Holy mackerel this was a big project. I am disappointed that I was not able to complete it before I left on my trip. But I have really tried not to rush through the quilting. I've spent 8 years making this quilt and it doesn't do me any favours to exhaust myself in the homestretch. If you have any questions about this quilt and project, please leave them beyond and I will be sure to answer them. Thank you Birch Living for sponsoring! Click here birchliving.com/quilts to get 25% off your Birch mattress (plus two free Eco-Rest pillows!) during their 4th of July Sale. Offers are subject to change. #birchliving
I went to an AirB&B in Jacksonville Florida that had such comfortable beds that I messaged them to ask what kind of mattress it was. It was a birch mattress.
I appreciate that you shared your journey and video even without completing the quilt! So many times I wait on projects for “the big finish” but then don’t allow enough time. I so appreciate your videos- I am a better quilter and have more fun because of them!
In 2020 at the age of 63, I started my sewing journey. I was a nurse and Covid was scary and I needed something to help my mental state. I decided to do 4 queen size story/memory/photo quilts totally hand sewn. One for my grand daughter and one for each of my three children. The blocks were irregular and the stories I wanted to tell, took my sewing wherever it led me. RU-vid became my teacher. My first quilt took 2 years and I was able to take it to South Africa for my granddaughter. I finished the quilt on the dining room table. I am now in Croatia where I am finishing the second quilt, on a trestle table under the stairs. Fortunately I have good lighting. I am busy now 20 months. I love that I’m hand sewing everything because I can take it to wherever I go. I find that I have to rest both forearms on the table and allow the weight of the quilts to rest on the table when the quilts get bigger. When I’m piecing small blocks I also use this practice,otherwise I get incredible pain in my left wrist at the pinky finger side. I find it so relaxing to just sit in the silence. I have two more quilts to go, I’ve discussed the design with my children, they have chosen their colours and I brought the fabrics with me for their centrepieces, which I’m hoping to start here in Croatia before we go home. To me, there is something about hand sewing that brings such joy, comfort and content,
I made this quilt and recently finished mine too! I started because 1) I love the circular symmetry (if that's the term) of the rosettes, and 2) I love hand-stitching and wanted a project that would take "forever" to stitch. To my surprise it didn't take forever, but the stitching did take 2 entire years. As you say, there was a certain amount of pre-quilt planning involved. As soon as I started, I realized I needed a detailed PLAN to avoid getting lost in the weeds. I organized 7 visually distinguishable groups of fabrics with colours in common across 2 or more groups and colours unique to each group. The groups are divided among the rosettes--I planned where to place each group before I started stitching. I think it's the most complex and challenging quilt I've ever made. I found a ton of inspiration and helpful info on Katja's New Hexagon Millefiori facebook group. I used almost all fabrics from my stash however I loved the effect of fussy cutting so much I bought yardage of Tula Pink and Kaffe Fasset specifically for the purpose of making pristine yardage into Swiss cheese. I'm nearly finished using up those scraps but the thought of all those wonky scraps still stresses me out a bit! I also altered some shapes by taping pieces together to make a larger puzzle piece in order to make use of fabric with larger motifs that I wanted to include but wouldn't fit otherwise. Bonus to this: it saved me a few seams. Yay! One thing that helped me so much in deciding on fabric placement was to lay out the whole puzzle of paper pieces for each rosette on the floor and play around with fabric choices/placement for a couple of days per rosette. I took pictures to compare different arrangements of fabrics, changed photos to black and white, studied value contrasts, and so on until I had an arrangement I was happy with. The icing on the cake was custom quilting the beautiful kaleidoscope patterns. It was an epic journey but I loved it so much. I'm so grateful to Katja for designing this fabulous quilt. Thanks, Karen, for this peek at your Millefiori journey! ❤❤❤
I remember something one of my teachers said in my younger years- she said that you shouldn't discard the old art, it shows your progress. So I think it's nice to be able to accept things and just finish the project, and show that you learned and grew along the way 😊
"Pre-cutting is really important" THANK YOU for the permission for this!!! And thank you (and other long-time quilters posting here) for talking about how long this project took!! Both of these concepts are so nice to hear for those of us who are not speedy quilters.
