Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons. Part 6

Looking at the hexagon rosettes.  Looking at combinations

The design process is really about to begin now.   Over the last few weeks I have created over 30 rosettes using the spare Gosford Cranberry curtain.   In addition I have created lots of hexagons in two neutral colours cream and grey.  I am not convinced they will work in the design so the only way to find out is to create hexagons and throw them in with the rest.   In addition red and yellow hexagons have been added to experiment with.

scattered hexagons and rosettes

Rosettes coordinated into groups

Next co-ordinate similar rosettes together.   I find  that doing this helps take stock of what you have created and will enable you to use them in a balanced way in your design.

floral centre

fauna centre

Above:   Surrounding a rosette with the same colour creates a completely different look.   Take time doing this and enjoy the process of eliminating the results that are wrong.   My view is that the red is far too bright against the gentle colours.  Looks a bit of an eyesore.

Above: By changing three of the hexagons from red to grey adjusts the look.   Adding another round of hexagons softens the red.
There are endless combinations.  Avoid the mistake of rushing.  Lay the hexagons and rosettes out in a place they will not be disturbed.  Return and juxtapose.   Enjoy this process.






Left:  I have removed the red altogether and created a completely different look.  I think the grey works very well, as it softens the leafy centre.  The floral red outer  rosettes will balance the centre rosette.  Keep moving the hexagons and rosettes around.

If its inconvenient to leave them in a place without disturbance, lay out and take lots of photos.  Look at the photos and decide if any changed should be made.   The look is completely changed again by removing the leaf rosettes and replacing them with combinations of floral.

Believe it or not this is a fun process and should not be rushed.  Enjoy.  Ask others what they think.  Its always good listening to other ideas.

Also think of the bedroom, the bed, furniture and flooring.  If in doubt take your work and lay out on the bed.   Get a real feel for the design, the colour balance and the ultimate look that appeals to you.

Do not be in a rush to sew together.

My next blog will take the design a step further.



Take a peep at
www.patchworktemplates.com for more information and ideas.

Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons. Part 5

Quick update on Part 4.  Creating rosettes.

Part 4 gave some guidance on creating hexagon rosettes.   I am backing this up with a couple of photos which demonstrate the loop at the back.  This saves breaking thread and starting again.

I hope the photos below speak for themselves:

Arrange hexagons into rosette

Select centre hexagon (1)  and one outer hexagon (2)  Sew together

Add third hexagon and sew (2 to 3)

Instead of breaking thread, create a loop.  Secure with 2 or 3 stitches at each end, and take the needle to join (1)  and (3)

Hope the above demonstrates in a clearer fashion.

The design process continues.   So many options and variations.   The only way to achieve your happy combination is to lay the hexagons out and keep looking at them.   The two photos below demonstrate the dilemma.  I am  not happy with either.   Needs lots more thought and rearranging.   I also plan to make more leaf rosettes as they tone the overall look down.

Patchwork paper templates can be purchased from www.patchworktemplates.com  10cm hexagons have been used in this work.

Part 6. will continue with the design process.

Rosettes in a line

Rosettes placed at random.

Create a patchwork quilt using large hexagons. Part 4

Creating Hexagon Rosettes.

Its been a couple of weeks since I wrote my last blog regarding the progress of the large hexagon quilt I am creating from a spare curtain.  Its been a bit boring creating seven hexagon rosettes out of the red and purple flowers extracted from the Gosford Cranberry fabric.   Pleased to announce that 25 rosettes have now been created and the design is about to get interesting.  I have laid them out randomly on the floor as the picture below shows.  Remaining are a few odd red flower hexagons and a big pile of hexagons created using the green leaves and buds.

I have also created a number of plain cream fabric covered hexagons to add to the mix.   I am really pleased that the rosettes are quite different in appearance.   

The fastest way to sew seven hexagons together is to lay the hexagons out to form a rosette onto a tray in the order that pleases you.  Use quality sewing thread and a sharp crewel sewing needle.  I use Gutermann 100% polyester and a size 10 needle.

The image below demonstrates the order the hexagons should be sewn together.  Sew the centre hexagon to an outer hexagon, wrong sides outwards.  The smaller your stitches, the stronger your work will be.  Start at the "start" point with three securing over stitches.  Sew the side of the hexagon to the corner and do a couple of overstitches.  Add the next outer hexagon and sew to the outer corner, secure with a couple of over stitches.  At this point you may have enough thread to make a loop back to the centre hexagon again.  Always secure with two or three stitches at each corner before you start on a straight edge.   Carry on until the rosette is formed.   This is by far the quickest way to create your hexagon.  On average it took me about 20 minutes to sew one rosette together.

I would like to point out the image below shows the front of the rosette.   Sew on the wrong side.  Use thread that matches your fabric.  If in doubt use beige or grey.   In the event that you sew a dark hexagon to a light hexagon use thread to match the dark fabric.  Do not remove any papers at this stage.

Above: finished rosettes:   Front view on left  and back view on right.

Please note on this occasion I have used fabric of different weights.  This will add texture to the quilt and its a personal choice.

See Parts 1,2,and 3 of my blog to discover how this stage was reached.

Part 5 of this blog will focus on arranging hexagons and rosettes into a design.