Oh my you are a brave lady! 1/2 inch hexies! It is so beautiful. I would imagine you have seen the Insanity Quilt? It to was made with .5 hexies, but I must say, your design layout is by far the best! I have done a few 1/2 inch hexie "flowers" to use on borders, and know I would not do a whole quilt with them! I use 1 inch, but have been considering 3/4 inch, if I live long enough. I like your idea of appliqueing the borders. And, I do think your beautiful quilt deserves to be hand quilted. Hoping to see more of this lovely WIP.