Sunday, July 28, 2013

Chateau Hexagon

 
It seems sometime ago now since I received my usual Newsletter from Quilters Haven announcing Lynette Anderson's new 2013 Button Club "Chateau Hexagon".  My interest was immediate as I have been sewing many hexagons recently for my Sewing Basket and Sewing Accessories and I do like buttons, but "Button Club" what on earth was that I asked myself?  Following a telephone call to Quilters Haven I discovered that this was a nine part mystery button block of the month including embroidery, applique and piecing.  Each month participants receive a pattern, painted button and over the 9 months watch as the quilt grows, just like the Chateau's garden.
 
Already loving Lynette Anderson's books, kits and buttons how could I possibly resist and said "Yes, please, count me in"  Fabrics and threads were also offered.
 
Fabrics and Threads 
 
 
 Month 1
Birdhouse Corner
You will see the ever so delightful Birdhouse Button in the middle of the stitchery. 
 


Lynette suggested 3 different methods of applique - traditional needle turn applique, fusible web applique and Apliquick applique.  I chose the third method which involves tracing the applique shapes onto water soluble single sided fusible applique paper and then glue plays a part!  There are excellent tutorials on Lynette's website.

Chateau Hexagon means lots of learning having never used this method of applique and I cannot recall doing this type of stitchery.   For Birdhouse Corner I transferred the design using a Pilot Frixion Pen and although the traced shapes disappear as if by magic when an iron is passed over them I am not totally pleased with the result, (perhaps a little too rustic!) so for Month 2 I have reverted to the more traditional method of using a Pigma Pen.

The finished wallhanging will measure 26" x 37".  By the way I have to make 106 1/2" Hexagons!!!!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Sitting Pretty!

Well, although not having blogged for a little while I've kept myself quite busy making this Sewing Accessories Kit designed by Sue Rhodes of Hawthorns Quilting and purchased through Sue Fowler of Daisy Chain Designs.  You will recognise the fabric - La Petite Odile ("not again" I hear you say).  The Kit comprised Pincushion, small Oval Basket and a Needle case, but as every girl knows you have to have somewhere to keep your scissors handy, hence this little Scissor Keeper taken from a Lynette Anderson design.
 

Really enjoyed making these sewing accessories and feel they would make a lovely gift for a sewing friend.  Looking forward to putting them to good use - I'll be the smartest sewer in town!!