the paper when you're done?

[Heidi]

Hello! Would you mind sharing what kind/brand of glue you use? I've seen Sewline glue, but are you using something not "fabric" related?

Thanks

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

You have officially just gone way over my head! English Paper Piecing? I've never heard of this. And I love your adorable little hexies, but this may be more than I can handle! I don't know if I would have the patience to work with all those goodies! You're my hero!

[Kate]

They are looking gorgeous - I'm working on a small journal cover with 3/4" hexies, it's quite a restful project so far.

[Cindy]

I am totally clueless when it comes to piecing of any kind. I have only done 5 Riley Blake Mystery Blocks (with decent success) But it has wetted my appetite and those hexies look adorable!

What would you recommend (or do you use for the paper?) Is this something that is reused? I have vellum, pattern paper and a craft roll. Would any of those work. I have an old Creative Memories hole punch with 2 hexagons...hmmm...I'm getting some ideas!

Any advice for a newbie would be much appreciated!

Cindy

[Hildy]

I've tried EPP but then decide it's just not me. But I so love yours perhaps I should give it another try? First I'll see what you're up to this time:-) Hildy

[Wendy]

I love epp too. My first quilt was paper pieced triangles, it's taken years and it's still not done, which is fine by me, because I love working on it. Your hexies are insanely tiny though!! Really beautiful.

[kim]

I love, love, love hexies and yours are beautiful !! Can't wait to see what stunning item you make next.. I'm working on my hexies every night and loving it.. ;)

[Jennifer]

Those are beautiful! I've never been able to get glue basting to hold for me. I'd love to know what kind of glue you use?

[greg]

Oh, c'mon, go for the big 'ol bed-sized quilt. You just have another 10,000 to make, right?! You'll have them done in just a few days (it would take me forever)! I've been punching a hole in the middle of my hexis and using one applique pin to secure it, then thread basting on just the back.

[Kathleen O'Grady]

Your hexies are gorgeous! I love, love the colors, they are so soft and sweet. What a beautiful quilt they would make. Can't wait to see what you have in store for them, will be luscious for sure!

[Bonnie Nyquist]

Love EPP! I have done many,but small projects. Oh yes, tell us what glue is working for you. I do have the Sewline glue pen, Oh,I am hoping a new pattern is coming!!! Your work is always so soft looking! anxious to see what project this will be!!!

[ina]

Beautiful as always. ;p

[Polly Hada]

OK, judging from many of the comments, I'm not the only one that sure would like more details. Tutorial? I'm sure it's way easy, but this adoring Pretty By Hand copycat sure would like to know more. Fingers crossed!

[Marcy Ray]

Details please on gluing....I began my 150 plus flowers , basting, sewing together, and then removing paper from the hexies. How do you remove the papers?? Love your blog. This is the most relaxing project ever & not at all difficult, but gluing would definitely be easier.

[Lana]

I do love English paper piecing as well as applique. There is just something about doing handwork that is so relaxing to me. Can't wait to see what you are making, and of course I love your fabric selections.

[Susan]

Be still my heart....I too have a love affair going with these lovely hexies. I remember when I was little laying on my great-grandma's quilt. It was a faded flowers garden quilt. And those memories still bring me peace. By the way I am 67, so that was a long long time ago.

I love your blog!

[Helen Philipps]

My quilting life began with hexies too :).... and I still love sewing them. Yours look very, very pretty and I look forward to seeing what they become.
Helen x

[Betty Clark]

I love your hexies and the pretty floral fabric. How do you make your hexies? Do you use paper or plastic templates? What brand of glue do you use? Is the fabric from your stash or a particular line? A tutorial would be great! I love all the hexie quilts I have been seeing on the quilting blogs,, and I would love to make one. Do you recommend the smaller size hexiesor the larger ones. What size do you use mostly? I have lots of questions, I know. I love you blog!

thanks,
Betty

[Debbie R.]

This project looks softly and deliciously beautiful. Can't wait to see more!

[Bari Jo]

I always enjoy your color selections! I think a large sized quilt in these little hexagons would be amazing!

[Sarah]

Such pretty hexigans.... I used to paper piece with my Mom when I was younger, I haven't done it for years and never heard of glue basting. Sarah x

[Tammy Roberts]

Your blog is just beautiful as well as your work! Yes, please share as to what kind of glue you use and how (in the middle or the sides) and how you remove them?

Thank you!!!!