Sashed Half Hexagon Quilt

Quilting tutorials are always fun to watch. I always wonder if I could make a quilt, and how long it would take? As a beginner quilter, it's kinda hard not to see or hear of the Missouri Star Quilting Company. Jenny Doan started long-arm quilting in 2008, and since then has dominated the World Wide Web, YouTube Channels, and even has her own Factory Store! Pretty impressive. As soon as I downloaded the MSQC app on my iPhone, it has opened new doors for me, as well as other quilters! She has the best video tutorials that are super easy to follow, comprehend, and execute. I have made a couple other quilts in the past, but this one is different. This one...is going to be ALL MINE! Bwhahaha!

Instead of a doing a tutorial (which you can find here) I wanted to share with you the fabric, design and overall excitement of this sashed half-hexagon quilt. Here is what you need to get started!

I love the look of this quilt. It is a perfect mix between a friendship braid and half-hexi twist. Sew cool! It even looks like a stained glass window. Jenny, of MSQC chose a black sashing inbetween her hexagons and I think it really makes this pattern POP. However, the best part about quilting is you can make any quilt YOURS! Same pattern, but different fabrics, colors, border, sashing, etc..That is what makes quilting fun. 😀

What you will need before you start:
10" Fabric Squares (Layer Cake) - I am using Retro Floral by Michael Miller. I'm really diggin' the red and turquoise colors, very vintage chic!
10" Half-Hexi Template for cutting.
1.5" Sashing (any color) - I am using white sashing.
Rotating Rotary Mat is crucial when cutting those Layer Cakes.


Let's start by cutting all of the 10" squares into Half-Hexagons! To do sew, fold the layer cake in half, and lay your half-hexagon template with the salvage edge along the bottom. Use the half-hexagon template to cut each piece of fabric. Once these are completed, sit back and look at all the hard work you just did! Way to go! I think cutting is the hardest part - good thing we got that out of the way!

Now it is time to add the sashing to each half-hexagon. I used a roll of white, 1.5" sashing. Line the half-hexagons onto the sashing, and sew using a 1/4" seam allowance. I was able to get three half-hexagons on each piece of sashing. Make sure to leave at least an inch in between each one. When you cut the sashing, you want to have enough space for each one. Once all of the half-hexagons are sashed, it is time to press and cut.

Using the edge of the Half-Hexagon template. Line it up and cut each one. This will add a nice border to each half hexagon. Now for the fun part!

Have you ever tried to make a friendship braid? Not only in quilting, but embroidery thread bracelets too? When I was in third grade, and active in Girl Scouts® I was always making my friends friendship bracelets. We used to collect friendship bracelets, the more you hand, the more friends you had too! We were obsessed. Even back then, my friends would get jealous that I knew how to make them and they didn't? I guess that was before YouTube videos....and I had a couple older sisters that taught me everything I knew (back then). Except for pig-latin which they would use against me to talk about the boys at school. In hopes, that I wouldn't tell my parents! Haha. They looked sew cool! It has to be my all-time favorite pattern. As soon as I saw this tutorial, I already knew exactly what I wanted to make. It has been added recently and I'm thrilled about it! Thank You MSQC!

Ok, sew you want to grab six half-hexies to make one block. Make sure these six blocks are all mismatched and different colors. It makes for a more interesting quilt. Start by adding the side of a hexagon to the bottom of the other hexagon. * Watch the YouTube tutorial for a better understanding. Once you start, it becomes easier to add each one...creating this braid until you have added all six half hexagons. 

Now we are going to square-up our blocks. Ewww....not very exciting. Mine were squared to 12.5 x 12.5 inch blocks. Ta Da! You will have some scraps left over, don't worry!

You will need 12 blocks altogether. 4 rows of 3 columns. Make sure the iron is HOT - you are going to need to press these babies for awhile. Also, play around with the layout. Using your quilt wall or floor, work these blocks in different directions and patterns. You don't want the rows to look alike. Mix it UP!

