Category Archives: Hexagon Quilts

Ruca the Technicolor Cat – OBW #77

Last January I had the great joy of meeting my half sister Marti for the first time. I also acquired many new family members.

When I saw this panel by Chong-A Hwang for Timeless Treasures, I knew I had to make a One Block Wonder for my Great Niece Alexa. Alexa has a wonderful cat named “Ruca”, whom she has had since she was in college. I met Ruca, a very special cat.

Even though this panel states it measures 24″ by 44″, by the time I cut apart the panels and squared it up, it was more like 23 1/2″ wide. For my finished hexies to fit evenly across the bottom of the panel I would have to make some adjustments. If I cut my strips 3 3/4″ wide, my finished hexies would be 6″ wide, which is not evenly divisible by 23 1/2″. I could just add fabric to the panel to bring it up to 24″ wide and then hide the extra fabric with appliqued hexagons as I have done before.

But I decided to trim the panel to fit the bottom rows of hexagons instead. If I cut my strips 3 1/2″, my finished hexies would be 5 1/2″ wide which would be evenly divisible into 22″. I don’t trim the panel until I’m ready to add the hexies. You can see that four finished hexagons (or 8 half hexies) will fit across the bottom of the panel. Here are my tips for Using Panels for a OBW:

using-panels-for-a-obw-copy Download

Ruca the Technicolor Cat, OBW #77 measures 62″ X 62″

I am so pleased with how this OBW came out. It was wonderful meeting you Alexa, thank you for your hospitality.

Northern Lights

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The more you practice the better you get at something. The same is true with quilting. This quilt was supposed to be for my son Josh for Christmas (last Christmas). Oh well, better late than never. This panel is called Northern Lights by Abraham Hunter for Elizabeth’s Studio. It claimed to be 36″ x 44″ but is was closer to 39″ wide.

I aligned my 6 panels, cut my hexagons and began designing around the panel. I do not trim the panels before I align them. Once they are aligned I can decide whether to use any of the borders or not. I decided not to use the border in the blocks so when I guesstimated how much to trim off to even the edges , I included the borders.

I start by trying to get an idea of how many hexies will fit across the top and/or bottom of the panel. It is just like making a pieced border to fit around the center of a quilt. The width of the panel should be divisible by the finished size of my hexagon block.

You have two ways to make sure your hexagons will fit across the top and bottom of your panel. You can trim or add fabric to your panel and/or you can also adjust the size of your finished hexagon so it is divisible by the width of the panel.

Strip Width Yeilds	Finished Hexie Size
3.75”	6.0”
3.50”	5.5
3.25”	5.0
3.00”	4.5
2.75”	4.0
2.50”	3.5
2.25”	3.0
2.0″	2.5

I decided to cut my strips 3.75″ for 6″ finished hexagons and trim my panel to 36″ wide. Six hexagons will fit across the bottom and/or top of the panel.

I kept playing with the design.

Once I was satisfied with the design, I stitched the hexagons into four sections.

I laid the top portion of hexies on the panel to help give me an accurate width to trim off. I felt I would not lose an important part of the panel by cutting off the tree.

I trimmed the panel, Trimmed the portion of the hexies so it could be stitched to the panel.

I discovered when the bottom set hexies were aligned with side hexies – I needed to add about 1 1/2″ of fabric.

Now it all fit together wonderfully. I just needed to hide the fabric I added and trim the top and bottom points.

You can’t even tell where I added the fabric or hid it with smaller hexagons. Next I will get quilted!

No moose were hurt in the making of this quilt as Tucker was on duty supervising me the entire time.

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The Heron

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The Artisan Spirit, Water Garden fabric in this post was given to me by Northcott Fabrics for the Creators Club.

This is my 63rd One Block Wonder, and I love it! It came out better than I had anticipated. This OBW started as a 28″ x 42″ panel.

When choosing fabric for a One Block Wonder (OBW) I look for a large repeat and a large design in colors that I like. OBW’s require 6 repeats of fabric plus more if you want to put the original fabric in the border. With a panel, the repeat is pre-determined. I bought 7 panels, one to integrate into the top of the quilt and 6 for the blocks.

The process starts with aligning your repeats, evening up one end and cutting them into 3 3/4″ WOF strips. With a 24″ repeat I get 6 strips, but this had a 28″ repeat. Bonus, I got 7 WOF strips. I was able to cut equilateral triangles for 127 .hexagon blocks

There are several 60 degree rulers out there. I prefer to cut my triangles using a 6″ x 12″ Olfa ruler with a 60 line.

Each stack of six triangles is a kaleidoscope giving you 3 choices on how to stitch your block together. I have free, detailed video tutorials available here on my site and on YouTube that guide you through the process of making a One Block Wonder. Plus you should check out Maxine Rosenthal’s books, One Block Wonder’s, One Block Wonders Encore, One Block Wonders Cubed and One Block Wonders of the World (2 of my OBW’s are included in that book).

