Even though I am OHOH (Officially Hooked On Hexies), I still have some projects that are needing my attention. As of this moment, I have 3 (how did that happen?) hexie projects on the go. First, my brown-ish-neutralish kind of scrappy collection.
Then, there is my bright-cutesy could be a baby quilt collection.
And last, but certainly not least, it the first block of a Hexie Quilt Along (Value Proposition Quilt Along) that I found on an amazing blog by Karen at Faeries and Fibres. If you want to know anything about hexies (I mean anything!) and English paper piecing in general, this is a blog you must visit! But make yourself a cup of tea first, you may be there a while!
Last night, I took the time to trace the second border of Sue Garman’s Friends of Baltimore. I would really (I mean, really!) like to have this quilt finished by the end of this year. You know, one more thing to cross off the bucket list! Yikes! Do I see ferns??
I thought I would show how I assembled the hummingbird block, the latest block of “To Everything There Is A Season”. Looks complicated, but really it isn’t!
First, I traced the pattern on to my background. Next, I added the leaves and the blue flowers.
Now, I have a dilemma…the leaves have covered up some of the traced lines, and I cannot see where to put the flower petals. Here is my solution. I “build” the flowers on an applique pressing sheet.
Then I pick the flower up in one piece and glue it in place. Easy peasy!
Here is how I stitched the hummingbird. Don’t forget that the “underneath” wing goes on the background before the feathers. I forgot, so I had to un-stitch the feathers and insert the wing underneath.
Next, the head, the underbody and the tail feathers…
…and the top body and a beak. He just needs an eye!
Til next time….
Kerry
Simple Bird Applique 
What method do you use to make your appliqué shapes? Thanks for your help.
Lisa
Hi Lisa:
I am using the starch method where turn over the edges before I stitch them in place. I have some Youtube videos you can check out if your are interested. I show all of the steps involoved with this method.
Kerry, your applique work is amazing. Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my chin!
Thanks for the kind words about my blog and my QAL. I love your interpretation of block 1. The colours you have selected are wonderful and the block has a lovely glow! So glad you are sewing along with me!
Kerry, I’ve already got block 1 of Karen’s QAL basted; all I have to do is whipstitch them together. Great minds really do think alike, don’t we? Your hummer is adorable! Are you going to embroider the eye or use a bead?
Oh too funny about the QAL. Small world. I am actually using Ultra Suede for the eye.
I really enjoy seeing your appliques come to life Kerry. Your hummingbird is perfect! I’m still trying to get my sharp points like that beak nice and smooth – it’s a learning curve process for sure!
Thanks…yes, practice makes perfect!
I keep looking at the hexie quilts and drooling, but so far I haven’t picked up the habit. They definitely seem like a great portable project.:)
Very portable…and very addicting!!
Hi Kerry! I jumped over hear from Karens blog. I am also doing her hexie quilt. Your appliqué is gorgeous. I love hand appliqué also.