I am very excited to announce that I will be hosting my first Sew Along on Instagram for a Hexagon Christmas stocking this year. Put the dates October 26th - November 23rd, 2020 in your calendar and join me and other fellow quilters from all over the world for a fun Sew Along. Last year I participated in the Night before Christmas Stocking Sew Along hosted by Lauren of @mollyandmama. I truly enjoyed putting my own version together and finished the stocking from 1 inch hexies and uncycled cross stitch piece within 1 month. It was not only fun but also very motivating to sew together, see each other´s progress, get inspired and make new friends. If you are new to English paper piecing then it would be a great opportunity not only to learn more about slow stitching but actually sew a nice project that you can either gift or keep. In this blog post I will tell you more about this fun event.
Who can join?
Everyone is welcome to join me for the Sew Along, no matter what skill level you have. I am sure both beginners and experienced sewists will enjoy making a Christmas stocking and connecting with other quilters.
All you need to do is just to subscribe to my blog so you won´t miss the weekly emails with tips, then follow along on Instagram using the hashtag #HexagonChristmasStockingSAL .
What are we making?
We are sewing a quilted Christmas Stocking from 1 inch hexagons with full lining, binding at the top and hanging loop.
You will learn:
- how to create a hexagon panel using the glue-basted or thread basted English paper piecing method,
- how to quilt the panel either by hand or by machine,
- how to finish the stocking.
This is a very relaxed Sew Along, so you can use the pattern you already have to match your other Christmas stockings, create your own template or try any free pattern available on Pinterest.
You can also vary the size of your hexagons if you wish.
The only requirement is that the front panel of the stocking should be made from hexagons. You can make a scrappy stocking or use your treasured Christmas fabrics, add a bit of embroidery or create a stunning modern version, for example with low volume fabrics. The only limit is your imagination! I am looking forward to seeing your creativity!
Schedule
The Sew Along lasts four weeks. Each Monday morning there will be a new blog post with that week´s theme. I will be sharing helpful info and short videos on Instagram too.
Week 1 - 26th October
We shall start by gathering supplies to make the stocking (fabric and Epp tools (paper pieces, basting supplies, thread, needle). Get your pattern ready. We shall start basting the hexagons.
Week 2 - 2nd November
We shall stitch the front panel and share sewing tips.
Week 3 - 9th November
We shall make back panel for the stocking and quilt both panels. We shall talk about alternative ways to create back panel and basics of hand and machine quilting and binding
Week 4 - 16th November
That week is all about finishing the project and sharing the results!!
On Monday, November 23rd November I will share the most interesting projects on Instagram.
Prizes
Prizes are a nice little bonus that also helps you to learn more about some wonderful designers and small businesses there on IG.
The prizes will be offered for the last 2 weeks of the sew along.
On Mondays, week 3 and week 4 as well as November 23rd I will pick the winners and announce them on IG.
To be eligible to win prizes you must share a progress photo of your stocking on Instagram from your public account and use the hashtag #HexagonChristmasStockingSAL on your post
I am very thankful for the generous and kind support from these wonderful small businesses:
Ali from Arabesque Scissors
Kim and Nisha from Brimfield Awakening
Jitka from Jitka Design
Martina from Ava and Neve
You can visit their pages and learn more about their products and designs.
Helpful Info
1. I use mainly glue basting method and share some tips in this blog post . Even though it is focused on the curves, there is a lot of helpful info that applies to the basic epp shapes as well.
2. If you are planning to include embroidery in your stocking , you can read more about it here.
I hope you will join this Sew Along! I am looking forward to seeing you in less than 2 weeks! Happy Stitching!
P.S. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask either by sending an email or a DM on IG.