The idea for this pattern came from my love for English paper piecing and the humble hexagon shape. Few years back I made a Hexagon Tree mini quilt for a swap. It was hand pieced from 1 inch hexagons and the tree trunk was quilted free hand. As much as I love epp, I understand that not everyone is ready for hand stitching and many people would prefer machine piecing. I am new to pattern designing and that's why I reached out to talented Catalina from Amarar Creacions to combine our efforts and bring you a new pattern. It has been a fun collaboration and great learning experience for both of us. We are happy to present you the Hexie Tree Quilt. Be sure to read down to the end for a special announcement you won’t want to miss!
I have always been fascinated by irregular shapes. The only way to sew them by machine is foundation paper piecing. I don´t use that method unless there is no other option because it wastes lots of paper for templates and removing papers is a tedious task. In our pattern we use an alternative foundation piecing method using freezer paper. You can use the same template multiple times and once the block is ready all you need to do is just to peel off the template. You can learn this fun new technique from our Freezer paper piecing tutorial here.
This is a minimalistic design with Scandinavian vibe inspired by nature. It consists of the Hexie with leaves and apples (two types of hexagons and a pentagon) and background pieces.
This quilt was designed as a scrap buster, 5" charm pack or Fat 8th friendly project. I made my quilt entirely from scraps of Marimekko and white fabric.
What I really like about this design is the fact that it is a creatively challenging, as it allows you to practice free motion quilting, hand quilting and even embroidery or sashiko depending on what finishing touches you would like to add to your tree.
I decided to outline the leaves using rulers just 1/4 inch from the seams and quilt the background inside the Hexie more densely with pebbles. Look, how nicely the leaves and apples pop up.
I wanted to create the tree by quilting different designs for the tree trunk, ground and background using my favorite Glide thread in the same color (Linen).
If you would like more definition in your tree you might consider different colors of thread for quilting the trunk (light brown) and the ground (black or dark green).
Since I used double layer of batting, it would be too hard to hand quilt through all the layers I opted for sashiko stitching (running stitch) in different colors around apples, the Hexie, tree trunk and the ground.
There are endless possibilities for embellishment and the only limit is your imagination.
Instead of binding the quilt, I faced it. You can find the tutorial how to do that here
I always try to think, what else you can make from a pattern using the design elements?The Apple 2 block finishes at 3 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches and it's perfect for small makes.
First, I made a pincushion from Liberty fabric and embroidered the leaf in satin stitch in variegated Perle cotton (finished size 3 1/4 x 3 3/4 inches).
I also made a set of patchwork potholders. This time I pieced the apple from three tiny scraps of Marimekko fabric. The leaf is fusible applique using double sided fusible web. I also added some hand quilting around the apple for the modern look.
These are just two options for using this block to inspire you to think outside the pattern, as I said the possibilities are endless, the only limit is your imagination!
Now it is time to introduce you to our wonderful patterns testers.
Meet the testers and Get inspired!
Birgit from @sohannahbs is a prolific quilter. She uses a variety of techniques in her work and I always admire her projects on IG no matter if it's a quilt or something smaller. She was the first one to finish the quilt and her version shines beautifully in the garden setting. I really like how she used cross stitches to hand quilt around the tree and ground to give more definition to the design.
Melissa from @mtweedel always amazes me with her passion for sewing, versatile projects and beautiful flower mandalas. She has that magic touch that makes her creations stand out. I love how she envisioned our pattern in a completely different way and created an incredible piece of modern art. I simply love that pop of color on the dark gray background. It looks like her hexie is made from sparkling jewels and floats in the cool air.
Christine from @lopolokko is the Queen of color. Her work is always eye candy and the way she presents her creations is just so delightful. I feel honored that she agreed to test our pattern. Her version of the pattern with glowing Kaffe Fassett's fabrics on the black background is so bold and absolutely striking!
Looking at the Melissa´s and Christine´s Hexies on the dark background, I think of another interpretation of our pattern. If you don´t stitch the trunk but do simple all over geometric quilting you will have a modern version of Northern lights in the night sky!
You’ll definitely want to follow @sohannahbs, @mtweedel and @lopolokko on Instagram for sewing inspiration.
I love how different the testers´s versions are but so very beautiful in their own way. I hope you will see something in our pattern that sparks your creativity and you get inspired to start your quilt today!
You can get the Hexie tree quilt PDF from my shop.
Here comes that special announcement and a surprise!
Apple Wreath Pillow Pattern
Me and Catalina got so inspired by the Hexie Tree design that we created another pattern that beautifully complements the quilt. It features just one Apple block modified in size and uses the same foundation freezer paper method.
I made that pillow with a winning combo of Liberty fabric and Essex linen in steel. I think the needle turn appliqued leaves and embroidery details add a delightful touch to an otherwise minimalistic modern design.
When it was time to quilt it the inspiration came from the name of the pattern. I wanted to combine free motion quilting and ruler work in the traditional feather wreath with a modern twist. I call the quilting "Broken Wreath" as I quilted only 3/ 4 of the wreath and had my favorite pebbles and swirls on the remaining quarter. The negative space outside the wreath is divided in 4 sections and 3 of them quilted in 1/2 inch spaced straight lines in alternating directions for each section.
I can´t be happier with the result of our collaboration!
To celebrate the release of these two patterns we decided to make a special offer for you! Everyone who purchases Hexie Tree Quilt pattern through September 16th - September 17th ( 23.00 EEST) will receive the Apple Wreath Pillow pattern as a gift in the same file!
We are very excited to see what you create with these patterns. If you are posting to Instagram be sure to tag me @nordiccrafter and Catalina @amarar_creacions and use the hashtag #hexietreequilt #hexietreepattern #applewreathpillow so we don’t miss your posts
Happy stitching!