Is this the time we all start saying, “How is it May already?!” Well, knowing that I say this every year, I set this month's blocks to be easy peasy. Valentina (just 2 half hexagons) and Caspian (with the large centre diamond) are quick and fun.
Yesterday I enjoyed a lovely afternoon date with my quilt. I got out all the blocks, decided what I want to make next, and started prepping. I really prefer choosing colours and cutting and basting when I can take over a whole table and give it some focused attention. I find Hexie Harvest a little trickier that way, because I have to make decisions for each block, rather than just baste the whole quilt and start sitting down to sew (like with Willoughby). Because this weighs on me a little, I thought that meant that I didn't enjoy this kind of quilt as much as other scrappy types. But I had so much fun! And I was amazed at how many little zip lock bags of shapes I now have ready to stitch. I think for the next few weeks, while I don't have any deadlines, I might try and give an hour to Hexie Harvest.
This month is a great month to lay out what you've got already and see what you might need. Valentina is a great way to throw in more of one colour, or more dark or light. Do you blocks blend a bit, and you want some that pop more? Do all your blocks pop and fight for attention, and you need some ones that will be happy to fade into the background? This is your halfway mark, and it's a great time to take stock.
Valentina was a great chance for me to use some bigger prints that I love, but don't always fit into EPP pieces, like those mushrooms! How great are they?
Also, if you're like me, you might have a lot of 2" strips leftover from other blocks. I really only used those scraps for Caspian, which narrowed my choices and made cutting quicker. A great thing to do if you're stuck at the decision making step.
Half Blocks!
You've all been asking, and I keep forgetting to mention it here, but I haven't given you half block instructions if you're making the version with triangles. That was on purpose. ;P
I always leave half blocks to the end. And not just for Hexie Harvest, for other quilts too. Here's my reasons:
I make them entirely from leftover fabrics and blocks.
At least once a quilt, I make a block (usually a few) that I get half way through and don't like. Instead of unpicking, I put it in my project tub and save it for later. Rejected blocks make great half blocks.
Also, because I'm easily distracted, I always accidentally baste 7 shapes instead of 6. Or I lose a shape, replace it, and find it later. All of those spare shapes go into my half blocks. They also determine what half blocks I make. If I have lots of scrappy little diamonds or half hexies left, I'll make half blocks from those first, and then just choose blocks that have less pieces for the rest.
I use this chance to add extra (enter need here).
Just like I recommended above, the half blocks are also a great chance to bring in more blue, or more of that fabric you love and didn't use enough. Or if your quilt is feeling a bit busy, maybe you choose the blocks with the biggest pieces, to fill in the gaps.
If you're busting to get your half blocks done as you go, keep these things in mind:
The kit has extras of each shape so you can choose which half blocks you make. I've included which ones I use for the original layout in the pattern, but ultimately you get to decide.
The half blocks for the original layout are from cutting the hexagon from point to point. The half blocks in the triangle layout are from cutting the hexagon flat edge to flat edge. This changes which blocks suit being used as halves the best. Eg. Cedar is a great block to make as a half from point to point. But it has awkward bits trimmed off if cut the other way, so I avoided it in my triangle version.
Work out what the half block is by laying some paper over a complete block.
It's easier to trim your blocks after than your papers beforehand. Don't worry about cutting your papers to make the edge of your block flat. That usually makes them directional, and then you have to be really careful that they're facing the right way while you're basting. If parts of the block hang over the half line, they can be easily trimmed after quilting.
April Faves!
Check out these beautiful blocks found in the #hexieharvestquilt hashtag!
Monique @sharingthegoodstuff has dived into her Caspian blocks already and aren't they fun! I love the low volume centres.
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These Aster Blocks by @mollyandmae make me want candy! I would have assumed that if I made Aster like this, it would be too busy, but these are fun and pretty and happy.
Just in case you need inspiration to keep going, look at this beautiful finish by @cathythefrog! Isn't that lovely, limited colour palette so beautiful. Thank you Cathy!
Have you seen @winifred_wagtail's Hexie Harvest project? She's using her favourite books to inspire her blocks. Go check out her feed. It's such a treat!
So much of my EPP is done in my little section of the couch each evening, that I forget sometimes to spread out and take up SPACE! But that's just what my quilt and I needed. I highly recommend giving it a try this month.