Obviously you want to play around with all of the blocks until you are satisfied and ready for the next step. You will want to add sashing strips in between each block and along the bottom to add some dimension. Start with the first row of three, and work in rows until you are done. Then, sew each row together with sashing in between.

Eventually you will want to add an additional border, batting, and binding to this beauty. Check out my 'Recent Projects' page for updated picture when this is completed. Soon Hopefully!


Sew Pretty! Hope you enjoyed these pictures and preview of what's to come.
Thank You

LMK

Now Open

Come one, Come ALL!

I am happy to announce my new Etsy store, "OwlTellYouSew" is now OPEN! 
I am super excited to share with all of you what I have been working on.

This has been a very long time coming, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome (sew far). It has been all around exciting and super hectic at the same time. I recently started writing this blog in October, and trying to learn more about social media, advertising, followers, etc...It has been a challenge to say the least. After many long hours...now is now!

I would like to encourage all of those whooooo are reading to submit any feedback! I am still learning, and would appreciate any and all forms of advice. I have a game plan going forward, but I am going to need the support from friends and family! Wanna know how you can help?

-My GOALS-

1. Blogger Attention

My blog is fairly new, and sometimes I wonder if its worth it? Whoooo Cares? But then I remember how much I love to make and create things! I am seriously obsessed. By having this blog, allows me to share my creative spirit, and show those whoooo might not care, that its fun and easy! I have been inspired by many of those who have been doing the same thing for a long-ass time. What keeps them going? These people are amazing artists, mothers, quilters, athletes, foodies, wine-drinkers, whatever it is...they are really good at what they do. That being said...Do what you LOVE!

It would be my honor to be mentioned in some of these bloggers posts! They have a huge, loyal following and can keep their followers coming back for more. Wow. Below are a few links to my all-time favorite bloggers! Whoooooo knows, you might find something you like?

A Bee in My Bonnet 
3and3quarters
VintageGrey Handmade
Cluckclucksew

SeekateSew

2. Local Shops

The minute I launched my Etsy store, I thought items would be flying off the shelves! Haha, was I wrong! You need to put in the long hours, hard work, and personal face-to-face time and effort. As a business entrepreneur, I know how important it is to actually see, touch, hold, and try on these items. You don't always get what you want, or get what you see necessarily? It is difficult to express the LOVE in handmade items through pictures. It just isn't the same. Kinda like dating sites? Which brings me to my next goal. Providing local shops with my baby clothing. I have noticed that more pop-up stores are coming to my area that are encouraging handcrafted goods and homemade items from locals to sell. Yaaas! I can't wait. For the next few months, all of the crochet baby rompers will be sold locally. That seems like a dream come true...

3. Craft Shows & Farmers Markets

Has anyone ever tried to sell an item at a craft show or farmers market? I have heard great things about this, but never had any interest. Until now! 

How much does a booth cost? 

What are people looking for?

Does it have to be food? 

What should I expect? 

I went to the infamous "Eastern Market" for the first time recently and was completely thrown off by how many people and things were there. The entire place is crawling with local artists, farmers, food trucks, flowers, and sew much more! I actually spent all day looking for a cookie jar, and finally found the most adorable apple jar hiding in the corner on the very top shelf. Since it was my birthday I was able to talk them down and get a great deal. I think being able to meet people that have the same ideas and goals in mind would be very inspiring and motivating. I love people, and could talk to a wall if I had too! 

This has been such a learning experience for me. I really enjoy the challenge and can't wait to see what comes of all of this? I am definitely going to aspire at meeting these three goals in the next few months. Most importantly, my connection with people. I need all of the support and followers I can get; and with the help of my closest friends, family and community, I will show all of my love in my work.

Thank you for reading, and stick around for more exciting news to come!
XO

LMK

Coming soon!

Well the time has finally come! This year I am launching my first baby clothing line on Etsy. It has been a long time coming, and many people have been asking me when will you start selling your stuff? I have had my apprehensions about whether or not it would be worth it? It takes a lot of love and attention to make something...as well as time. By starting an Etsy store, I know that everyone whooooo makes a purchase will appreciate my hard work and effort. Thank You!

