Thursday 29 October 2009

Something old(ish) and something new !


Finished - tralala !!!



My 3D hexagon is all done.





Hand-quilted up to the borders and then I tried out my new machine to do some free-motion squiggling.




For anyone who doesn't know I started this quilt during the Olympic games 2008. It is a charm quilt - every piece is one from my stash and is different.

I have had the most fun ever doing this and am delighted with it. I would recommend making a charm quilt to everyone. So many memories tied up in this.


And because I am so chuffed with a finish I decided to do a "start" - lol !

I have limited space to store my stash and it is busting out all over. I need to get some used up. Now I have my new Janome I will be making backing for tops I have so that should make a dent. But I have been toying around with an idea for a while now. Want a look ?


2 strips joined along the length with a small stitch. These are width of fabric cut 2.5 inches ( good for jelly rolls )



Then I am trying something radical ( for me anyway - lol ) pressing the seams open. Do you do this ?





Using a 60 degree template cut like this.



And this





Join 3 together - pressing seams open again.

Here we have it



Need to make a good few more - so far I have cut enough strips for another 20 blocks. Keeping this bright and using spotty and stripey fabrics as much as I can


All good fun


have a good day xxx

30 comments:

Gene Black said...

I never press seams open, but for that it may be a very good idea. that center intersection will be less bulky.

Unknown said...

I just love your finish, absolutely beautiful!! Great new start too. The only time I press my seams open is when there are way too many coming together at once.

jovaliquilts said...

Your charm quilt is just wonderful!! I love the idea of it, too, and think maybe I need to make one.
As for seams, sometimes I press mine open and sometimes I don't, depending on how it affects the stitching.

Gail said...

I love the hexie quilt! Every time I see one I think I need to make one, just can't bring myself to commit to it! The new quilt looks fun and bright--have fun sewing!

claudia said...

That charm quilt is so pretty! I love all the colors. I know right where a big ol' box of scraps is, I can make good use of them now. Even if I just start by cutting all the scraps into usable pieces and gather them in a Rubbermaid box, it'll be a start. Thanks for the idea. (Well, wait, thanks for all of your ideas!)
I also like the strips pieces you showed. That looks doable to me too. I'll have to check out the open seam/not open seam ironing thing for myself.

*karendianne. said...

Oh but yes indeed I have been known to press seams open. My Scrappy Stars quilt (I think that's what it's called on my sidebar) is mostly all pressed open there was so much bulk. Whatever works dontcha know. :) I've read a good argument (or two) in favor of this when needed from people that much more experienced than I. So shucks, I take "their" word for it.

I love your charm quilt in this photo I can see a red piece of Kashmir I by Sentimental Studio's *by moda. That was fun. It would be great to be that cool with more than just 1 fabric. hee!

Elsie Montgomery said...

Nice job... very colorful. It feels good to finish, doesn't it!

A Time for Stitching said...

I love your 3D hex quilt. I think multi-coloured charm quilts are what it's all about. Will be interested to see what you make with the triangle blocks. T

Carolyn said...

Andrea, it looks beautiful! Congratulations! Maybe I should try that apple core quilt I've always been wanting to make...

Anonymous said...

I love your hexie quilt. I pressed seams open in a class once and I got so roused on by the tutor but really it's whatever works for you and the block that you are working on at the time - it certainly reduces bulk where that is an issue. Intrigued to see where the new project is going to go - really like the concept so far. I purchased my first ever jelly roll recently, might just see where you are going with this plan for inspiration!

Ali Honey said...

When something takes a long time to complete because of hand quilting and/or piecing I think the finish is even more rewarding than usual. Congratulations on completeing this lovely "charming" quilt.

Yes I press open when there is a need. Right now I am doing so on a trellis pattern hand pieced runner. The pieces are 1.5" or triangles and so I don't have to sew through 4 layers, open helps. I'm watching the next project with interest.

Anonymous said...

I press my seams open on pieces that have to line up well to look right. I love your charm quilt, what a treasure!!!

Vicki W said...

I love your 3D hexagon quilt!

Calidore said...

Ohh well done . The hexagon quilt looks amazing. I haven't pressed quilt block seams open - but looking at the shapes you are cutting - I can see why it would be a good idea. What a fantastic way to use up the scraps.

Gina said...

Love the hexagon quilt, and yes I do remember when you started it.

I press some of my seams open. Normally when I'm doing inset/Y seams as it reduces the bulk

Love and hugs Gina xxx

Rachel said...

Ooohhh nice!

I made a charm quilt a few years ago. I showed it in my first-ever blog post, if you're interested. ☺

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Gorgeous quilt!! Very impressive.

I've been toying with trying the same technique you used for your triangles and making a quilt for project Linus. It would certainly reduce some of the scraps!

As for pressing seams. I press open some of the time. Mostly on 1/2 square triangle blocks.

sewkalico said...

Love your 3D hexagons (that why you lured me into buying the book LOL) and your new project looks intriguing!

Unknown said...

I sometimes press the seams open, depends on what I am doing. Love the hexagon quilt and congratulations on the finish.

Meggie said...

Your 3D is just lovely. My daughter has a huge quilt she has been making for about 14 years- all different fabrics, & all hand stitched.
Your new project looks very intriguing.

Mama Spark said...

I love your finish, just beautiful. I like the idea of using strips to do what you are doing. What a great way to use up left over bindings too!. I do sometimes press open. Especially when making pinwheels or something where there will be "points" intersecting. Learned from a pro that is the only way to make the points perfect. I can't wait to see how you progress.

Lynda said...

A great finish and an intriguing start!

Colleen formerly of South Africa said...

Love the hex 3d's .... wonderful. You quilted it wonderfully. Can't wait to see the next one!

Jeanne said...

Beautiful finish, Andrea! You have a wonderful stash to produce such a nice quilt. The new project looks fun - enjoy.

Quilter Kathy said...

How could you possibly be finished hand quilting this already?!? It's so beautiful! I am also working on 60 degree quilt. I have made a few in mini size but want to make a big one now.

Kieny The Dutchlady said...

Your quilt is beautiful I want to make one myself! I sometimes press seams open but not very often. Maybe I should do it more because it would make hand quilting a lot easier.

Leah said...

very cool - thanks for showing how!

Mary said...

I've been browsing through your blog and you have some wonderful things! I love this charm quilt...gorgeous.

Tony Marcello said...

I love how your quilt turned out. How did you get the blue border to match up with the charms? I am making this quilt for dd's gradaution and I don't want to cut the edges of the charms straight.

Lissa in MN

java diva said...

Oh, here is the finish, wow, that took less time than I expected, I'm impressed!