Friday 2 March 2012

Hexy Trail Mini Quilt

This is my entry into the Modern Mini Quilt challenge.

  Modern Mini Challenge
I wanted to use some techniques for this challenge that I hadn't tried before, and I'm a big fan of English paper piecing, so I decided to give that a try. I also worked with a linen/cotton blend which I never have before. 

I'm a bit obsessed with bright, saturated colours at the moment, so I decided to use some Echino linen fabric and a fussy cut bee from Melody Miller's Ruby Star Spring collection for the hexies, and used natural Essex linen for the background.

I made the hexagons in various sizes ranging from 1.25" to 2.5", and arranged them in an abstract-type arrangement. I whip-stitched them together, and then appliqued them straight on to the quilt sandwich. 


I stitched around each hexagon, using an off-white Aurifil thread.


I quilted in straight lines 1" apart, following the sides of some of the hexies using the same thread as for applique-ing the hexies. I didn't plan on quilting it this way - it evolved as I was doing it (I originally intended on quilting diagonally across the whole quilt). I love how the lines are kind-of-but-not-quite woven through the quilt.


I attached a flange to the edges of the quilt (Kona surf) before sewing on the binding (Kona cerise).


My mini measures 24" x 34". I've added some hanging sleeves to the upper corners, so it will soon be hung in my sewing room. I really, really loved making this mini, and I am completely in love with it - it makes me smile whenever I look at it :-D

xx Jess




28 comments:

Katy Cameron said...

Ooh, that looks great, well done for embracing all those new things! I'm still working on my mini, also embracing new things, we'll see if I get it done in time...

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

This mini quilt is beautiful. It'll be lovely to have it hanging in your sewing room:)

Anonymous said...

Love the bright colors you use. Makes me want to step outside if my box.

moira said...

I love the quilting on this - it works so well with the hexies

Caren said...

Hurray for bright, happy colors! You did a great job :)

Dianne Neale said...

This is beautiful. I love the binding- what do you mean by adding a flange?

Denise said...

I love this quilt! Gorgeous use of negative space. Really lovely work x

Charlotte said...

so cute! I love that the hexagons are different sizes! Good luck :-D

Kristy QP said...

Gorgeous! Love Echino and it looks fantastic in this!

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

What a great project for just a few hexies instead of making enough for an entire quilt. Love it!

elizabeth said...

It is beautiful and your quilting is awesome : )

Lucy | Charm About You said...

Jess it's gorgeous!! The different sizes and the quilting looks amazing. It made me smile too!

Annabella said...

It`s gorgeous - it`s a hexie constellation! Such pretty colours and fabrics.

elizabeth said...

This is just darling....what a fun mini quilt!

Selfsewn said...

simply beautiful x

Teje Karjalainen said...

Oh so beautiful and great quilting!

Anonymous said...

It reminds me of a chemical molecule. I love anything chemistry. You made a fantastic mini, probably my favorite in the group!

Kirsten said...

Love your hexies Jess - the bright fabric colours really stand out against the white and your quilting is amazing!!

Tsoniki Crazy Bull said...

This is beautiful! I just learned how to make hexagons so I am much more appreciative of how much work they are. :)

pinsandneedles said...

The first thing I thought of in seeing your quilt is of a chemical model albeit brighter. I love how you used different size hexagons. Great quilting!

Saffron Craig said...

Its just lovely. :)

Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane said...

Love the stitches and the quilting is amazing. Thanks for entering the challenge! Good luck!

Dree said...

The quilting is fabulous--I love how it creates more geometric shapes in the solid. Lovely.

Becky said...

I love this quilt! So colorful and original!! Great work!

Vicki {Quilting Lodge} said...

You did a fantastic job!

Susana Neiger said...

I love the multi-sized hexagons! What a great idea! I love English Paper Piecing too, and it's so fun to see different applications of the same shape. I love the fun, random look this gives. Great work.

agoldencomet said...

I love this! Think it would make a lovely baby quilt.
Marilyn

Elaine said...

It's lovely and I really like your quilting.