What the Hexie?!

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I started not one, but TWO new projects yesterday. Oh dear....

I love starting new projects! Do you? This little embroidery project does relate to hexies and you'll see how very soon.

The other project is next year's progressive quilt for Hexie Love. This quilt is going to be FUN! Wall to wall hexies!

So yes, I got a lot done yesterday!!

I will work on both of these projects today. And maybe another few...

Don't forget - tomorrow I'll share the November BOM!!!

Pinterest Fail

Have you had a Pinterest fail? I've had many and this is the latest. Before the weekend I decided to make a cake to share with our many guests. I wanted to make an orange and blue 'tiger striped' cake. I studied lots of Pinterest instructions. I've got this!

So what went wrong? I should have started with a WHITE cake! I started with a lemon cake, which of course was YELLOW. So the blue food coloring mixed with the yellow cake turned GREEN! Ughhh!!!! Not my smartest moment.....

The guests never saw the cake - I hid it. Hubby likes it though, thank goodness.

I also made a Pinterest breakfast casserole for our guests Sunday morning. It tasted okay, but it looked like some a dog threw up. Oh well...

I've love to hear about your Pinterest fails.

So what's going on in the world of hexies today? LOTS! I didn't get much done yesterday - still tired from the weekend. But today I'm up and at 'em - ready to hexie!

I received a shipment yesterday that I've been anxiously awaiting. It's something special. Something that will totally change how I make hexies...and maybe, just maybe it will change the way you make them, too. Woohoo!!!!!!

I also got a shipment of fabric - I ordered it last week. Good thing I checked my order before I pushed the final button. Instead of 15 yards of one fabric, I had entered 115 yards. EEKK! Glad I caught that mistake.

So anyway, I have lots of new stuff to play with and PLAY I will!

A Few Days Off

I took a few days off from work to play. Or did I take a few days off from play to work? There is a fine line there!

We had guests staying at our home for the weekend. Hubby took the day off Friday to help me get ready.

I was in the spirit with both my manicure and my hair, as you can see!

I love a night game - much cooler!

The only thing I accomplished (quilting-wise) was to cut the block for my Farmer's Daughter. This block will be made from wedding quilt scraps.

Today I'll get back at hexies - yay!!!! I'm also hoping to put together an article for the next issue of Hexie Love. And I have several business e-mails to send. We're expecting 100% chance of rain - a great day to stay inside and PLAY!!!

Orange is the New Black

I spent more time tidying in my studio yesterday. Can you tell I love the color orange?

I still have much more to go - this process will take WEEKS!

I hope to completely finish, including sorting through all the fabric, by the end of the year.

I finished another Farmer's Daughter block last night; this is the second block. I'll try to cut out another one today. I like this one better than the first. I love the black and white stripe that seems to pull the block together. I have lots more of this fabric, so I think I'll use it in every block from now on.

It's nice to finally have something quilty to share! I have SO MANY things going on behind the scenes here at HEXIE LOVE, INC! You wouldn't believe how busy I've been! All I can share is: next year is going to be awesome!!!!

Yesterday afternoon I was feeling cooped up so I headed over to Tiger Town (a huge shopping center). I walked the length of the place and back, stopping in a few stores as I went along. (I may have enjoyed a low fat frozen yogurt!) I came home with some new makeup. And I definitely got all my daily steps in - a good thing.

Rearranging

I did some rearranging in my studio yesterday. This table below my TV is where my Accuquilt Studio cutter used to live. It was a good spot except that there was no room around it. I've been thinking I need to find a new spot for it.

I moved it to the study area just down the hall. It just fits there and there is extra room on either side.

You may have noticed that I have already filled it's old space on the table. I love having a bit of horizontal surface to organize myself. I have pieces of the wedding quilt there, along with piles for other works in process. I'm a happy camper.

I guess this is my first step in tidying my studio. After we cleaned our closet (and by the way, it's still perfect!), I never moved on to another space. It's time....

I had a REALLY productive day yesterday. I hope to do the same today!!!

Happy Hexie Tuesday!

So what are you working on today?

I'm still trucking along on the wedding quilt, a bit every day. I think I might finish the fourth row today.

I'm having so much fun working on next year's block of the month - I LOVE THIS QUILT!!!

I stitched on a Farmer's Daughter block last night - this second block is going slower than the first because I haven't worked on it as much (AND because I sewed one section on backwards and had to fix it.)

I also worked on diagrams for the next issue of Hexie Love - I have to say that I'm slowly getting better at Electric Quilt. I've learned to do two new things on there in the past week that are helping me so much.

I spotted this little fellow on our back patio yesterday when I was outside doing some Hexie Love photography. Those spikes hanging down are part of a metal dog sculpture.