Usually I wait till all my blocks are sewn before going to the design wall. I was so excited that every few blocks I had to start designing. When constructing OBW blocks, you stitch 3 triangles together, pressing all seams open and then sew the other 3 triangles together. DO NOT sew the center seam. Simply overlap the halves at the center and pin it. My goal with this panel was to design it so it seemed the colors were swirling right off the panel.

Once you have a design you like it’s time to sew the blocks into rows.

Un-pin the blocks one row at a time and sew into rows, press all seams open. I love my pressing stick. It makes it much easier to press all the seams open without disturbing what was previously pressed.

Stitch your rows together. I love my Clover Fork Pins. They are thin and grip and hold the fabric in place.

Did I tell you to press all seams open? That pressing stick really helps.

Putting together a One Block Wonder made using a panel in the quilt top is a little trickier than with just stitched rows. I divided rows into four sections to attach them to the panel. It is like making a log cabin block. I wanted the rows to attach in certain places so color seemed as though it continued right off the panel. I began by trimming the bottom section first and attaching it to the panel.

I could now attach the rows to the right to the panel, using a partial seam and leaving room to adjust the top section of triangles and then add the rows to left of the panel.

I trimmed the edges of the quilt to square it up. I love it, but still wanted to soften the panel edges.

I did not use all the blocks in the quilt top design. I sewed the left over blocks together and trimmed them to make smaller hexagons. I randomly placed them along the edges of the panel and appliqued them down.

The finished quilt measures 60″ x 68″. I did not feel it needed a border. Thank you to Northcott Fabrics and Water Garden designer Ira Kennedy. I really love this quilt.

For OBW inspiration check out the Facebook page “One Block Wonder Quilt Forum”. I am available to teach One Block Wonder Workshops.

#northcottfabrics # Northcottcreatorsclub #oneblockwonders #OBW #Watergarden

My OBW Stash

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I’ll show you mine if you show me yours…fabric stash that is! There is a great group on Facebook called “One Block Wonder Quilt Forum” that has over 5000 worldwide members. The group feeds the souls of us that are somewhat obsessed with One Block Wonders (OBW). This process was created by Maxine Rosenthal. She has produced 3 books: One Blocks Wonders, One Block Wonders Encore! & One Block Wonders Cubed. All 3 are essential! (Rumor has it there is a 4th in the works!)

I was on Facebook a little while ago and we were talking about our OBW Stashes, how much was too much, etc. Ann B. stated she would love a peak at mine. I proudly stated I had at least 40 six yard pieces of fabric set aside for OBW’s. Well, it’s a good thing we talked.,because my stash is dwindling…I only have 35 six yard pieces set aside! Lord have mercy, I need to go shopping!

Lotus Leaf in 3 colorways by Kaffe Fassett

From left to right: Flowers of the Sun by Windsor, English Countryside by Sue Beavers & Martha Negley by Rowan & Westminster

Memoirs from China by Robert Kaufman, Atlantis by Moda & Golden Jungle by Alexander Henry

I love Cutting up People: Delivery by Timeless Treasures, Heavy Equipment by Alexander Henry & Au Natural also by Alexander Henry

City Scapes by Benartex, Paris by Timeless Treasures & Fantasia also by Timeless Treasures

California Fiesta by Alexander Henry, Holiday Flourish by Robert Kaufman & Historic Highway by Alexander Henry

North by Timeless Treasures, Tigers by Exclusively Quilters & Nature Scapes by Hoffman

Zebras by Exclusively Quilters, Bear Mountain by Exclusively Quilters & Lion Eyes by Alexander Henry

Bewitched by & Misty Jungle both by Alexander Henry

Saturday Evening Post by Quilting Treasures. I’m not sure what I’m doing with this one yet, but I have ideas.

5 six yard pieces of The Wizard of Oz in sepia tones, I have a slight obsession with The Wizard of Oz!

I only have 2 six yard pieces of this Wizard of Oz fabric left!!! Did I mention I have a slight obsession with the Wizard of Oz? But I still have several tubs of The Wizard of Oz fabric.

Well, there you have it. I’m willing to bet there is someone out there that can beat my stash!

For The Birds, # 58

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Somebody stop me! I need to be working on Studio 180 Design class samples. But I just had to make one more One Block Wonder. This great fabric is Brazilia by Alexander Henry. I wanted to try a different design approach.

I like the unevenness. Once I sewed the blocks together I bound the uneven edge with a burgundy fabric. I then laid the blocks over the original fabric and adjusted it until it was in a position I liked. I sewed the two together and then squared up the top.

It is a very subtle edge, but I like the way the original fabric flows into the blocks.

Here is a close up of where the original fabric meets the blocks.

I chose another tropical bird fabric for the backing.

You know, no quilt it complete without a label.

Yellow Brick Road With a Twist, #57

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I’m making a fund raiser quilt for The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica whose mission is to promote the preservation and restoration of historically and architecturally significant buildings and sites. Through projects, community education, advocacy, marketing and planned activities, the Society engages its’ members, partners and the community in preserving the past and protecting the future.

