Originally Posted by sunflower sue

Honey, I just started my GFG. I have one block done. The one quilt I have of my grandmothers in good condition is a GFG. I love the pattern. I probably won't live long enough to finish it, but am going to try. I ordered the 1 1/4 precut shapes from paperpieces.com. I cut 3 1/2 " squares. I put the shape on the square and trim the corners etc. Then I baste all around and sew them together. I am using a Kona cotton yellow, it goes with the 30"s in the middle. Then I am using a darker color around it. Then the last row is a lighter color. When finished it makes a 11" block. You can actually reverse the color placement. I'd send a pic, but haven't learned how to do it using the computer. Good luck with your project, keep us updated. I usually work on mine at night in between redwork etc. It is a good project to take with you too. I am so happy others have the same love for the pattern. Happy sewing !

Originally Posted by Honey

I am looking ahead to winter (just for a minute). I want to paper piece a Grandmothers Flower Garden as my winters project. I really feel compelled to do this. Maybe because years ago my Grammy said that back in the day, you weren't consindered a real quilter until you made one. Is there a way to cut all of those hexigons without tracing and cutting all of them individually? Also, what is the best size hexigon to use for this. I would like to have at least 12" blocks when I am done. It is going to be a queen sized quilt when I am finished (maybe 10 years from now :oops: ) Seriously, I do want to get it done this winter. That is why I am starting the prep work now. If anyone has any other suggestions, I would really appreciate any help I can get. Thanks so much :thumbup: Sorry admin, this should have been in main, but don't know how to move it.

Originally Posted by maryv

I am in the process of making my first quilt and I picked out the Grandmother's Flower Garden - because I just love it. I purchased the precut hexagons to ensure the accuracy of all the pieces; they are 1" on each flat side. When I sew 3 rows the flower measures 8 3/4 x 8" - but I still have the border to put around each flower and haven't decided on a pathway or not. Are you going to applique them on a square? I cut out 2 1/2" squares for each hexagon. I also paper punched the hexagons - I will explain later. Center the hexagon on the fabric, fold over on a flat side hold with your thumb or place one pin there to hold it, fold over the corner and take 2 small stitches in the corner and continue all the way around, taking one stitch in each corner about 1/8" from the edge -- you don't have to stitch through the hexagon and by placing the hole in the paper hexagon makes it easier to stick a stick or crochet hook, anything in the hole to pull up and reuse. I also use another template to go around and make sure all the sides are equal. Trim the fabric on the back of the hexagon once you have sewed on another row. I have 68 flowers done and about 40 more to go - I don't know which ones I will actually use until I lay them out and take a look - I figured the extra ones will be used for pillow shams or something. I am real new to this and like I said I haven't completed a quilt yet, but this is fun and relaxing - Hope you can understand my instructions, if not please do not hesitate to let me know. I can ask my husband to take pictures if you think that would help. GOOD LUCK and ENJOY!!

Originally Posted by roselady

I have one (gmfg) in the process, though I haven't worked on it in quite awhile. I use the paper pieces that are precut. For the fabric, I found an ink pad and a stamp of the right size hexagon. They still need to be cut with scissors. I set the paper on the back of the fabric hex and glue (with fabric safe glue stick) the seam allowance to the paper. I sewed mine together in rows rather than flowers or blocks.

Originally Posted by Honchey

Hi,I have made my own templates from an acrylic hexagon. I started saving the lightweight cardstock inserts (reply postcards) in magazines and sometimes the Sunday paper inserts. The shiny inserts are too heavy I won't use them. Place the template on top of the cardstock--pick up both holding it firmly so that it doesn't slip- carefully cut along the sides of the template .A medium size scissor is the best size to use. Not the embroidery ones- the next size . I use a paper punch to make a hole in the middle of the paper hex so that it will be easy to remove after you have sewn the fabric onto the template. I have made them1.5" to 3". Stack several of them to see if they are the same. If you see that they aren't , you have to make sure that when you are cutting the card stock you are getting as close to the bottom edge of the template as possible.. I will take some photos tomorrow to show you how I do it. I made a over a thousand of them watching tv. I made alot of confetti doing it. You can start collecting the cards now. If you pm me your address I can send you some so you can get started. The great thing about this way is that it doesn't cost you anything ! Anne