Today will be more of the same - I hope to accomplish a LOT! We have a rainy day here - perfect for staying in and sewing! I'm in one recliner and Cooper is in the other one - we're hunkered down!

Weekend Stuff

This weekend turned out busier than we had expected. We did get a hike in at a new-to-us location: Spring Villa Park. This old house sits on the center of the property. There is a campground there, along with the usual horse shoes, volleyball net, etc. The hike was about 1 1/2 miles and was nice, BUT the trail had been covered with gravel which I find it difficult to walk on. I prefer grass, dirt, anything!

Daughter 2 discovered her cat (who is ALWAYS inside) had fleas. So I headed to the condo equipped with lots of stuff. I helped her bathe poor Leo - you have not lived until you have given a cat a bath... That was a real adventure. He has now been treated from the inside out, head to toe. The condo has been sprayed for pests and well vacuumed. There are still a few around, but there has been a big improvement.

In our home I've been battling fruit flies. Hate those things! We've sprayed our house and I have bowls of apple cider vinegar with a dash of dish soap and a piece of banana sitting around. It's working, though there are still a few left.

And so, it's been a buggy weekend!!!!

And I did find a bit of time to sew! I totally finished the October BOM - YAY!!! I've finished THREE rows of the wedding quilt - 4 more to go. I also got more computer work done - thanks to hubby and Daughter 1 for helping me figure this out!

So all in all, I guess it was a productive weekend. Hope you had a great one!

Computer Day

I stuck to my guns yesterday and spent the day on the computer. Not only that, during the morning I placed my laptop on the counter and STOOD to work. Yay me! Did I have a successful day? Partially.

I had three major goals to accomplish. I struggled with the first, gave up, and I'm getting help today (from Hubby, Daughter 1, and maybe even my accountant.

BUT, the second two I figured out! Happy Dance!

In the late afternoon I finally allowed myself to enter my studio and sit down at my lovely BERNINA. Hubby got home from work at a reasonable time so he joined me for my campus walk. And then there was hand sewing in the evening.

And today:

MORE computer work, another walk, a trip to Sam's Club, and SEWING!!!

More Walking...

 Here's a photo from the very first issue of Hexie Love. As you may know, Hexie Love includes a progressive quilt pattern each year; each issue has a part of the instructions to make a hexie quilt, this year's being Odyssey. The January/February issue has all the fabric requirements and basic instructions along with the first installment of the pattern.

If you've been keeping up (and I know many of you have!), the November/December issue of Hexie Love will have the final instructions of how to put all the pieces together that we've all been working on this year. Can't wait!

I took another long walk around campus yesterday afternoon. I'm hoping to keep up this habit, especially with the cooler temperatures we are enjoying. 

And just for fun, here's a cute picture of Cooper with some vintage hexies. Yes, he loves hexies, too!

As much as I want to head up to my studio this very minute, I must stay downstairs with my computer this morning. I have lots of business work to take care of - things I've been putting off (because I RATHER BE SEWING!)

And so, my computer calls and I'm answering - think about me while you are sewing. If I can get this boring stuff done, I hope to find some sewing time later today...

Rhonda Dort!

Rhonda Dort made this fabulous hexie quilt! Want to hear more about it and see more photos? Then get the latest issue of Hexie Love! I actually discovered this quilt on Pinterest and was able to zoom in to who made it. Then I searched for Rhonda and found her via Facebook. You never know how you'll end up in Hexie Love! If you've made an interesting hexie quilt or know someone who has done so, let me know!!!

I (finally) have the October BOM ready for appliqué! Yay! That will happen today! I love this block! Yesterday I worked on FOUR projects, which is becoming the norm for me.

1. October BOM
2. January 2016 BOM
3. Wedding quilt
4. Farmer's Daughter

And today? The same! Sounds like a fun day to me!

Bernina Breakfast

This is typical for me - breakfast with my Bernina. I have a fruit/protein smoothie and my second cup of coffee while I get to work the fun stuff! (Of course the coffee is in my hexie mug...)

Here's a glimpse of what I worked on...

I found this one in Cooper's mouth yesterday afternoon. COOPER!!!!!!!!! Luckily I saved it before damage was done!

Late afternoon I drove downtown and went for a long walk. I went up and down College Street and then onto campus down to the Engineering buildings. Nice walk. I'll do this again. It's more interesting than walking in my neighborhood, lots more to see.

I'm still getting lots of wonderful comments on how easy it is to access Hexie Love now - this new system is certainly a HUGE improvement! If you've never gotten an issue, now is a great time to try it!

When I started the magazine, I thought I'd try it a year to see how it went. Well, it's going fantastic! And I have big plans for next year with Hexie Love. You are going to LOVE the progressive quilt pattern - it's wall to wall hexies and will be lots of fun to watch grow over the year. And lots of fabulous featured hexie artists! And so much more!

