hexagon qulit fabric selections | If These Threads Could Talk

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!

What fabric makes a good Hexagon Quilt? Some say a 24″ repeat is key, but I do not necessarily agree. I made a hexagon quilt from a fabric that had a 24″ repeat, but the print was not that large. Although it was still a pretty quilt, I thought the colors were a little muddy (Natures Chorus). So I say get as big a print as you can find with colors that you like. Keep in mind that once the repeats are layered you will be cutting them into 3 3/4″ strips. If your print is flowers that are only 3″ across, you will not be taking them apart very much and your blocks will end up looking a lot like the original fabric. Whereas if the print is 6″ you will have a better chance of your blocks looking nothing like the original fabric.

I ignore the print itself and go for something large with colors I like, then I know I will have fun. When I made “Inside the Twister” from the Wizard of Oz fabric in sepia tones, it was only a 12″ repeat. I could have cut 6 repeats of a fabric 12″ each, but because the print was big enough, I chose a design element that was easily identifiable and when it came up again at 12″ – I skipped it and went to the next one. Now I had a 24″ repeat. When you do this you may have blocks that repeat themselves, but remember you have 3 design choices with each block.

To make a good lap-size, twin, or full size quilt, 4 1/4 yards for your blocks. 6 repeats of fabric at 24” each, is exactly 4 yards (24 x 6 = 144; 144/36 = 4). I ALWAYS BUY at least 6 Yards so I have the option of a 9 OR 10 inch outer border with the original fabric.) It is fun to see a slice of the original fabric along with the quilt. DO NOT PRE-WASH THE FABRIC!!!!

Below are some of my hexagon quilts waiting to be born. I still have another 20 or so 6 yard pieces I didn’t show you.

Just Lion Around by Alexander Henry