Saturday, September 29, 2012

Genevieve's Block for October - Beehive

Well, it's not quite October, but I've been posting a lot today, so I thought I'd post the instructions for my block while I was at it.
This month, we are going to do things a little differently...
First of all, you won't need your machines for this months "block".  Yup, that's right, this block is put together by hand.
Secondly, we are going to be doing some paper piecing.
Third, I'm asking everyone to use flannel fabric, instead of plain cotton.
I hope that's not too many changes from previous months!

My "block" is going to be made up of hexagons, and ends up looking a bit like a beehive.  Here is an example of some of the pieces put together:






Parameters:
I'm asking everyone to make 12 individual hexagons
I would like you to please use flannel fabric (I love flannel for winter quilts)
My colour inspiration came from this fabric:



I would love it if you could choose at least 3 colours (but you can use as many as you like) for your blocks.  They can be green, aqua, pink orange etc. (from the elephant above).  I don't mind if you use solids, print, patterns etc.


Here is an example of the selection of fabric I used:

Once you have your fabric you'll need to print off 3 copies of the hexagon pattern.  It can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9itPzc6ra-1VGlVZWQwN3BxNVE/edit?pli=1

 If that documents doesn't work for you, just let me know and I'll send you a copy.  The hexagons should measure 4" across, once you print them:




Once you have cut out the paper, place one hexagon on your fabric.
Pin it in place.
Cut around the paper, leaving approximately 1/4" seam allowance (I left a bit more than that, but I just eyeballed it, no need to be super precise with this).




Leave the pins in.
Fold the edges of the fabric over the paper.  Try to make the corners as sharp as possible.
Baste in place (I generally put one stitch thru the corner and one in the middle of the side).
The basting stitch should go thru the fabric AND the paper.





Once it's basted, you can remove the pins.
Follow the steps above for all 12 pieces.
Once you have all your pieces basted onto the paper arrange your hexagons.
You can arrange them in any shape, symmetrical or not.  For example:


Please use 8-10 of your hexagons for this.  The remaining 2-4 hexagons can just be sent to me basted onto the paper.  I'll intersperse these with all the other hexagons to spread out all the different fabrics.
Once you have your desired arrangement, you'll need to slip stitch the hexagons together. (Sorry, these pics are a bit washed out...)  To start, place two of the hexagons with fabric sides together. Stitch along the edge where they should join. These stitches should go thru the FABRIC ONLY.  It's ok if you catch the edge of the paper, but it will need to be removed to finish the quilt.



Continue to slip stitch all the hexagons together.  If there are any interior hexagons (ie: a hexagon that is completely surrounded by other hexagons), you can remove the basting stitches and paper.  If they are not completely surrounded, please leave the basting and paper in, so that the hexagon is sturdy for me to add to.

I hope that this is not too intimidating for people. I think it sounds more complicated then it is.  I actually found that the pieces went together rather quickly.  You can even sew everything while relaxing in front of the tv! :)
Please let me know if you have any questions at all regarding our October "block".
Thanks!!
Genevieve



7 comments:

  1. Wow! Another beautiful quilt is going to be born! I may need some serious help with sewing these together by hand, but I love the idea of being able to sit on the couch to do it! I just ordered some flannels from equilter.com. They have a deal for free shipping in the US and 50% off shipping internationally until 2 October. The promo code is PUFFIN. Thanks for a new challenge Genevieve!
    Jennifer

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  2. Oh my, thank you Genevieve! Many new skills here for me but I'm up for the challenge:) I love your colour palette and that gorgeous elephant fabric.

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  3. I am so excited to do hexagons!!! I have been bitten by the hexagon bug and am wanting to do some and my local quilt guild just did a presentation on EPP and hexagons. The instructor showed us an easy-amazing-way to baste the hexagons- a glue stick!
    I am excited to use flannel and this is going to be an amazing quilt!

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  4. I don't have any flannels but I will have in about half an hour. I am going to follow Jennifer to equilters and put in an order. I love hand quilting and now that the evenings are dark so early I will be very happy to snuggle up in the warmth and sew flannels. Great block.
    Linsay.

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  5. Incredible Genevieve!! I was Just surfing online looking at quilt sites and read Cabbage Quilts story about her Liberty of London hexagon quilt and thought to myself...I want to try that. And a day later, you post this... I can't wait to try this out... it will be so beautiful!

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  6. very cool I have seen these a lot on line! can't wait to try them out!

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  7. A beautiful quilt. I look forward to the hand stitching. I love your colour combination. I will look through my small stash of flannel - might need to spruce up my supply :) Thanks Genevieve

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