Six-Sided Perfection / Beauties Pageant 4

I’ve made a few modern hexagon pillows—à la Modern Handcraft—to gift to friends recently. (See them here and here.) I had such fun basting and appliqueing the hexagons on those projects that I wanted to make something in the same vein for myself. I don’t need any pillows, though, and I realized a throw quilt with appliqued hexagons wasn’t super practical, so I came up with this ...

I have had this Essex Linen for a while, just waiting for an opportunity
to show it off.

The pattern is Anna Graham’s Market Bag, from her book Handmade Style. I made a Market Bag before, for my sister. With that first one, I used matchstick quilting and Pellon’s Décor Bond to interface the not-so-well-fitting lining. For this second one, I quilted a less-dense hexagon motif and interfaced with fusible fleece. I also took my time with the lining and made sure it fit well. This second bag doesn’t have the level of structure that the first one did, but I’ve already given it a test-drive, at my guild’s retreat. I give it two thumbs up.

The hexagons were made from a charm pack of Midnight Garden, by 1canoe2.

Note to my future self: I’m not 100% sure which way to go with a third Market Bag. Consider finding a compromise between bag 1 and bag 2, like matchstick quilting and the fusible fleece. In any event, this experience is testament to taking your time and getting the lining right. Your projects are worth it! Also: Definitely mark your quilting lines before you adhere the hexagons to the next pillow or bag; it makes the whole process saner.

I love this hanging pocket and the lining fabric, a Joel Dewberry print.

What are your recent triumphs at your sewing machine, friends? Bring out your beauties for the rest of us to see!

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