Hexy Trail Mini Quilt

This is my entry into the Modern Mini Quilt 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