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!
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 UA-cam, 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 UA-cam 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
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. UA-cam 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 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.
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 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!
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 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! ❤❤❤
Congratulations Karen, your quilt is spectacular. What an interesting, informative video. Thank you for sharing your journey of this quilt with us and all your helpful experience. I have watched all your video and always learn some. Thank you once again Karen.
"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 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 😊
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 UA-cam, 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 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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
WOW! That was quite an undertaking! I'm glad it was you and not me making that one, not for me. I have a couple of slow stitching projects in my stash of UFOs. One is a Tumbling Blocks, which I have not touched in years. The other is a Hexagon, and both are scrappy 1800's reprints. The Hexi is totally not Grandmother's Flower Garden, but there are a few "flowers", with yellow centers, and a range of like color fabric prints surrounding them and a variety of green hexi's on their edges. One needs to really look to find them. Only 2 hexi's of each print were planned to be repeated in this one so it shows quite the accumulation in my stash of these fabrics. It is currently in "time out" as well.
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! 🌷
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.
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.
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! ❤
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.
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.
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 😍
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!💚💕❤️
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.👏♥️🇦🇺
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.
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
Hooray to you, Karen, for completing your quilt. Just watching the video made me dizzy. I think I’ll pass on making my own, but I will sit back and appreciate yours. Have a great cruise. You earned it.
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.
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.
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.
I have been following you on UA-cam 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!
Yes, thank you. Many people think it should only take as long as they would take to do another project. Making some quilts is a marathon in thinking , comparing, and thinking a bit more.
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.
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.
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'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.
Really looking forward to seeing the finished quilt. I think a lot of time and fun could be spent looking at all the different little pieces. Enjoy your holiday. Best wishes from Australia😊
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
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.
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.
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 UA-cam. Hat's off to you! I still haven't finished my 1st quilt...😂 ❤
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love how you share the stories of your quilts. Projects this big really do take on a life of their own. I love this quilt, and I have fallen in love with EPP, so I will probably have to buy the book myself!
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!
This is beautiful! Even the back looks wonderful and I always love your color combinations. I look forward to the reveal, and meanwhile have a great trip!
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.
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
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 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!
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!
I started a millefiori quilt from the book by Willyne Hammerstein in 2019 and am still working on it now and then. I've decided to make it a wall quilt, so I don't need quite as many rosettes. I've agonized over many of the things you mentioned, and you've given me things to thinks about. So far I've only finished 4 rosettes as I don't enjoy hand quilting that much. Maybe I'll finish it in a few more years. Enjoy your trip.
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.
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!
@@rachelhenderson5749 🤗
Me too, haven’t been in sewing room for a long time
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 UA-cam, 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 UA-cam 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.
👏Hang in there!
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
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. UA-cam 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 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.
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 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!
Thank you
At age 75 I am a new quilter. I will need to work on projects which I am able to complete in a more timely fashion. Your tips are very helpful!
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 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! ❤❤❤
Congratulations Karen, your quilt is spectacular. What an interesting, informative video. Thank you for sharing your journey of this quilt with us and all your helpful experience. I have watched all your video and always learn some. Thank you once again Karen.
Thank you so much. You have been watching this quilt being made for years. Nice to have it done
"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 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 😊
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 UA-cam, 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 appliqued them on squares and made a nice quilt, added some big print squares to the hexagon flower squares.
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.
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!
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!
thank you
Just get it done
😂quilts
Stunning work and far beyond my level of expertise. Congratulations on fulfilling your dream to get it done ✔ ❤
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!
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.
thank you
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.
WOW! That was quite an undertaking! I'm glad it was you and not me making that one, not for me. I have a couple of slow stitching projects in my stash of UFOs. One is a Tumbling Blocks, which I have not touched in years. The other is a Hexagon, and both are scrappy 1800's reprints. The Hexi is totally not Grandmother's Flower Garden, but there are a few "flowers", with yellow centers, and a range of like color fabric prints surrounding them and a variety of green hexi's on their edges. One needs to really look to find them. Only 2 hexi's of each print were planned to be repeated in this one so it shows quite the accumulation in my stash of these fabrics. It is currently in "time out" as well.
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! 🌷
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.
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.
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! ❤
🤗🤗🤗
Love your videos. I had to giggle cuz it took me almost 10 years to finish an embroidery quilt and just had to accept the final look.
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.
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.
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 😍
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!💚💕❤️
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.👏♥️🇦🇺
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.
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
I am now noticing all these pre-prepartion steps that we have to make before starting each step. It takes time
Hooray to you, Karen, for completing your quilt. Just watching the video made me dizzy. I think I’ll pass on making my own, but I will sit back and appreciate yours. Have a great cruise. You earned it.