I decided on a One Block Wonder because they are so much fun and visually interesting. As I’ve said before I’m a self proclaimed Wizard of Oz freak, plus L. Frank Baum was born in Chittenango, NY in 1856 not far from Utica. So I went to my Oz stash and chose my fabric. It all starts with 6 repeats of fabric. I decided to put one repeat on the back of the quilt because it was too large to use in the borders.

I cut my 6 repeats, aligned the fabric, cut my strips, cut my equilateral triangles and decided to start with a Yellow Brick Road.

I began by using the yellow blocks to start the path.

I was pleased with the design except for one block.

As I said earlier, the original fabric design was too large to use in the borders so I needed to pull from my Oz stash for the outer borders. I had already sewn the rows together when I noticed one block in the lower left of the quilt that kept catching my eye. I decided to embroider something in the block to tone it down.

Monkey in the Moonlight, I love it!

Borders on, now to quilt it.

Locked and loaded. I’m using Quilters Dream Orient Batting made from an exotic blend of bamboo, luscious silk and very soft cotton! After washing, when I took it out the dryer it just draped in my arms.

The shadows were in the way a little, but at least the sun is out on this beautiful April day in Central NY.

This is the 57th One Block Wonder that I have made.

Just Hanging Around

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I was searching Pinterest for different ways to store, show or hang quilts. If you haven’t checked out Pinterest for quilt storage you should, they have some wonderful ideas. The ones I really liked required carpentry, ain’t nobody got time for that! So I bought some curtain rods and went to work.

I had enough room for a 60″ rod and if I folded the quilts just right I could fit 3 on a rod and I had room for a 2nd tier. I showed this picture to a Facebook group call “One Block Wonder Quilt Forum” and they loved it so I thought I would share it you too!

Then I had to go buy 2 more smaller curtain rods to hang two more quilts.

I couldn’t forget about the back of the couch.

Of course I have my “Remember Me” obituary quilt on another wall. I guess this means I might not need to paint down here now!

Upon entering the Quilt Zone I have Grandma Bessie keeping an eye on me. How do you hang or show off your quilts?

One Block Wonders at Sew Nice

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I finished up the design portion of a One Block Wonder class I taught at Sew Nice in Norwich, NY. It was a great class with 11 wonderful creative women. We had loads of fun!

I just want to dive into these blocks, looks like water to me.

Barb had fun with her Cowboy Hat fabric.

I Love how Bernie’s came out.

This does look like a big garden. Can you see the path?

Alice had a beautiful Asian fabric.

Next to Alice is are gorgeous blocks from a sunflower fabric.

Judy didn’t have all her blocks ready to design, but she had enough done to play.

I absolutely loved Krissy’s fabric. I love grey and this came out so beautiful.

Rebecca was not pleased with her fabric selection. I thought it was beautiful.

Tara was making this OBW for her brother. I’m sure he will love it. Her blocks were so much fun!

Do you see the twister?

I Love New York…. & Sew Much More

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I’m getting excited. Next week I head south to the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton Virginia. I will be helping out Deb Tucker at the Studio 180 Design Booth, so please, if you are there stop by and say hello. I’m sorry I will have to miss my local guild “The Mohawk Valley Quilt Club’s” 35th Anniversary celebration. Congratulation to a great group of quilters.

I’m test driving my new Nolting quilt frame. It is pretty spectacular. Having a commercial frame makes my mid-arm work better. I have dreams of improving my quilt skills immensely. I bought the frame from Delightful Quilting & Sewing. Joyce and Ron Blowers are Nolting Dealers and drove 3 hours to my house in a snow event and set it up for me. I really liked them a lot! I need to take some lessons from Joyce.

I usually finish my quilts in the order they are pieced, (just a little OCD) but I wanted to finish “I Love New York” to celebrate the mountains of snow we have, with more on the way. There is a group on Facebook called “One Block Wonder Quilt Forum”. Someone asked me how I quilted my hexagon quilts. I meander mine, not just because that’s all I know how to do, but by going over every seam and center they lay nice and flat.

I was trying to be arty and photograph my quilt out in the snow, but there is so much snow (close to 3 feet in parts of my yard) I had a very difficult time getting a good angle.

So I gave up, scraped off mounds of snow and came inside.

I Don’t Think We are in Kansas Anymore Toto

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I am a self proclaimed over the top Wizard of Oz fan and One Block Wonder quilts. I made my first hexagon quilt in 2006.

In 2008 I made “Inside the Twister I” from Wizard of Oz fabric by Quilting Treasures.

In 2010 I made “Inside the Twister II” as a raffle fund raiser for the New York Mills, NY Historical Society.

In 2012 I made “Inside the Twister III” as a raffle quilt for the Virginia Quilt Museum.

I made the “Yellow Brick Road with a Twist” for my Granddaughter Pepper.

I have decided to make another one, I have cut the repeats into strips as you can see below. I wonder if it will come out the same or be completely different?