Vintage Hexagon Patchwork Project & The Lost Project from the 1980's by Jackie Wills

Vintage Hexagon Patchwork Project & The Lost Project from the 1980's by Jackie Wills

Back in the early 1980's, before I started to use cotton glazed chintz fabric for hexagon patchwork,  I created the Red Themed Patchwork wallhanging shown below.  It comprises of 547 hexagons.  Each hexagon side measures 5/8" or 34mm.   

The other day I came across a small bag of fabric squares, templates and covered hexagons, clearly cherished at the time.  I remember that after finishing the Red Theme,  started on the Blue and made it to about half the size.   

The last time saw it was at Cockington Court where I had a patchwork studio/workshop in 1991/2.  Must have got lost in moving or something like that. Its possible I sold it, long time ago now.  Must have a photo of it somewhere.....

I wonder if it still exists,  if it is enjoyed or at the bottom of a refuse tip.  Who knows......

I created the pattern using an isometric grid and feel that the design is best suited to stripe fabric.  The fabric is an important memory for me as the pretty striped pattern was available in three different colour ways, red, blue and green.  I love the little hearts and "Feather Stitch" detail in the pattern.  

Lightweight cotton fabric was purchased at the Remnant Shop in Torquay.  For those who remember the crowded rows of rolls and rolls of fabric, the smell of the shop, the mass of fabrics to explore on laden shelves.  A chap called Sidney owned the chain of shops, one in Torquay, Paignton and I think Newton Abbot as well.   It was a heavenly place to visit for every kind of fabric imaginable if you could work your way through and find what you were looking for.

I have a video clip with more images to go with this blog:

                                                                                    http://youtu.be/w0Ne_-5elJg

                                                                                    www.jackiewills.co.uk  

buy patchwork templates from www.patchworktemplates.co.uk

Miniature Hexagon Patchwork, The Joy of using Hexagons each side measuring 5mm.

Miniature Hexagon Patchwork, The Joy of using Hexagons each side measuring 5mm.  

During the Christmas holidays I came across a tin of unfinished hexagon projects.  The common feature being miniature or small.  Tidying and sorting made my fingers itchy to finish or restart at least one of the started pieces.

Unfinished miniature patchwork projects by Jackie Wills

For those who have been reading my previous blogs, my last big project was using 10cm hexagons, each side measuring 5cm.  I almost became complacent and sleepy sewing large hexagons.  Jumping to the extreme I picked up the unfinished work using hexagons with each side measure 5mm.  Quite a difference,  but exactly the same technique magnified.  Yes, using 1cm hexagons with sides of 5m is fiddly.   Enjoyably fiddly.

If you plan to do this yourself I would recommend long natural thumbnails, they become a great tool folding fabric with precision over the miniature 90gsm hexagon papers.  Sewing darker colours together using matching thread makes sewing less easy, do not succumb and use light thread to sew dark hexagons together.  It will wreck the look. 

Last night I accidently put on an older pair of reading glasses and could not understand why I struggled to view my stitches. Made a massive difference using proper glasses and a good overhead lamp.  

My personal preference is to allow plenty of fold over fabric, creates a bit of bulk on the back but adds texture.  The deep purple fabric hexagons have been created using quite heavy chintz, so the purple hexagons have been hard to keep accurate.  See hexagon centred on fabric image below top right.

Do not use irregular badly covered hexagons, as they will spoil the overall look.  I noticed a real difference using lighter weight turquoise fabric, perhaps more dense and harder on the needle but much easier to fold over the paper hexagons.   

I find using a long fine crewel needle size 10 far easier than a shorter length big eye quilting needle.  Size 9 is OK, size 8 not recommended.  Compare the needles in your sewing box and experiment with the size that works for you.  

Paper hexagons can be purchased from www.patchworktemplates.co.uk

See miniature hexagon patchwork demonstrations: https://www.youtube.com/user/thejaxcollection

My renewed enthusiasm for this project of old has been most rewarding.   Like a good book its hard to put down, making one more hexagon often leads to a string of six and 20 minutes lost time......

Miniature hexagon patchwork by Jackie Wills using 1cm hexagons, each side 5mm

Using a sewing machine with a stop/start button for the first time

Using a sewing machine with stop/start button for first time.

Years of using a sewing machine foot peddle plus other injury has taken its toll on my leg.  Constant repetitive pressing and releasing of the foot peddle made sewing unbearable.  It will never get better, only worse the more I do the action, so I resigned my sewing machine days were over.  A great sadness.

A few weeks ago I had to use my machine for a chore after a break of several months.  The repetitive action almost made me cry, not so much in pain but in realisation that I really missed making things and being creative with my trusty Husqvarna.   At this point I looked online to check out the latest sewing machines, perhaps a machine with a knee control.   I must have been living in the dark ages because all these machines popped up with stop/start buttons, a mechanism new to me.

I phoned The Exeter Sewing Machine Company to ask if they had a machine with this option to try. Always helpful they advised I should visit for a demonstration.  A few days later with an extra spring in my step I bounced into the shop.   A young lady showed how the stop/start button and speed control on a Brother sewing machine worked.  Yes, it worked, a light press on the button and the machine zoomed, the speed adjusted with a sliding control near to the stop/start button.  In truth I was not convinced I could do the intricate embroidery and precise stitching without the familiar foot peddle control action.   Also I was not familiar with Brother sewing machines, after so many happy years using vintage Bernina 730 and later Husqvarna Lily.

