edging

Hope you had a lovely weekend.  I sure did.  I was playing around with my diamonds - laying them all out to see how big a piece I could make (a VERY satisfying exercise, I must say)!

In the process, I realized that I need to start making edge pieces.

I included these hexagons when calculating the number of required for this quilt, but I have to add one edge piece to my weekly quota of 5 diamonds.

By the way, some of you asked me why on earth I decided to torture myself with figuring out how much work this quilt will be and why bother with a deadline.  I understand where you're coming from - beLIEVE me, I do.  Sometimes ignorance really is bliss.  But I know how I think and how I like to work.  So here is my four-part answer ...

First, calculating:  I've started so many quilts with the "just making it up as I go along" philosophy, only to run out of a certain fabric and then end up with ridiculously oversized borders to make the quilt big enough, or end up with a quilt that's just too small to be useful.  I know the heartbreak that could have been spared with just a little planning at the beginning of a project.  (Although sometimes I don't care what the end result will be, I'm just happy to be creating something with my hands.)  I'd like to say that I've learned my lesson and for this quilt with so much handwork, I want to be prepared and make sure I have everything I need.  Luckily, I've started with Kona White, which is a basic and I'll be able to get more.  (Better do that sooner than later.)

Second, deadline:  I already have a hexagon project that's been languishing in my cupboard for 7 years now ... and many more unfinished projects.  I don't want to end up with another one.  And I really enjoyed the "2 blocks per week" schedule of the Farmer's Wife Quilt-A-Long I did a few years ago.  It was very motivating - for me - to have weekly goals.

Third:  I'm always looking for pretty & fun & interesting things to make.  You guys have been so super encouraging about this major project of mine and I've gotten lots of requests to share my progress - which I love and will be most happy to oblige ... 'cause let's be honest here, every blogger is part exhibitionist.

Fourth:  (Probably should have been first) I can buy chocolate covered almonds in bulk.

Comments

[Chris Wells]

It is the satisfaction that you are challenging yourself. I have POTC quilt going and I'm within 8 blocks of having it pieced in a queen size. Have fun. Chris

[Karen]

I totally understand where you are coming from. On some quilts I keep track of how many pieces are in the quilt and how long it actually takes me to piece it and quilt it - very anal I know but it is something I like to know.
I love working with white fabric - I know I can order it by the bolt and that if I need more I can order more and it will look the same!

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

Loving your logic, esp. with chocolate-covered almonds. :)

[Paula]

Chocolate covered almonds, definitely should be #1! (Dark chocolate is my preference).

The hexies are coming along nicely.

[greg]

I can EAT chocolate covered almonds in bulk! LOL

[Shirley]

I wish you would just make one thing that I didn't want to "start"!! If only I would actually finish one. Can you tell me what the red gingham fabric with the little flowers is? I've noticed you are using it in a several of your projects. It is so pretty! Thanks for all of the inspiration.

[Bari Jo]

LOL. I think I'll start with #4 today and work backwards.... LOVE the progress on this - it is going to be stunning!

[Archiethewonderdog]

I don't like nuts, will chocolate-covered raisins be a suitable substitute for when I copy you and make my own hexy diamond quilt?!

[Hildy]

Chocolate is always reason #1 for me;-)
I just run out of my background fabric and my LQS didn't have it anymore, boo. But gladly I just could swap the border fabric and I love the result, lucky me:-)
BTW you never showed us a picture of your finished (quilted) FWQ or am I wrong? I remember you gave it to a longarm quilter perhaps it's still there ... but I could totally understand if the quilter keeps it!

[greenrabbitdesigns]

Awe, chocolate almonds!! I'm coming over!! ;)
V xx

[Gale W.]

Simply gorgeous! I love your tenacity and, even more so, your choice of fabrics and colors. So talented and inspirational. :)

[Margaret Parks]

Loving those hexagons and inspired to make some as well. And by the waay, I like the way you think! : > )\cheers
maggie

maggiemine42@gmail.com

[Kathleen O'Grady]

You are making awesome progress and it is going to be over-the-top BEAUTIFUL! Can't wait to see more pictures. Sure wish I had some of those chocolate covered almonds right now. I would count every singe one as I plopped it into my mouth with a smile on my face!

[Sharon]

Lovely! Are the chocolate covered almonds amaretto flavored? My favorite :)

[kim]

Oh it's looking so pretty!! You keep posting your progress and I will keep trying to catch up, LOL!!!! I must admit I'm enjoying the diamonds but I definitely have to get me some almonds or raisins ,,,,or both, eeeek!!
xx

[Bonnie Nyquist]

Oh, this is a surprise to me! Edging pieces? Never knew that!! Of course I am new to Hexie quilts and the EPP, but I am so impressd with your work!!! I look very carefully at each hexie ,your fabric choices, love each one!!! You are making awesome progress!!!

[jan]

Oh my - it is really looking so gorgeous! Ilove the progress you are making and I have been happily following your progress! Also I received my "Start of Something Pretty" bundle today and i love it! It does blend so well with alot of my stash! Can't wait to start using some of it - I have to admire it for a while first though. lol
xo jan

[Colleen]

Your hexagon diamonds are so lovely. You may have mentioned already how big this will be and what size hex's you are using . I'd love to copy your idea for a quilt for one or all four of my granddaughters but I'd need to use bigger hex's as I am well older than you and have more to make.... Is there a formula to work out hex sizes to make quilt sizes?
Thanks
Colleen

[Dianem]

I love seeing your hexies come together :) But that bowl of chocolate covered almonds in the last pic is killer....now I am craving some too! Sew a hexie, eat an almond, sew a hexie, eat an almond...
Smiles, DianeM

[Sharon]

Wondering if you would mind answering a question? I'm doing the very same thing you are here. Do you take the papers out before you sew the diamonds together or do you wait until it's all sewn together to take out papers?

[Marji]

Everything you make is lovely. Would you consider creating a tutorial on making the little log cabin blocks with equal sides (there's probably a more accurate name for them) like the one in your masthead and the ones you chain-pieced recently? They are adorable.