Planning is one of my favorite aspects of the entire quilting process. Sometimes it’s wonderfully refreshing to sew without a plan and see where you end up, but planning and sketching and even dreaming about how a project might develop are inspiring activities too!
For quite a while I’ve been basting my hexagons without a real plan for finishing. While doing some studio cleaning this weekend I found a yellow polka dot fabric that just seemed to be the perfect center for my hexagon flowers. I stitched the aqua flower and then had to “audition” a few others.
So this is where I’m going…scrappy “same color” flowers all with yellow polka dot centers. Eventually I’ll join them with white hexagons. I’m hoping this will be a lap sized quilt, so I’ll definitely be basting more hexagons while starting to put the individual flowers together. I’m happy with this plan–and as I’ve been cleaning I’ve come up with some other plans, too!
What are your favorite ways to plan projects…it’s always so fun to hear what others are doing!
Have a wonderful weekend!
bmayer says
I rarely plan when I am quilting. If I DO, then I feel like I am done, and I dont bother making it. I like surprises!
•stephanie• says
that one will be a treasure for sure.
i love a little yellow in every quilt.
and polka dots!
Missy Shay says
I love the yellow polka dots, when I make my next hexagon quilt, I think I'll use all different yellow centers. I have only made a few quilts, but I seem to plan just one part at a time.
Anne says
I usually plan things by drawing them in a notebook. I don't always stick to the plan – heck, I rarely stick to the plan! – but that's often when things turn out best!
I love your wee yellow centres. They tie all those flowers together. :o)
Mama Pea says
That will be very cute. I think if I did something with hexies, that's what I'd try!
Tessa Marie says
I like to have a general idea of where I am heading and then select the fabrics and placement as I go. It sometimes backfires like the quilt I am doing right now…I ran out of fabric before I had enough blocks! So I had to improvise but I may like plan B even better! I adore your hexie flowers. The yellow dot centers mixed with aqua, green and red are so happy!
Cindy says
I usually start with a plan in mind, but have learned to be open to other options. So often the plan doesn't look anything like it did in my head. I actually love when that happens because an even better result emerges!
trish says
Your hexagons are so cute. :0)
I love the planning process too.
I just bought a new pack of markers
to play with some ideas on graph paper.
Trish xo
Lesley says
Your hexies are adorable…so fresh and bright! I don't plan a lot…I follow patterns that someone else has created using my fabric choices…sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! Have a great weekend!
Terry@ a quilting blog says
Love your hexies…the fabrics and colors are beautiful together! The only thing I like to plan when starting a new project is making sure I have enough fabric and thread handy to complete it.
Frog Quilter says
I plan by the seat of my pants. A lot of times the quilt will direct me… Love your hexes!!
Thimbleanna says
Looking pretty Sherri! I wish you'd do some planning for me — I just can't seem to get going!
Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts says
The yellow dot is perfect! Great choice!!
Karenkay says
I am also working on Hexi flowers, but for me its a slow process. I am making pink flowers, and it might turn into a baby quilt. We are waiting for our daughters next ultra sound to see what she is having. Love your hexi flowers!!
Lynn Koeppen says
Oh, these look lovely. The yellow dot is perfect!
I too love the planning. I drag out fabric and spread it everywhere. Then I stack and restack things to see how they look together!
carol l says
I don't do much planning because I try to buy kits and add on to the kit. I like the cutting and sewing of the project the best. Really like the fabric you picked for your hexi's.
Carol L
Polly says
I like to plan sometimes… like using crayons on graph paper…but not always! Sewing by the seat of your pants can be really freeing and fun!! But thank you for including us in your design and thought process on the hexies… I definitely need your guidance on them!!
Carla says
This is going to be so pretty!
MamaDaniel says
love the happy scrappy flowers.. thanks for the great ideas.. 😀
Barbara says
I love "hexies" but have never finished my project. Yours are so cute, makes me want to finish mine.
Siobhán says
That is going to be such a happy, fun quilt! Love the ideas for the center hexies. At the risk of sounding like an uber dork, I love to fall asleep thinking out quilt plans in my head.
Bari Jo says
I agree!! It is fun to plan things out and dream a little as you go! I REALLY liked the yellow polka dot idea for the centers… scrappy with all same centers – LOVE IT! I am going to file that idea away!!!! Yay! Thank you!