2.10.2009

grandmother's flower garden

Motivated by Robyn and her great love of hexagons, I have once again tackled these gorgeous blocks that seem to always get tucked away somewhere.

I seem to tackle them with such gusto, only to put them back in a plastic ziploc and re-shelve them. I can only attribute this undesire to complete them because they are all sewn by hand.

If you are familiar with the paper-piecing method, then you know that each hexagon is cut out and then 'sewn to' a paper hexagon template -- all by hand.
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Now -- I love, love LOVE this pattern. And I love, love LOVE even more the grandmother's flower garden quilts that are done in all of their beauty & splendor.....

But all of these hexagons can be a bit daunting.

And a bit time-consuming. Okay. Very time-consuming. Notice that I have not told you how long I have been working on this quilt. And. I. won't. *grin*
But Robyn's enthusiasm has bowled me over. And she has completely kick-started me into diving once again into stitching these retro blocks. (btw-if you haven't been on the receiving end of her love of quilting -- you must visit her -- and heartfelt prayers for her as devastating fires have made their way into Australia.)

Close-ups of some of the blocks:

Isn't that one of the greatest pleasures of quilting? -- putting the different fabrics together in such a harmonious blend?

And these vintage fabrics that look as if they came from my grandma -- undoubtedly fabric choices that are some of my favorites!
bmmmmmmm
Huge gulp of breath because I know that I have to complete sooooo many more before this will ever grace my bed. But being part of the Great Hexagon Quilt-Along, well -- I feel as if these women are sitting right here & motivating me with each stitch that they are taking.
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Time to sew.



12 comments:

Dandelion Quilts said...

BEAUTIFUL and fun that others are doing it, too. :) Keep up the good work!

Unknown said...

Dawn, I was recently (yesterday) asked if I have ever made one of these or had plans to do one. I responded by saying that I have always been interested in doing one, but haven't gotten up the nerve. I love how yours is turning out absolutely beautiful. I think that I would do the same 30's fabrics. So now the big question, how big are you making this quilt and how long is it taking you? I think it would be a great portable project.

willywagtail said...

I can see why you call these grandmother's flower garden the have an old worldly flower look don't they. Someday they will give you a lovely restful feeling. Cherrie

Shari from Big Yellow Farmhouse said...

Oh Dawn, this is one of my absolute favorite patterns, beautifully old fashioned! I know I will never be brave enough to try it. Your blocks are gorgeous! This one may take you awhile, but oh what an accomplishment it will be when you are done. Your kids will treasure it!!

Knot Garden said...

Those colours! The fabrics are just beautiful, and perfect for this pattern. Yes it will be a lot of work, especially if you're making it bed-sized but the results will be worth it. A few hexagons every day and you will soon make good progress. It will be a family heirloom.

QuiltedSimple said...

I love this - love the fabrics and your color choices. How long have you been at it? And how big are you making it?
Kris

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, Dawn -- love all the fabrics!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Keep sewing, Dawn! It's going to be so worth it when it's done. The fabrics are fantastic and the work you are doing looks beautiful. Have a happy Valentine's day! Twyla

Sherri said...

I love your grandmother's flower garden blocks!

Unknown said...

My wife chose this pattern to be her first quilt. She's been working on it for about 8 years. She's about half way to a queen size. Just another 8 years or so... :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the nice tutorial!

Susan Brians

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Robin said...

Hi... Four years later now... wondering if you finished this quilt? Also what size are the hexagons? I just started one with 3/4" hexagons. Daunting is right! Wondering if you have fabric scraps from your quilt that I might have, trade or buy from you? I'd love to not have a lot of repetition of fabrics in my quilt, so am trying to find scraps from other stashes. I'm going to post about my quilt next on Beadlust, my blog. Hope you got it finished!