A Walk Around Campus

We took Cooper along yesterday afternoon for a walk around campus. He loves riding in the car! And he LOVES walks!

The remnants of the game celebration...

Yes, I did get my hexie on...almost done stitching together the October BOM. I hope to finish it today and prepare it for appliqué. And there will be a bit of DWR stitching done. And....lots more accomplished, I hope!

View from the TOP!

Football is back in town! Here we were yesterday - our seats this year are on the VERY TOP ROW of the stadium. Getting up there was not easy. So no bathroom breaks for me during the game... But I did love the view!

Here's a panoramic...

This year we have a new Jumbotron - biggest one in the county. WOW!

We squeaked by in overtime. Came home HOT and DEHYDRATED and EXHAUSTED! Maybe I'm getting too old for this?

I was too tired to sew last night, but today I'll definitely pick up a needle and thread...

Back to Square One...

The title of this post implies I've had to start completely over on something...thankfully, that is not the case. It's no secret that I'm making a double wedding ring quilt for Daughter 2's upcoming wedding. How hard could it be? I've been quilting for YEARS!

However the four patches that are between the circles have been giving me fits. I took one out three times before I finally got it to lay flat.

That's when the light bulb came on. OOOHHHHH! I get it! I'm putting the pieces together in the wrong order! I shouldn't have sewn these squares into four patches! If I sew in one square at time, it's SO much easier and goes together so much better! I'm so glad I figured this out early in the process.

So last night I had a date with my seam ripper and took all the four patches apart. It will be smooth sailing now! So "back to square one" is a good thing!

I also made a nice stack of bias strips yesterday. These are 1/2 inch wide and are for a future project.

Today I'll start putting the October BOM hexies together. And do some computer work. And a few other quilty things...

Have a wonderful Friday!

More Basting

I basted my little heart out last night! But it's not enough - need to cut more fabric this morning. But I need to have a couple of cups of coffee first....

Yesterday's Birthday Block luncheon was fun, as always. We had a good crowd and lots of laughter and good food. I do love these ladies! I've lived hear only three years and I have a wonderful group of friends.

Today's plan is to finish basting hexies so I can stitch together the October BOM. And I have some BERNINA play ahead of me, too. Sounds like a fun one, doesn't it?

You Asked!

Joan emailed me wanting to know the details of the clamshell fabric in the hexie I shared a few days ago. It's from the "Elizabeth" line by Tula Pink, Free Spirit Westminster and is called "Chain Mail." I do love Tula's "Elizabeth" line, especially the one with the faces. (Though I do not have that particular fabric....need some...)

Today is the monthly Birthday Block luncheon! So I'll be eating a delicious lunch today - yay!

And what else? I really (REALLY!) need to run to the grocery store. I have not been the mood to cook for weeks. I guess I need some easy, fast meals.

I'll also be doing my daily stitching on the wedding quilt. And you KNOW I'll be working on hexies.

Have a great day, everyone!

Basting Day!

I'm sure you've heard that song..."It's All About that Bass, Bout that Bass..."

To me it has alway been, "It's All About that BASTE, Bout that BASTE!" Yes, I'm singing it in my head right now. I cut a pile of hexies to baste yesterday afternoon and that's one thing I'll work on today.

It's also a planning and computer day for Hexie Love. I'll be planning content for future issues, ordering some supplies, and in general getting organized. There is a lot going on around here including some surprises and secrets that I'll share soon...

I hope you find some time to make hexies today!!!
Hexie love,
Julia

Labor Day Hexies!

It's Labor Day here in the US. Hubby's off from work and we're relaxing this morning. I see some Netflix in our future... We recently started watching The Good Wife and Grace and Frankie. And they just released some new movies... (TV watching means hexie time for me!)

I made this little flower yesterday from the wedding quilt scraps. Fun one, isn't it?

I spent a few hours in my studio yesterday. What fun I had with my BERNINA!!!! I worked on the 2016 BOMs and yes, I did start putting the wedding quilt together. I just couldn't wait! Just a bit at a time on this project...I've set myself a daily goal.

We went out for barbecue last night to get our Labor Day fix. Yum! And this morning the local donut shop is offering all their goodies FREE! Oh dear...

So what are you up to today? I hope you have a relaxing hexie day!

Ready to Sew!!!

Remember these arcs I showed you not long ago? These are the beginning of the wedding quilt. And I'm happy to report that ALL the pieces of the quilt are now cut and on my design wall! I'm letting it simmer for a day or two, moving around pieces as needed. I like to take a picture to view on
my computer. This helps me to see where pieces need to be rearranged to make the composition better. It will be months before I can share the quilt here... but trust me, it's looking great!

