Sigh... Christmas Is Only 363 More Days Away

The festivities are winding down as my sweet Rexie cozies up on the tree skirt quilt.  What a whirlwind.  Every year I say I'm going to get my Christmas cards made in July.  Sigh...


Here's an cute and simple idea that I found on Oakfield Crafts.  Since, I am loving everything hexagon this year, I was inspired to make my own version:

When do you make your Christmas cards?

Side Note: Hexagon Quilt Update

So, a couple of months ago, I decided to start a hexagon quilt.  My first thought about hand sewing a hexagon quilt was that it would take too long to complete that it would wind up in that unfinished project pile.  But, I found that there is something very meditative about sewing these pieces together.  There is no deadline.  There is no pressure... and I love it.

Here's my update on this quilt.  Since October's post, I've been able to create 300+ hexagon basted shapes:

And, after deciding that I want to have a value quilt (i.e. light color that goes into darker shades), I started arranging the hexagon pieces into flower shapes to be sew together.

And, for the sewing... So far, I have about 50 heart flower shapes sewn together.  They are sewn into these shapes because it is so transportable this way and easy to group 7 hexagons together at a time.  When they are finally all put together as a quilt, there should be no sign of a flower shape, since I'm (for the most part) randomly placing fabric patterns together.

Until the next update...

Hexagon Quilt Between Stamping

Many of my readers know me as a stamper... who dabbles in photography... who dabbles in just about anything I can create with my hands and a few simple tools.  I thought I would take a little time out of stamping to show you my latest journey.

Lately I've been under the weather, so I decided to treat myself to some creative therapy to get over the hump.  I've heard of people using humor to feel better, so, I decided to live vicariously through creative people by looking through their blog posts.

I came upon a my other love... quilting.  The unfortunate thing about me and quilting, is that it just seems so daunting of a task, and an overwhelming process, that I don't usually see one from start to finish.  But, I love every single step of quilting, from the design, to the fabric (oh, do I love fabric!), to sewing, to quilting, to binding... OK... see where I'm going... I'll never get to everything, I'm just going to stop here.

And that's where I usually end my process.  Until now.

Through my journey across the boards of Pinterest, I found what is called a hexagon quilt.  Normally, I would have kept going -- but hexagons have been quite the design inspiration lately.  I took a second look.  One thing I have come to realize is that a hexagon quilt is right for me at this time.

1. It is very transportable and can be done anywhere.
2. It can use up bags of fabric scraps or old clothing.  Better yet, it gives you a reason to pick out pretty fabrics from your favorite shop.  What is it about feeling soft, luscious fabrics?
3. It's time consuming.  Who cares!  Accept it & don't fight it.

So just a little back story with few details, because everyone has their struggles - and who needs to hear all the details, right?  For our family, we've been in and out of doctor offices & hospital rooms lately.  Each time, we hope for the last visit and the bill for full-quality-of-life-restored.  Whether that happens or not, I cannot spend more time on worry, nor on watching walls and another talk show.  

Enter my hexagon quilt.

Here's a little tutorial, in case you want to start on your own.  I hope you will visit again to see the future of my hexagon quilt, and how it takes form.  I hope you accept #3 (above) with me.  I don't know when I will finish this quilt, but I will do my best to keep you updated.

Here are some other links you might find helpful:

• The hexagon graph generator - for creating templates, or for making graph paper to design the quilt.  My template is set to create a 1" hexagon.

• Stampin Up's Blushing Bride card stock that I used to print my hexagons (Note:  I had enough of this color - but any color would work.  Most printers will send card stock through if you use your manual feed.  Check your printer manual.)

• Design a pattern for the big quilt - using the hexagon graph paper.

• Quilt measurements - to determine how large to make a quilt.

• Stampin Up's hexagon collection - for use with hexagonal paper crafting.

• Bruce Seeds - over the top hexagon quilt inspiration (Note: I wish my quilt could look just a little bit like this.)

UPDATE:  I found another fantastic tool!  Here's the link to a hexagon quilt calculator:

• Hexagon calculator - to calculate the number of hexagon needed for a quilt.

Enjoy.  Thanks for stopping by.  Please leave a comment - I appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks,

Luci