I have looked EPP videos for two years before I started sewing... I bought some fabrics, paper pieces, templates, other supplies, books and a couple of patterns two years ago - and looked at RU-vid, Google and Facebook. Then 11 months ago I had a Stroke... and looked at more videos! When I saw some Lucy Boston quilts I was hooked! Of course all my stuff is in my house and I am at my brother's house... I did had have fabrics, needles and threaf, but I went to JoAnns and got some Hexagons. So last week I started to sew! I have basted lots of hexies and I have sewed 6 flower fabrics to a center hexie - now I am trying to decide what I am going to make - make a placemat?
I was touched by so many things you said in this video. First, thank you for giving us all permission to take our time with the planning and learning stage. As a beginning quilter, I had begun to beat myself up for not making much yet, so I needed to hear it's okay. I also loved what you shared about testing motifs and checking values - lessons I am sure will save me from disappointing results in the future. Have a great time on the cruise! Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.
Sometimes I find myself setting an artificial deadline on a piece of the work, but later I realized the deadline was not set for any good reason. Now I try to set goal points for each part of the project but not beat myself up if life happens and I don’t make the goal. Forgive yourself.
Karen, I’ve been having trouble getting back into my sewing room lately. I know it is the time of year that is causing it. My grandma and mom both passed around this time of year and it’s become a difficult time for me. Today, I was watching RU-vid, which is my favorite pastime, and found your video! Although I absolutely love ALL of your videos, for some reason this one on this day motivated me to pick up my EPP project and work on it. I haven’t touched it in a couple months. I’m hoping that tomorrow, I’ll be motivated to get in my sewing room and finish a quilt I need to have completed by September 1. I can’t tell you why you had such a huge impact today but I felt compelled to let you know, the quilting knowledge you provide is invaluable but for me today, the emotional support I felt from you was absolutely priceless! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!❤😊
I have said many times that what I appreciate most about ALL of Karen’s videos is how SUPPORTIVE she is for all of us out here. You just experienced that! It’s great, isn’t it!
Sometimes it is just helpful to have a familiar voice. I have had different RU-vid channels help through depression episodes because they were familiar and the videos are always available. Then I could start the confusing sewing project, or go through the mound of paperwork or dishes. Karen has similarity to each video. Sort of the cadence and structure of presenting. So it is familiar no matter the quilting topic.
Slow sewing is just the thing you need to let your brain relax. It allows you to sort through feelings and memories as well as thinking about what is to come. It has allowed me to weather some storms and i hope that it will allow you to do the same.
I really love this loooong project Karen. And I can't wait to see it completed. I'm a super impatient person. You inspire me to do more slow sewing. Ive made a lot of hexagons and it's kind of addictive . It forces me to slow down. Thankyou for this video
You are definitely the Queen Bee! Thank you for another honest reveal of your feelings and experiences in the world of quilting. A world I only began experiencing two years ago with your help. Thank you for sharing. Stay Calm and Keep on Needling!
Have been anxiously awaiting this finished quilt but you are absolutely right not to rush it for a deadline. It deserves your undivided attention. We’ll be here when you’re ready!💚💕❤️
I have been following you on RU-vid for a couple of years. When I saw your post I could hardly wait to view this video. You my friend, did not disappoint. We are 2100 miles from home and have given me inspiration to ponder as I try my best to be a good passenger for the reminder of our trip. Bless you my dear. I look forward to your quilted finish in the future. VTY, Jane
I have been making hexagon pieces into Grandmother's flower garden flowers during our annual trips west every year. 5 days driving each way is a lot of hours. It takes me about 90 minutes to complete one. The hexies are 1 1/2” and the flowers measure 9” across. I make about 25 stitches on each hexie seam. I now have 48 flowers that I will be sewing onto 11 1/2 “ squares so I can make a quilt for my 22yr old granddaughter who fell in love with the flowers. At age 78 I decided making the quilt this way will give a better chance I can finish it rather than the usual GFG quilt. I’m so happy to know it will be loved!