I came back to my studio unconvinced.   After a few days I realised if I wanted to use a sewing machine again I had to go for it.   I purchased a Brother Innovis 350 from Exeter Sewing Machine Company.  So easy by phone and debit card.   It arrived the next day.   I briefly read instructions and within an hour the machine was threaded and fabric underfoot.  I pressed the stop/start button and the machine came to life with perfect tension straight stitches.  

I will not pretend I found it easy.  The stop/start button is instant, and the slide speed control is slow or too fast.  Using a hand instead of a foot to control action stop/star and speed takes getting used to. I need my hands to control the fabric.  Definitely need to multi task and think ahead.   Would I ever get used to it?   I walked away several times in frustration.  Each time I returned was easier.   Also I took the manual to bed and read every word.  

There came a delicious high point when I discovered the capabilities of this machine exceeded all my expectations.  The emphasis is practice, practice, read the manual and practice.  I feel a whole new sewing adventure starting.   See my video clip of this machine at work 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWxD_8-_1_E

stop start button on Brother sewing machine.

freehand embroidery and applique created using stop start button

   

Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons. Finished. Final Part 14

Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons. Finished. 

On 12 February 2014 I wrote the part 1 of 14 parts on this series.   Ten months later the hexagon quilt or coverlet as I now like to call it is finished.   Like most things in life work did not map exactly as planned, creativity allows flexibility.   Initially The Coverlet was going to drape the bed completely, some months ago the plan changed because I felt the the bedroom would be swamped by colour and would remove the relaxing mode vital to the place you sleep.

I have some hexagon rosettes remaining and with those I plan to remake by sewing machine the bolster pillows already on the bed and I may even restyle the bedhead.   

From one spare curtain, plus additional complimentary fabrics from my collection,

each hexagon has been a joy to create, each stage a pleasure to view and the final result pleases me enormously.  Midway making my partner of 20 years unexpectedly proposed to me and we married within five weeks in May.  Its been a wonderful year.

I have created a little video clip to show the end result https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSWJBAWXpqg

Patchwork paper templates can be purchased from www.patchworktemplates.co.uk and links will take to further gallery images.

For those who have been following progress I hope its been enjoyable too.   

Create a patchwork quilt large hexagons. Binding preparation. Part 4. Video

Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons - Machine Quilting. Part 13

Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons.  Machine Quilting. Part 13

Add the remaining backing panels until the quilt has been fully backed.   Remember to do lots and lots of tacking to keep the layers together and flat.  When it comes to joining two backing panels together, allow at least 2cm overlap.   Always much easier to press, pin then hand sew with small oversewing stitches.

Allow in excess of 10cm backing fabric to surround your patchwork top.  This will be trimmed later.  My personal view is that its better to use more fabric than less.

The purpose of quilting is to keep the layers together. Top patchwork, centre if applicable and backing. Traditional quilting is well documented. My personal view is that you do what pleases, so long as the layers are kept together and achieve a nice flat patchwork top.

In this instance to keep the layers together I have opted to do a singular machine embroidery stitch within each hexagon. I have chosen neutral colour thread front and back.  Experiment before working on your patchwork to check machine tension through the layers. Try out different stitches. Explore those forgotten stitches on your machine.

I find it easier to use a singular stitch rather than a group or line of stitches.  Secure before and after the stitch.   I have been quite random placing the stitches, not concerned that each stitch is dead in the centre.  Sometimes I change direction too.  Move from stitch to stitch without breaking the thread.   Threads can be cut afterwards.   Note that the tacking cotton has not been removed.  The tacking is essential to keep the layers flat and together.

Of course, if you may prefer to hand sew a decorative embroidery stitch, once in each hexagon.  Add some texture by using crochet cotton, wool or other embroidery thread.

Left: view from the backing.  Snip thread afterwards.   

Another option is is sew mother of pearl buttons in the centre of each hexagon.  Buttons look lovely but not recommended in quilts made for children. They can also be uncomfortable to sit on.  

When finished remove all the tacking cotton. 

Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons - Backing. Part 12

Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons - Backing. 

Part 12

Time has now arrived to think about putting a backing onto the patchwork quilt.   There are many well documented methods to do this.  I am going to demonstrate my method.  

The whole point of quilting is to keep the top, centre and backing layers together.   I am not using a centre layer of wool or wadding in this instance as the hexagons are made of upholstery weight fabrics and I do not want my work to be too heavy.   I am just backing my work by tacking first then using a sewing machine to keep the two layers together.  

I have made a video clip to accompany this method.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko-cUHmFdcI

I find it easier to work in sections and on an ironing board.  My ironing board is waist height and is 17.5" wide.   Using chosen backing fabric, cut a wide strip of fabric about the width of the ironing board and allow a couple of inches extra either side of your work.  Keep patchwork and backing well pressed.

Tack section as shown in the video clip. Horizontally and vertically, starting in the centre.

There should be very little or no puckering.  More tacking makes easier work in the long run.  The finished result should look like images below: 

After tacking ensuring the layers are kept together firmly, I can now start the process of machine quilting.  My next blog will demonstrate how.  

Repeating the link for the video demonstration again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko-cUHmFdcI