Simon, Swampy & Hexagons
Laurie Ann asked to see Simon, Quilt Tester and potential Rug Chewer. Here he is (the beagle) with Swampy. He is also in the August archives.
It is very windy here today. I tried to take a photo of the wind, but it isn't an easy thing to photograph! It's going woooo woooo, the leaves are thrashing around, the sea looks rough, and for some quilt content - the blocks were starting to fly off the design wall til I shut the window. The Japanese quilt is still up there - I have 6 of the 10 rows squared up and sewn together. Nearly there.
I have to confess that I am starting to think about hexagons. I would say I'm not one for hand piecing - too slow - but then I think maybe I should have a project that I can do by hand. In front of the TV, on the ferry maybe. I gave paper piecing a go with this, but the thought of setting in the extra pieces and the time factor... I suppose I could start, and then see how it goes. I can always stop when I've had enough. I saw a photo of a quilt in a mag the other day that was a medallion-style which had one of the rows/borders made out of hexagons. I googled paper hexagon template and found a page you can print off and cut up for the papers.
There I've almost talked myself into that haven't I? It seems that a lot of quilters have 1 hand pieced project on the go. Any thoughts?
Pets are too adorable. I have a soft spot for beagles. I am working on some hexes using the By Kate method. They are these really cool stamps that you use on the reverse side of the fabric and show both cut lines and sew lines. It is completely blunder proof and so much faster than any other method I have tried. They come in all sizes. I am using the 1 1/2" hex. I work on them in the car- when I'm not driving, of course, and just about anywhere. Love 'em!
ReplyDeleteI always like to have some handwork to do. For a couple of reasons, it is easy to pick up and do some cause I often have limited time or don't want to get too involved after all day at work, I can take it with me if I am waiting for the kids or travelling and I find it a bit more sociable if I am in a group. No machine noise. Much better for conversation. The main reason though is that I really like doing it and love the look when combined with piecing.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking the very same thing. I was doing some hand piecing last year on the trains, but I didn't like it. I thought this winter I would try both needle turn applique and paper piecing and see if one of them suits me better. I love hand sewing on my binding, so there must be some hand work that I will enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI have a wool applique project going most of the time for hand work. I find it very relaxing and when I am just sitting watching TV it's great to have something to work on. I come from a family of crafters and it is not considered at all rude to pull out a project when you are visiting. With busy lifestyles you need to make use of little bits of time to get anything done.
ReplyDeleteWhat great puppy companions -- they look like they can cause some mischief.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of English paper piecing hexagons. Such a great pick up and go project. Hope you decide to give it a try -- it's like eating potato chips, once you start... it's hard to stop.
Hand piecing projects for on the go are great - the only thing better in my mind is hand appliqué projects for on the go! But if the "A" word isn't for you then paper piecing hexagons is a lot of fun.
ReplyDeletePrint the hexes on the stiffest paper your printer can handle. Not as stiff as card stock, but more than the usual 20 lb. white. I actually buy mine because I will never sit and cut them out.
ReplyDeleteI've been working on mine for about 15-16 years. I just do it as a take along when I have nothing else to take. It's been on a lot of road trips and camping trips. It gets bigger all the time. Right now, the part that's together is about 2.5 x 4, and I could put lots more together, if I actually would. =) My pieces are 3/4" on each side.
Go for it. If you only make one hex with one round, you can back it and have a Christmas ornament. =)
What a funny photo - looks like your dog approves of HIS new rug! LOL.
ReplyDeleteGo to nines blog and scroll back a few months and she has photos of those rubber stamps for hexagons. I remember thinking at the time she posted about it that it made so much sense! If I ever attempted hexagons, it would definately be with those stamps!
My hand work is knitting. I like to pick it up and work on a few rows here and there. I find a little bit of hand work is relaxing!
Cheers!
Evelyn
Ahhh ... Simon and Swampy look adorable. Swampy looks pretty comfy on the new rug. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Jeni, I LOVE your rug!! Finn has just helped me get one started and I'm having a great time crocheting it!! That's all I want to do right now...it's taken precedence even over my quilting and wool rughooking. My Mom always said "A new broom sweeps really well." LOL So true...:) I bet you could help me figure out how to do rectangular and/or oval rugs, too!! :) Your blog is great. And I send my condolences on Steve. Just so sad!
ReplyDeleteMore later, new friend! :)
Ha, Elvis is our chewer, too. (He keeps insisting he's just Being Spunky.)
ReplyDeleteJeanne :)