Please relax and enjoy your trip. I am going on my first quilting cruise in August. I was so overwelmed watching this video. I am 77 and a new quilter. I have sewn since before High School but this is so different. I love watching you videos and have learned so much and look forward to learning more. Have a wonderful trip.
I definitely don't have the patience for just about anything connected with such a quilt, but I love watching your struggles/triumphs with it. The final quilt will be spectacular.
What an epic project! 👏👏👏 We all continue to "evolve" as quilters and a multi year project sure makes that evident. Beautiful quilt, can't wait for the reveal 😍
2:36 just spent 6-8 days deciding on layout, colors, etc..on a simple wallhanging. Thank you for stating that planning/colors are essential part of starting our quilts. Very helpful
Wow, that is one humongous quilt! And it’s turning out beautifully! Some projects just take time. I look forward to seeing how you quilt it. No rush. Have a wonderful cruise! 🌷
Congratulations on getting to the end of this massive project. Such a beautiful quilt and the negatives all take a back seat when you see your achievements.👏♥️🇦🇺
Splicing: I actually just did that an hour ago! The last border went on and the border prior, for some reason, was not straight across and I was m issing a 1/4 inch!..so I went into the garbage, found a small length, sewed it on... resquared that border...and now the Spliced piece will be mostly hidden with the binding!
Love this video! It is what it is! My Dear Jane is my journey to a never ending quilt. Change the block! Oh no I'm breaking a rule... but am I. I'm coming to peace (or piece) with it is what it is has a good sound to it. I love seeing your journey on this quilt. I even may recognise some fabric purchases. Have a great time on your trip.
A lot of the problems you described with this quilt are due to lack of experience with EPP. I know this because I’ve made exactly the same mistakes and had exactly the same issues in my EPP journey. It’s amazing the things we learn as we progress along the various quilting roads. Someone may be an expert in one field and although lots of the knowledge and skills are transferable not all are.
I loved your story about making this quilt so much. Your candid comments - honesty on every bit of this journey - wow - just wonderfully inspiring and so relatable! How many times I thought of something similar as a worked my way, in my own way. thought the journey of making a quilt. I can't wait to see how you custom quilt this; Have a great trip on your cruise! Mavis
I am so happy Katja is becoming more well known! Her family had a big influence on sewing in my family when i was growing up, and i still remember my mom taking lessons at her first store and i would play in the button bins during the classes. The long thread comment reminded me of my younger self and being told by Katja's mom " Only lazy people use a long thread!". I still hear her saying it everytime i hand sew.
That quilt came out nice. It seems like a big undertaking. I'm glad you said it took so long on your quilts to get done made me feel better. Enjoy your trip. I love your tutorial's teaching everything you do.
Can’t wait to see the finished quilt. What a beautiful labor of love 💕 I can only imagine how much fun your grandkids will enjoy it. Thanks for sharing this amazing quilt Karen.
Great video and I enjoyed your honest opinions about your quilt. The video should be a great help to me, as I have just started a milliflore quilt with very small pieces and hand cut papers. I started to use left over fabric from another quilt. It is mainly blue and creams , so I will check my values. It will be interesting to see how you are going to quilt it, as that will be my next problem in another year or twos time! I will look forward to your next video. Thank you.
Karen, what an amazing project and accomplishment! It is beautiful and I look forward to seeing the completed project when you return from your trip and have the time to do it. Have a great time, relax and enjoy yourself, you certainly deserve it. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it. Never miss one of your videos.
I was so thrilled to see this video!! I, too, have started this project! Haven't finished the first rosette, but I will be doing things very differently for the rest of them! Had no idea about value (first rosette will have to stay as is though!). Thanks for the inspiration, information, and motivation! Love all of your videos!
My first quilt was 30 years in the making. I finally finished it after joining a quilt guild and we had a UFO challenge. It was pieced from leftover shirting when I had made shirts for my father in law, husband, and 3 year old son. Originally it was supposed to be hand quilted, but between work, school, and raising a family, I took out a block once in a while, stitched a bit, and then put it back into the drawer. Once I finally got going on it, I got new sashing and border fabric, was delighted to find a matching piece of shirting for the backing, machine pieced and machine quilted and it was done.
