Love those totally scrappy flowers...was afraid that wouldn't work but I see it work great.......

I recommend getting a Clover Dome Thread Needle Case http://www.joann.com/clover-dome-thr...4&prefv1=false You can thread multiple needles and load them into this and there is no tangling. When you use all the thread on one needle, pull out a new threaded needle, place the empty needle in the case, and continue sewing. Once you have used all the threaded needles, you rethread and reload and you're ready to go. I also pretreat my thread with Thread Heaven before I load them in.

I use mine when I am doing hand work, red work, binding, applique.

Great ideas here for your hexie project. The only other thing I would suggest is to start now making a few hexies in a few different sizes to determine what you would be comfortable with. By doing that, you will also determine what you need to include in your "take along" bag/box. I use the zip lock bags usually. As someone mentioned, you can see what you are looking for. I print the papers and cut them out.........great mindless job while watching TV etc. I use one inch hexies, and cut 2 1/2 inch squares of fabric. Pin the paper to the square, then lop off the corners, leaving plenty for seam allowance.

Hoping all goes well with your surgery, and for a speedy recovery.

I use altoid tins for my tools, you'd be surprised what all can fit in there. Right now I'm hand sewing little houses and the tin has 1 spool of mettler thread, thread heaven, stork scissors and something else but I can't remember right now:)

I used to make them as raffle prizes when the Dear Janes had cyber retreats, too cute to be legal. for the project itself I use zip lock baggies.

When I was doing my little hexie project I took a print out of the hexie size I wanted and had Office Max print it on heavy cardstock. Cost next to nothing.

I knew it was a good idea to ask here! You guys are a treasure trove of information. :) Thanks for the different suggestions on trying different stitches to see which one I like best; that hadn't occurred to me and it would be a good thing to know before hand. And also to try out different sizes before hand and then get fabric cut out and ready so I don't need to worry about doing that when I'm recovering.

I will keep you guys posted! I have about 2 months to get stuff prepped and ready and do some practicing. :)

Sending good wishes for your forthcoming surgery!! Glad we have given you plenty of ideas!! Another little tip if you are making hexes into flower shapes keep all your middles the same colour( mine are all red but they could be ble,green yellow etc) It helps to even out your scraps!!

I wanted to mention this too, but couldn't remember the name! If you have a friend or relative who can thread needles for you, you might want to get two of these and load them up beforehand. When you use up one, hand it over to friend or relative to thread more needles for you! (That is, assuming you are like me and would find this task challenging when not feeling well.)

I also want to second the recommendation to keep all the centers the same color if you are doing scrappy. It really helps!

Regarding my description of cutting strips and using the Ardco template, I should add that I cut out the strips as usual about 4 layers of fabric at the time, then placed the Ardco template on the 4 layers. Two of the fabric sides matched two of the template sides. I used my rotary cutter to cut the other sides of the hexie. This went pretty fast, and I would *definitely* recommend cutting your hexies out before going to the hospital.

Definitely practice before hand, it needs to be mindless, by the time you have surgery. The brain won't work if you have to concentrate and figure it out after. I know, have had two surgeries since may 5. Cut plenty so you don't have to be up as well. Enjoy your handwork. Best wishes in your surgery as well.

I thread 10 to 12 needles right on the spool, a few at a time, with a needle threader. Wind a length of thread around the spool, put in the notch (or horizontal slit) to hold the needles. Then I can pull off one needle at a time with the length I need. Please be sure to let us know how you're doing, with the surgery and the sewing.

Last week I stopped at Joann's. They had 3 sizes of hex punches, and amazingly they weren't on sale, so I went home to print out a coupon. The next day I was running errands and found myself by Michael's. Sure enough, they had the exact same punches, the exact same price, and they accept Joann's coupons. :thumbup:

The smallest one would make about a half-inch size hexie, I'm guessing. I bought the largest one which has 1" sides.

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