Portable Hexagon Quilt Project

Life takes many twists and turns doesn't it? Currently, I find myself in a position to be away from home about three weeks out of each month. The first few months of this lifestyle nearly drove me crazy, but as I have come to adjust to my circumstances, I realized that I needed to find projects that could be easily transported to keep my mind and hands busy. As I began researching the grandmother's flower garden pattern, I found a few wonderful websites that posted tips and instructions to make the process easier for me. In turn, I am hoping to post a few ideas of my own to pass along to others.

First of all, select the fabrics you wish to use for your project. Although many quilters use scraps for this pattern, I have chosen to use a stack of coordinating fabrics since my scrap supply at present is very low. This is the stack of fabrics I have chosen to use. They are various shades of burgandys, browns, and soft greens.

The first thing I did was to cut the fabrics into strips. Then I followed the step-by-step english paper piecing tutorial posted by Karen  (I found Karen's instructions to be very informative and helpful...so thank you Karen!)

Since I find myself in need of a portable project, I decided to iron the freezer paper patterns to my fabrics, and place the hexagons into plastic sandwich bags which can be easily sewn into the flowers I desire.

I found this wonderful tin at my local JoAnn Fabric store. It is produced by Frans and Porter . Although it is intended to be a sewing kit, with a few adjustments such as a sharp edged scissors and a bobbin full of thread, I have found it to be an ideal carrying case for a hexagon project . It can hold an entire flower inside and easily be carried in a purse.

Here is a photo of all the items placed inside the tin. Isn't this a great case?

So, as I begin the grandmother's flower garden journey, wouldn't you like to join me?