Your teaching about value changed my world! ❤❤❤. Thanks for sharing all your lessons! Wonderful. And what a joy to be done with the hard part. I love #10 best of all.
When I cut the papers for my Tumbling Blocks quilt, started likely over a decade ago, and not worked on lately, I measured the template in the book, then with my cutting mat, ruler and an exacto knife, I cut the card stock for this.
I just found your channel and am delighted to have come across someone who looks at quilting the way I do, especially the pre-cutting phase where I research and learn before diving in. I’m just now starting to paper piece again, including deciding which projects I want to pick back up to finish and which taught me the lessons I needed but can be let go. It’s time to make quilts the way I want them to look and I can see I’ll be spending a lot of happy time with your tutorials.
Just a thought Karen, on a crochet channel I saw a crescent shaped pillow like the ones for nursing, being used like your pillow only it supports both arms. Just a thought for your next project.
I'm in the home run on my eighth EPP hexagon quilt. Two things I've learned over the years: use wax or thread conditioner on your piecing and quilting threads, and take the papers out as you go, or the quilt you're working on will be stiff and unwieldy. I too buy my papers, but I reuse them until they are too soft and the corners are too rounded to be useful. I also hand quilt my hexie quilts, on a table with the quilt rolled up to provide tension. Works for me! I enjoy your channel a lot, I love your use of colour.
Very nice! I started my first ever EPP in August of 2020. It’s just regular hexies in rainbow color sections but I’m enjoying it. After almost 2 years I am a little over half done with the top.
I’ve been working on the same (challenging) quilt since January. That’s a long time for me! I’m continuing to slog through it. The good news is that I’ve enjoyed the challenges of changing things into modern construction techniques and using ALL my tools! Flying geese (64 of them!), square-in-square, economy blocks, Mary’s triangles, birds-in-air-gracious! But I’ve found ways to make each block in a more reasonable fashion than “cut 2 7/8-inch triangle.” Well, you get the picture! Plan for next quilt: EASIER! Your mille fiore is gorgeous-and WHAT an accomplishment! Well done!
I love your quilt. I've tried epp and it isn't for me. I admire those who forge on. The results are gorgeous 🤩. Thanks for sharing the journey with us. Enjoy your cruise.
I love seeing the completion of some of your long running projects. (Okay, nearly complete 😊 } Thank you for doing a lessons learned, I find it very helpful. Have a great trip!
It's stunning! I'll bet you have a way more fulfilling career with your creativity/expertise and doing what you love than you ever had in the corporate world! Also, learning how to finesse camera, audio & the business side of RU-vid. Hat's off to you! I still haven't finished my 1st quilt...😂 ❤
Can’t wait to see it completed!! I can envision myself making this quilt as I am taking my time making Smitten which is all EPP & I absolutely love the process! And I’m nearly done with my Eomer hexi quilt, though I took a hiatus with only 12 blocks to go! From what you showed us in this video, your millefiori quilt looks amazing!!
It would be great if you did a video on the custom quilting. I have been working on the LaPas for 3 or 4 years and am stressing about how to quilt it. You’ve made a gorgeous heirloom. Can’t wait to see it done
Question and kudos. When quilted your EPP do you plan to do any stitching in the ditch? At the end you were doing ruler work, and I was wondering. In my group of quilters, I mention you often and usually with your opening lines. Several in the group are fans and several don't get our enthusiasm. One of the latter group called me and told me she finally listened to one of your posts and is now hooked. She was so excited; you have a wonderful way of presenting topics that makes watching your videos addictive. Thanks for being a part of what I enjoy about quilting.
My hands ache when doing embroidery or quilt binding (thanks, arthritis and old age!). I now use fingerless compression gloves (made for working out in the weight room). They also have grips on the palms so I use them when machine quilting on my Sweet 16. The gloves I have are also have copper in them. I don't know if that really helps, but it's better than snake oil. I highly recommend this type of glove for handwork. There are several brands on Amazon.
