Progress of Samsura with flower hexies

I settled on a square layout for the Samsara quilt project. [Thanks to all of you who weighed in on the square vs. rectangular format.] It became a square flower bed and background for the English paper pieced hexagon flowers.

Samsara quilt with hexagon flowers (in progress).

After doing the threadwork on "Orange Cat," I'm considering it for this quilt. Gotta let the idea simmer a bit before it germinates.

Taking time for "Slow Quilting"

While the early October weather is blissfully pleasant outside and there is still daylight after the work day, take a break from the machines (sewing and computing) and relax with some hand piecing... no wi-fi, chargers or electrical cords required! 

Hexagons, or "hexies" are so in vogue these days. Remember the Grandmother's Flower Garden pattern? This is it all over again—but with fresh, new fabric prints. These hexie bits are going to be part of my Samsara quilt project.

Contemporary fabrics + English paper piecing = Slow Quilting Fun!

For most quilters, quilting is as much about the process as it is about the project. So, savor every stitch with English paper piecing and get your retro groove on with a few hexies... and a little slow quilting.

Note: You can get the hexagon paper templates at Paper Pieces [www.paperpieces.com] or plastic ones called Quilt Patis.

Working with the Samsara collection

I'm working with yardage from one of Blank Quilting's new fabric collections, Samsara. The word in Sanskrit means "the ever turning wheel of life." Here is the plum colorway that will be hitting YLQS (your local quilt shop) later this fall.

Samsara fabric collection by Blank Quilting.

The plum, aubergene, and eggplant hues are reminiscent of the wild asters and fall crysanthemums that are blooming this time of year. These colors contrast the goldenrod in the paisley print and energize the collection.

I chose the block from the Square Daze pattern by Robin Jones at Cottontail Quilts. It has a graphic feel and shows off the paisley print.

Blocks from Square Daze pattern by Cottontail Quilts.

The dilemma is whether to go for a rectangular or square layout. What do you think?

I plan to introduce a few other fabrics—both from the collection and from blender collections, Isadora and Desiree.

Samsura collection with blenders.
Botton, from left: Isadora (eggplant and lavender) and Desiree (dijon).

The Desiree (dijon) gives the palette a little brightness and snap! I've used Desiree for the setting triangles of Moon Garden. It's a versatile print.

But first, I need to settle on the layout. Thoughts?