Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Hexagons for Brinton Hall

I'm basting some hexagons for a new project I'm starting.  


Have you seen the Brinton Hall quilt by Leigh Latimore in the current issue of Quiltmania?   The center section of the quilt uses 7 different large floral prints that are surrounded by a 1 inch hexagon crown.  Then those are surrounded by more 1 inch hexagons with a lot of scrappy hexagons to fill in the center section.  

I first saw this over on Karen H's blog Faeries and Fibres.  It wasn't long until I found a copy of the magazine and starting planning my center.  


When I read about how Karen started her quilt center, she showed how she made a window template to cut the center fabric but more importantly to place the hexagons around it.  While that all made sense, I went ahead and made one hexagon motif without using the window template.  I have now ripped that one out.  I found that I had pulled and shifted that hexagon crown around the design on the fabric to include parts of the floral fabric and bird's tail that I wanted to fit.   While my center fabric was smooth and the hexagons all fit, the block was "in a twist".  I just thought it would save a step, but instead I'll be sewing that first block again.  

Here is how I made my window template.  I printed hexagon template sheets from the internet.  There are a lot of different sites out there that can be found by a Google search.  I had to tape several sheets together to be able to fit my design size.  The one below is for a 3/4" hexagon project that I've also started.  More on that one in a later post.  



I had the idea to tape the hexagon ring to freezer paper so that way I can iron my window template to the design.  

If you have taped that window template together and mistakenly ironed it, there will be a mess on the bottom of your iron.  That can be cleaned off by using Downy fabric softener sheets while the iron is still warm.  


Here is my first block with the window template ironed to the fabric.  Then I used a Frixion pen to draw the line on the fabric where my hexagon ring will be basted.

My hexagon ring is glue basted to the fabric.  I haven't appliqued' the ring to the fabric yet, so I'm not sure how the glue basting will work out.  I machine basted the other one that I ripped out, and I don't think that is the way to do it either.  


Here is block number 2.



I just finished basting block number 3.  After the applique' is finished on all seven blocks, I'll cut away the excess fabric and attach the crowns  together with a neutral fabric.  There are a lot of scrappy hexagons in that center section, too.  I've been cutting those from my scrap bag.  


Now before you think that I haven't finished anything in a good, long while, I've started practicing my machine quilting. (It's been at least 2 years since I've done any machine quilting.)  I keep a few pieces like the one below for practice and to try new stitches.  This one is finished except for the binding.  The pattern for Brinton Hall is in two installments.  The outside borders of the quilt will be in Quiltmania issue #108.


I hope you are finding some time to stitch today!  It's rainy here, so it's a perfect day to be in the sewing room.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

23 comments:

  1. Wow! That will be so beautiful LuAnn. Just GOOORRRRGEOUS!! I do have a copy of Quiltmania but not sure I can manage such a quilt yet. Maybe when I have more experience as a hexie piecer lol. Enjoy!

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  2. Wow - what a great quilt pattern! You're way too ambitious for me. Thanks for walking us through the process, though, in case I ever want to try something similar!

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  3. Very fascinating technique with the hexies. You have found some gorgeous florals to frame.
    And thanks for the hint about the gummy iron surface. : )

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  4. I am also staring this quilt. I just love it. Thank you for the tips!

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  5. Hey girl don’t you have enough to do? I can’t believe all the beautiful quilts you make and your quilting looks pretty good too. I saw that quilt in quiltmania and just turned the page.

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  6. I really really like that quilt. Can you say what issue of quilt mania it is in? Love you floral prints as well, so may I ask what fabric line that is? I have another table runner I want to make and those fabrics would be perfect.

    Your work is beautiful, and thanks for sharing what you have learned in making this quilt with us.

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  7. Great post. I am going to have to keep that technique in mind for a future quilt. Love the freezer paper idea!

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  8. I would also love to make this quilt one day so thanks for sharing your techniques. That's a great idea to use freezer paper for a window template. Your fabrics are looking fabulous!

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  9. Oh your blocks are beautiful! Don't you just hate to learn things the hard way and have to do over. I glue all of my applique down and it holds just fine. I sometimes do several little pin dots of glue along an edge I do not want to pucker like hexagon flowers. Are you still glue basting your hexagons for prepping them? I have a project with lots of hexagons flowers coming up and wasn't sure in the long run if glue or stitch basting them makes them easier to stitch together.

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  10. What an interesting way to use hexagons. I like!

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  11. Great idea and thanks for sharing. Now to rally some willpower not to start a new quilt project.
    The rainy season has been perfect for stitching.

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  12. What gorgeous florals.


    drools on keyboard...

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  13. You always find the neatest quilts to work on! This is another winner.

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  14. Well, I have just finished wasting 3 months of my time and money on that Enduring Legacy quilt...... I will be updating my Blog tomorrow.
    I had planned to sit in my comfortable rocking chair in ny Studio tomorrow and look through all the patterns and books I have collected the last year and unable to start anything.......I have decided to start this quilt. Thank you so much for the post and I found Karen's Blog and her tutorial and will start looking for fabrics - I will not do Kaffe - not my colors, but certainly have some things in my stash that will make a beautiful quilt! I subscribe to Quiltmania and have NO. 107. It is the only magazine I subscribe to because the quilts are more complex and so beautiful!

    I am getting back to normal and plan on getting with the program and hopefully produce some quilts......Your selection of fabric, patterns, and Bloggers are wonderful! Keep up the beautiful work.

    PS - it is not fun ripping and re-doing............

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  15. The Brinton blocks are just beautiful. You make me want to start an EPP project. I just keep plodding along on Jane.

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  16. that is going to be beautiful............love the colours you have cut out so far.........

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  17. Another Brinton to watch grow and flourish!
    Love the fabrics youre using and like the way you chose to use the hexis and freezer paper too!

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  18. LuAnn.....I love reading your blog! Your quilts are so intricate and ornate! I think the reason I love seeing your work is because I would never be able to do it myself. So much hand work! WOW!

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  19. yes i DID see that quilt and admit i spent some time toying with the idea of tackling it. decided not right now but so enjoying your version and the progress/tips you share....maybe in the future for me...

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  20. Very Pretty! I was tempted to make this one, but I have so many projects that I would really like to finish first

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  21. oh sooo beautiful so far....i bought both issues as i am sorely tempted....even more now....to make this....i love your hexies and the background fabrics you chose....can't wait to see more!

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