Someone on Facebook let me know that I forgot to add the September BOM to the tab at the top - oops, I'll do that in a few minutes!!!

Speaking of Facebook...
The Hexie Love page is gaining momentum - almost up to 750 followers there! Want to join in?
https://www.facebook.com/HexieLove

And while you're at it, join in at the Hexie Love Open Studio page so you can share your own hexies with us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/686478771451039/

So what will I be working on today? Hexies, of course!
1. The October BOM
2. The 2016 BOM
3. The 2016 Progressive quilt.

Hexie Love, y'all!

A Few Days Away...

We spent a few days this week at the lake - got home yesterday. AAHHHHhhhhh...

It was a last minute decision to go. We needed to get back there in the next month or so to get the boats out of the water for winter. With football season upon us, we knew time was fleeting. Plus because of hubby's work schedule, he will not be able to take vacation time for several weeks. So off we went!

I love that we finally have internet at this house this year so I can work from there (and I did!) I also basted lots of hexies.

We enjoyed several boat rides - last for the season - and then we got the boats out of the water. This is not that simple! It involves hooking a trailer to the car, driving the car to the boat launch, backing the trailer and car down the ramp (this is hard!), driving the boat to the ramp, driving the boat onto the trailer being careful to center it, cranking a wench to pull the boat up tight, and then finally pulling the boat back to the house where we snap on covers and bungy a tarp over the entire thing. WHEW! The Sea Doo PWC is much easier than the big boat, thank goodness. My muscles will be talking to me for a few days....

We thoroughly cleaned the house, changed beds, cleaning out the refrigerator, etc. We'll be back over the off season though, just to enjoy the view and take long walks.

As for today: I've got a date with my BERNINA in my studio this morning! Woohoo! Can't wait! But I think I'll have a couple of cups of coffee first...

Hexie on, everyone!
Hexie Love!

Clamshell Hexie!

Loving this hexie! Clamshell fabric makes it look like I did more work than I really did. I basted six exactly like this - so they will form a cool pattern when sewn together.

As for Hexie Love, I received this message this morning:

"The new way to download "Hexie Love" is magical, no stumbling blocks, just did it. Annnndddd it was a brilliant issue."

So excited to receive comments like this one! Happy dance!!! And Cooper is dancing with me! (No, actually he's sound asleep...but he's dancing in his sleep...)

So what else in new here? I've been busy laying out pieces of the wedding quilt on my design wall - I won't start sewing the pieces together until I'm happy with the layout. I have a few more pieces to cut. Good progress though. 

This weekend I'll be working on the wedding quilt, the necktie project, this year's BOM, next year's BOM, and maybe a UFO. I do go from one project to another... makes life interesting!

Doxie Hexie!

How cute is this?! Double dachshund hexie!!! Just having a bit of fun here...

What about you? Do you have a favorite fussy cut hexie? I'd love to see it - send me a picture and I'll share it here on the blog. Or share it over on the Facebook page.

So what else is going on around here? I made Bonnie Hunter's Broccoli Chicken Salad a couple of days ago - you can find it HERE - it's absolutely yummy and chock full of vegetables. I'll be making this again and again.

I'm happy to report that Hexie Love's new delivery system is doing great! I've only had a very few customers contact me since publishing the issue and was able to make them happy very easily. Here are some of the comments I'm getting:

"Downloaded like a dream!"

"So easy!"

"LOVE IT!"

So if you haven't gotten an issue yet - it's the perfect time! And at only $5.99 per issue, it's a great deal. Get it HERE.

Have a great day, hexie lovers! And send me your fussy cut pictures!

A Great Day!

And why is it a great day, you ask?

1. The first release of Hexie Love  through my new distribution system worked great!!! For those of you who have already accessed the magazine, isn't this a big improvement???? I've gotten rave reviews on both the issue itself AND how easy it is to purchase and read. This makes me very happy! Although the transition took me weeks to accomplish, I'm no longer spending time on customer service questions. You are happy and I am happy! Let's keep this party going!

2. I finished my first Farmer's Daughter block (above). The instructions were correct - this is not for the faint of heart. I pieced it all by hand - lots of Y-seams and those sharp curves are a bit of challenge. Yes, I'll keep going though! These blocks are wonderful for my multitude of tiny, and often ugly, scraps.

3. I haven't mentioned this, but...I designed and ordered a custom die for my Accuquilt studio...and it came a couple of days ago. Yay! Did you know you can order custom dies? The sky is the limit! I played with it yesterday and so far I love it! (Don't tell anyone, but it has something to do with hexies...shhh!)

So yes, it IS a great day!!!! Let's go hexie!