I got so excited watching this video, I have just finished a 10 year hexagon quilt, have the paper piecing cut papers for the millefioria quilt this video is about and have done the quilt from the hexagon book you were looking at.I also learnt so much about colours that I am moving on to your colour therapy videos. The next excitement for me was the solids quilt behind you I have a massive stash of solids having done several Elizabeth Hartman quilts. Do you have a pattern or video for the background quilt.
I'm so thankful for my cricut cutting machine. I should really try out the magnet trick. I don't know if I would have the patience for one with all of the different types of pieces. I have a 1" hexagan going and a plus quilt one. I do wanna try out the gem around a hexagon to make a flower looking section. OMG yes!! Taking anything apart is SO HARD Lol. Mine are thread basted so they will take a bit of time to remove. Does the long-arm handle all of those seams with ease or does it struggle a bit? I quilt on a domestic machine and worry how it will handle those. It's going to be beautiful for sure when it's completed...I can tell.
Acceptance!!?? Its gorgeous from what I can see!! Why as quilters are we so hard on ourselves!! Karen I wish you could see it through my eyes!! The things you make are amazing! ❤
Can I ask why you did not remove papers as you went along and reuse them? You only need papers next to the ones you are sewing. I find I can use the same papers several times.
Fuimos creados a semejanza de Dios... me imagino q el gen que corre por tus venas fue el mismo que usó Dios Padre cuando se entretenía en uno de esos 7 días de la creación... cómo has de disfrutar los atardeceres, los colores entre las hojas de los árboles, la luz de los ojos de un alma , el brillo de una sonrisa... y lo coses todo en un abrazo de manta... cada color un sentimiento, una emoción, el santo deseo del descanso nocturno para la persona amada... En fin. Amo y disfruto mucho tu pasión en todas sus facetas, en cada etapa. Dios siga bendiciendo tus sueños, tu familia, tus proyectos, tu imaginación. Y que el don de consejo siga brillando y tocando a muchos, como a mi, asiéndonos hacia la cordura con "tips, tricks, and strategies" que a veces rebasan las paredes de mi cuarto de costura. Te mando un abrazo, y una oración por tu fe, por tu esperanza, por tu familia, por tu creatividad, por tu salud y la de los tuyos. Gracias por compartir lo que eres y haces. Hasta pronto.
I have to disagree as to your quilt... I find it borders on somewhat garish. That is not wrong or off putting, it's just my take on the finished quilt. I agree with your total post, this is just what my mind sees. Since I create my own "kits" & how my brain works, tops I make are very easy to start. Colour is my least block, picking a pattern can take me forever. Also no one in my family or friends wants a quilt or my hooked rugs, so they will go to Goidwill or whatever. I'm glad you family enjoys your work.
This first year of my retirement I finally have time to work on problems from my past and am writing out "a fearless moral inventory." I saved a quote from this video for my inspirational quote file because it can apply to so many of life's areas: "It finally took coming to terms with my younger self and accepting it is what it is."
I am 71 years old and a self taught quilter, having learned from watching and helping other women work on their projects. This was before computers and youtube, and I was in my late 20 or early 30s. Then about 5 years ago I came across your channel. I have watched all your videos and I love them! You have taught me everything! When I turned 70 I had about 3 UFOs and decided it was now or never and used the knowledge and tips you taught to finish them. You give me courage, you inspire me, and I am so very grateful. Thank you! I think your hexagon quilt is gorgeous and you deserve a medal for finishing it! I cannot tell you how much your videos have enriched my life.
I tried EPP once on a road trip. Was never wow-ed with the results and after 2 years as a UFO - I gave it away. I find your milifiore just beautiful and impressive.
Your grandchildren are going to love this. The whimsy that you added will make it a well loved quilt even if sometimes the gradation of color values doesn’t satisfy you. I have grandchildren of my own and they love looking at Tula Pink fabrics and animals so I know this is perfect!
