Guess I extended the invitation for this past Sunday on too short a notice. We'll try again on the 1st.

As always, we can - and i'm sure we will - talk about all sorts of things this afternoon. as the chat goes along, though, i'll be posting photographs of the steps i take to machine stitch hexagons for the Grandmother's Garden. (nooooo ... you won't have to guess what they're about. i'll explain them, too. LOL)

The attached file does not include those photographs. it does include a supplies list and some templates. if you have all your patches ready by the time chat starts, you might have a finished block before it's over. assuming, of course, that you don't have toooooo far to run back and forth between your computer and your sewing machine.

my method is not unique and probably not the fastest because i rely on printed (or drawn) seam allowances. that means extra prep time beyond just cutting the hexagons. in the end, though, it's the fastest method for me. not having to worry so much about whether or not i'm sewing in the right place saves me ooooooodles of time. every other method i've tried so far takes me longer than it does to just stitch the stinkin' things by hand.

if you use them all, you'll end up with a 12-" square block, give or take a bit. that will depend on:

:?: the accuracy of the templates - which i haven't tested so i won't guarantee they're 100% exactly the right size
:?: whether or not you remember to turn off the page scaling when you print what you need
:?: how accurately you cut your patches and - if you're making them by hand instead of printing them - how accurately the seam allowances are drawn onto the backs of the patches
:?: will we hit that ever-elusive perfect 1/4" seam?

There are some rules. You are required to follow these rules to the letter if you want to participate in this part of the chat. They are:

1. RELAX!!!!!
2. DON'T OBSESS OVER WHETHER OR NOT EVERYTHING COMES OUT PRECISE AND PERFECT. THIS IS A PRACTICE BLOCK. IF IT'S TOO SMALL BUT OTHERWISE NICE ENOUGH TO USE, JUST ADD STRIPS TO THE OUTSIDE TO MAKE IT THE SIZE YOU WANT. IF IT'S TOO BIG, JUST CUT IT BACK TO THE SIZE YOU WANT.
3. RELAX!!!!!
4. HAVE FUN!!!!!

If you break any one of the above rules, the hem of your skirt will get stuck in your pantyhose or undies the next time you're someplace reeeelllly important and public. if you break more than one, you will either belch or something worse at the next most-worst-possible moment. if you break all four rules, you will not be able to find the most important fabric for your next project.
:shock: :mrgreen: 8) :wink:

Chat starts at 2, USA Eastern Time. Remember ... you don't have to play with us in Grandmother's Garden if you don't want to. It will be a regular chat, too, with some "class" thrown in as an extra. (For once i can say i'll have some class. WOOHOO!!! LOL)

We always find lots of different things to talk about. Just bring along your favorite beverage, maybe a snack, and DEFINITELY your sense of humor. :P

A beautiful pattern, but not sure if I am up to it. I printed itout but have a question :?: Didn't you add seam allowances...the dotted lines are sew :?: lines or we add them outside of them..........this will be fun.......could we do the same pattern making BIG hexagons :?: thanks :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

you should see two sets of lines on the templates. the outside is to cut along. the inside lines are to sew on.

if you don't see two sets of lines, you may have forgotten to click the "advanced" button before you printed in adobe acrobat reader. you need to put a checkmark next to "print as image" and select the highest resolution your printer offers.

you can make your hexagons any size you want. print the templates on paper. use your rotary ruler to add as much as you want outside each cutting line. (just don't forget to move the sewing line, too. :lol: :lol: )

i forgot to add two things to the supplies list:
- put in a new needle. a sharp needle makes a LOT of difference when machine stitiching hexagons - or anything else the involves Y-seams.
- straight pints.
- seam ripper

for those who CAN count, i forgot three. :oops: :lol: :shock:

you won't hurt my feelings, ruth, if you don't try digging this garden. feel free to just watch and laugh along with us as we plant our flowers. but i believe you ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY CAN do it if you just take your time and have a little faith in yourself. we aren't going to be taking fancy-shmancy uberquilter steps, here. very simple, basic. and i'll be giving detailed tips each step of the way.

Sounds like fun :D , but where is everybody, have I missed y'all :(

Thanks Patrice for the class, I was sooo happy to hear that it is rescheduled and that I can participate. Looking forward to learning how to kick the Y seams butt instead of it kicking mine :lol:

I'll be there, sounds like fun. I need alot of practice with Y-seams lol

You are the fabric Goddess!!! I've always wanted to learn this, so hopefully my granddaughter babysitting duties will not coincide with this class.

That's very kind of you to say :P

ok glad I get to do this one afterall I was sick all weekend.

I have everything you mention on the list except 1 I can't deside what I want for the straight pints. Don't know if I want some wiskey or maybe some rum.

Can we drink wine instead? Its a bit early in the day to start drinking, but if Patrice has ordered us to do this, I guess we shall!!!! :):) Do we have to keep our seams straight while drinking?