Great video and excellent tips and advice. You are one of the most honest presenters I have seen. Very down to earth and practical.
I appreciate that!
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.
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.
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.
I have been following you on UA-cam 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
Wow, thank you!
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!
❤❤ Keep plugging along you're almost at the finish line. 😊😊😊 It's looking awesome, and your future grandchildren will love it. 😊😊 Enjoy the cruise.
Yes that does take awhile. So beautiful
Yes, thank you. Many people think it should only take as long as they would take to do another project. Making some quilts is a marathon in thinking , comparing, and thinking a bit more.
Wow! That's probably 1 I would have stuck in a box & said boy I can't finish that! Or just made a very small quilt. It's beautiful!
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.
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.
Have a wonderful time on yours
Great challenge well done. Persistent is verchal
Incredible Karen. I'll just enjoy yours because I won't live long enough to try something so incredibly beautiful but challenging.
Yes... it does take time
That's the definition of a labour of love.
Thank you Karen, Your labour of love for your grandchildren is so inspiring…looking forward to the reveal. Happy holidays. 😊
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'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.
Karen, your quilt is spectacular! Be proud!!
Really looking forward to seeing the finished quilt. I think a lot of time and fun could be spent looking at all the different little pieces. Enjoy your holiday. Best wishes from Australia😊
Wow it’s an incredible quilt ! A real labour of Love
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
Ta! Da! Better you than me. It is an amazing project. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks for the good tips. I just startet la Passacaglia Quilt.😊
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.
I was smrt to tell myself in the beginning that it was a 5 year project...took me eight but I never felt the big pressure of getting it finished
The level of skill here is incredible. I’m still working with basic hexagons but all your tips are valuable to that as well ❤
Congratulations on finishing your quilt
OMG! That quilt looks amazing, I cannot wait to see the reveal. It just looks like it is stunning, from what I saw on the long arm.
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.
Thank you so much!
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 UA-cam. Hat's off to you!
I still
haven't finished
my 1st quilt...😂
❤
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.
I love using wonder clips to hold my paper pieces. They cut the need for a death grip.
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.
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.
Karen, this quilt is absolutely gorgeous. Looking forward to the finished project.
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.
I love how you share the stories of your quilts. Projects this big really do take on a life of their own.
I love this quilt, and I have fallen in love with EPP, so I will probably have to buy the book myself!
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!
Thank you
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts of course! What I’m doing is NOTHING compared to your undertaking! I hope you have a wonderful cruise!
@@BEVERLYRANDOLPH-lx4qu comparisons are not allowed 😎As long as you are doing what makes you feel good is what counts
No comparison-point taken!!!! 😍
I love this video. I just started the SAME quilt pattern. I have a few sections done but your advice is very helpful as always.
My mind is blown!😟 Your patience is outstanding! 👏👏👏
small steps turn into big ones
This is beautiful! Even the back looks wonderful and I always love your color combinations. I look forward to the reveal, and meanwhile have a great trip!
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.
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
Will do!
It’s amazing! 😮 Thanks so sharing your experience!
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.
That is awesome!
That resulted in a beautiful quilt.
I am learning similar lessons on my first hand quilted large,quilt..for my brother. Almost done though!!!
Wonderful!
Amazing adventure, I think I will stick to finishing my machine piecing projects. Enjoy your cruise.
Have fun!
BIG congrats!!! Go girl!
Excellent video!!! This is astounding work and so beautiful. I admire you so.
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!
Have fun!
Wow what a beauty
Wise wise words. Learned heaps thank you
What a gift you are! thanks so much!
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!
You are so welcome!
Wow❤that is a mega project for sure! Love what I see here!😊
Awesome. You are doing it.I could not do that. I would have to pass the blocks on to someone else. Thank you for your journey
Great job on a major project! 😊👍☕️🍩
I started a millefiori quilt from the book by Willyne Hammerstein in 2019 and am still working on it now and then. I've decided to make it a wall quilt, so I don't need quite as many rosettes. I've agonized over many of the things you mentioned, and you've given me things to thinks about. So far I've only finished 4 rosettes as I don't enjoy hand quilting that much. Maybe I'll finish it in a few more years. Enjoy your trip.
I find there is a time for slow sewing. I really made it in many bursts. I week here, a month there. And it really helped me when my son was sick
Thank YOU!😅 CONGRATULATIONS
You are amazing with all the quilting you did .
Wow! Excellent work!
I have a couch toss pillow that fits perfectly under my arm while I sew or crochet. I just adjust it to what I’m doing.
Karen, your hair looks great
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.