I"m also addicted to hexies. I have been waiting since I was 15 yrs old to do one, and several years ago I decided to get into quilting after I retired. I made my first using 1.5 hex's and used my oldest daughters old clothes. She was very easy on her clothes, along with some from my high school dress's my mom made, and some of my mom's clothes and some new material. ( it's my avatar ). I didn't PP on that one. I traced the pattern on the back of the fabric and sewed on the traced line. Though the points are not 100 perfect. I didn't waste any fabric. Now I'm into 1" hex's using the 2.5 candies I get through swaps. Sew as I watch t.v. I am EPP these. Don't buy the PP, I cut them from photo paper. It's easier for me, a little thicker than paper and I have many box's from my Dad. So I'm using what I have.
As far as quilting. I HQ mine for I feel it goes with the pattern. Interesting to hear of many who love them and the different means to getting from point A to point Z. Great question.