Hand Sewing Hexagons

Before I became obsessed with designing fabric patterns I was never much of a ‘stitcher’. But now that I regularly make fabric, sewing projects are sometimes the best means to show them off. Like my experiment with my very first quilt, made to display the different fabrics in my bunny range. It’s been going well. It’s sandwiched and quilted now, so I just need to work out how to do binding. (Hey Louise I can’t wait til you to feel better, I’ve missed our sewing days! ) Actually Louise is also the reason why I’ve opted for paper pieced hexagons- she managed to pass on her little addiction to this very traditional form of patch work.

Oriental fabric hexies

I really love working with hexagons because the paper keeps them stiff and holds the shape, perfect for a novice sew-er like me. And since my design and illustration is done behind a desk and computer screen, I much prefer to sew by hand when I do. When I’m sewing with hexagons I can sit and watch TV and my little stack grows next to me. Then you can just add them together in any shape you want, and something lovely always comes out of the randomness. I like this act of ‘adding’, like making a bead necklace; it’s very simple and satisfying. I now understand why some people find patchwork and quilting therapeutic.

Just keep adding those hexies

So for no other reason than fun, and the love of these left over scraps of oriental fabric, I’ve challenged myself to make a little bag out of hexagons. It’s going to be super simple with a fold over envelope flap, and felt for lining. I’m thinking of it as my ‘Firefly’ bag, (it wouldn’t look out of place amoung Kaylee’s belongings.) It won’t be fancy, but it will be completely sewn by hand, and no one will have anything else like it

Random Oriental Hexagons will make the 'Firefly' bag.x