SIXTEEEEEN stitches per INCH???? You WIN! I don't care what else you've done, this tops it all )))))). That's welded cloth, welded thread, atomic level work!! We curtsey in your specific direction. I need a nap now. )))
I think it’s quite appropriate that a mattress company has sponsored you, a quilt creator. I have been saving up to replace my oldest son’s current mattress with something he will be able to take with him when he moves out. The one he has now is on the way out. This hexagon quilt is a project of epic proportions and you truly knocked it out of the park!
I actually have unfinished projects from high school (crocheting, knitting, and needlepoint)! Now -- 50 years later -- I'm retired, and see this as an opportunity to finish them, or discard them. After holding to them all these years, it will be hard to do the latter! But your videos have given me the inspiration to move forward, one way or the other!
I have Thrifted partial quilt blocks...someone decided to 'let go' and let someone else be inspired by them! I use them in my Charity Quilts...don't be afraid to donate! Let go of the guilt, the pressure, etc...that you have to finish them...they probably, after 50 years, are not your style, colors...or give you joy/inspiration to continue with them...just my 2 cents!
Another incredible quilt! Just wow. Together with the zillion scrap quilt you have finished 2 incredible quilts this year. Huge kudos to you Karen. I think a break from quilting will be rejuvenating while you refresh and have fun on your quilt trip. Enjoy your trip away.
I highly recommend Inklingo over English paper piecing. There's no paper, and you can do it with a simple straight stitch or even hybrid (machine and hand sewing). There is less waste based on the way it's done but there can be some waste. I think everyone should hand piece at least 1 quilt in their life, if they enjoy making quilts. Bravo to you for getting it done.
I admire the intricacy and your commitment to this gorgeous piece. Congratulations on finishing the top. The quilting will take it over the top I'm sure. Appreciate you sharing this journey.
Karen, the quilt is beautiful. I started Lucy Boston in June 2022. It's a slow process. I'm almost half way. Thank you for all of your tips. I definitely need to lay my blocks out and take a picture to look at the color placement. Thanks for the reminder. I can't wait to see your quilt quilted. How are you finishing off the edges since they are turned under from the shapes of the papers? Thanks for always being eager to share the good and the mistake of what you are learning so that we can learn as well. Enjoy your trip.
Working on a paper pieced quilt by Jen Kingwell. Plenty of seam ripping, changing my mind on sashing tones, etc. Wish I had seen this before I started. But it will be what it is. And I have realized it is my therapy quilt and I will love it no matter what. Thanks for another lovely video!
Hi Karen, I enjoy a lot of your videos even though I don't quilt. Ironically, your quilting observations work well with my website design issues. My one memory with a large website project was the summer of 2009 when my husband wanted to acquire photos from his high school's yearbook collection. The librarian told us she would not be available for the summer, but we could borrow the entire collection for the summer (!!). So, off I went to pick up these volumes and begin scanning every page of every book I acquired. My daughter also stepped in to help, but we were limited by her summer vacation time as well as our own vacation plans. Also, not every year was available in the collection, and some volumes had pages cut out to create future yearbooks. This required a spreadsheet of notes showing the pages that had to be replaced by finding them at the community's local library or museum. Only the library would allow me to scan their collection. We also accepted volumes from alumni, which we then returned to them within a couple of weeks. Eighty volumes were scanned that summer, but we couldn't finish before my daughter returned to school, so I scanned the last 50 or so pages that were left. Each page was scanned and numbered separately, and then all of them were merged into a single document to be added to the website. Two volumes were posted every day, which was essential to keep up with our schedule. I continued to do this until my husband's passing. Unfortunately, I have had a series of setbacks with life and health, but I am finally on schedule to make this project of scanning yearbooks happen. I also have historical articles about the school, the district, the community, and the people to add to the system. This will also require some organization. If I ever get through this, I do want to try making some small quilting projects using your bonus blocks, such as the hug and kiss mentioned in one of your videos. Thanks again for all you do, and keep up the good work.
A great discussion on patience when making a long term project. Sometimes one has to GET REAL and just chill out, enjoy the pro ess, reap the benefits that come with accomplishment. Thanks for presenting your outlook and experience.