My baby clothing line will comprise of all cute, handmade items that are all different colors, patterns, and themes. Perfect for new moms, baby shower gifts, and little ones. The inspiration comes from my closest friends and family that are soon-to-be mothers! The baby showers, nursery themes and overall need for handmade items never stops...so why not share with the world my talents and see what happens. 

It is sew much fun to go upstairs into my little sewing dungeon and work. It isn't work if you love what you do, right?! Sometimes it's better than going out with friends on a Friday night, lol. I am excited to show you all what I have been working on, and encourage you to leave feedback. Positive vibes only, please!

This is what started it all...these precious little rompers are adorable! Have you ever seen anything like it before? 

I started crocheting awhile ago and stopped when it became overwhelming. My hands would cramp, I'd sit on the couch for hours, visits to the chiropractor were weekly. It was rough. I still loved every minute of it though. I took a break when I received my first sewing machine for my birthday. This took on a whole new obsession! I started buying fabrics, quilting blankets, sewing bags, pillows, paper-piecing, etc...

Which has led me to these vintage baby bloomers! Sew easy to make, and the outcome is just too cute. I found the pattern throughout the Internet and in books. There are many different patterns out there, so experiment until you are comfortable with what works for you. I have never used bias tape or elastic before, but this would be a good start into making clothing. I even added my own, handmade labels!!! 

Once I have an idea or goal, there is nothing stopping me. I immerse myself completely...almost as if I'm learning another language. Creating and implementing new concepts is in my blood! I can't help it. 

 Follow my Instagram account @owltellyousew to see more pictures of my personal life. The picture above was an attempt at good Etsy branding; trying to market myself as a company. It has received a lot of likes and comments so far on social media. This was the very first crochet romper in grape created, and will be available for purchase soon!! Woooohooooo 

I have been working hard on branding my Etsy store by creating banners, pages, and of course my new blog! This has been a learning experience to say the least. For those of you whoooooo say, "It's too much work", "I don't have any time", "I can't make anything", you're wrong! With today's use of technology it makes it fairly convenient to be an entrepreneur. There are apps, webinars, videos, and blogs out there that have some words of wisdom and excellent tips to follow on becoming successful. 

Additional items to go with my clothing line are simple accessories such as headbands and bandana bibs. These make the perfect pair in baby fashion.

This bandana bib is the perfect accessory for all drooling babies. They are made with 100% cotton and cotton flannel backing, and are super soft! Made with snaps for extra comfort. These bibs can be worn anytime! If you don't want to ruin that nice dress, feeding is messy, it's cold outside, baby is teething, whatever the reason! Don't worry if the bib gets dirty, just throw it in the washing machine and tumble low to dry. Done! Not to mention, it's reversible! And this modern-girl owl pattern is super adorbs! I love it, don't you?!

Don't forget about headbands! 

Headbands have been a huge hit this past year for kids. Felt flowers, leather clips, and unicrowns to name a few. After making a few nylon felt headbands in the past, I needed to correlate cotton fabric to match the bloomers. Knot headbands came up and are easy to customize. 

This is a matching pink posey headband to go with the bloomers! It is adjustable and fits most babies with 15-18" head diameters. These are made with elastic for the perfect fit! 

This was my attempt at what they call, a "flatlay." Don't worry, I will try to be more creative. Just getting the right lighting is hard enough! By the way, it took me almost an entire day to wrap that yarn ball. Just kidding, not that long...but it sure felt like it! It happens to be exactly 18.5" in diameter. Perfect! 

That is just a sneak peek as what's to come! I hope you love these items, and look forward to the beginning of a new chapter and being apart of my experience. I am planning on launching my Etsy store on Valentine's Day! It is called, OwlTellYouSew and I am happy to call it my own. Keep an eye out for the launch day! Thank you, thank you for stopping by and come back soon.

XO

LMK