As you may have guessed from the title, Hexa-Go-Go is all about projects featuring hexagons! Never tackled hexagons (or, as many quilters like to call them, "hexies") before? Have no fear. For the uninitiated, Tacha begins the book with a robust, 15-page section that takes the reader step-by-step through the process of English Paper Piecing. For more experienced paper piecers, the book contains a variety of projects that are sure to inspire sewists to put their hexagons to use in fresh, unique ways.
This is Tacha's first book but, based on the high quality of Hexa-Go-Go, I predict it won't be her last. Tacha is an amazing quilter and crafter, and both her style and skill are presented beautifully in this book. Tacha is one of those talented crafters whose fabric choices and original patterns reflect the eye of a modern quilter, but who simultaneously pays homage to the history and traditions of quilting. The result is a beautiful book that is sure to become a classic!
I've made no secret of my (ahem) distaste for hand sewing. Little did I know that my first attempt at the technique -- a quilting bee block for Tacha that I made years ago -- would actually make its way into a book! See the quilt above? Tacha included blocks made by several members of the Bee Inspired quilting bee into the original Over the Rainbow quilt pattern.
Who knew that hexagon blocks could be so versatile? Tacha ingeniously organized the book's 16 quilt projects into 5 categories: rosettes, diamonds, stars, blocks, and free form. But my favorite projects by far are the two flag quilts that Tacha designed: the Stars & Stripes quilt (above), and the Union Jack quilt (below). I think the Stars & Stripes quilt would look amazing hanging in my living room. Just sayin', Tach. : )
The Argyle Quilt (below) is another favorite.
Tacha and my friends at C&T / Stash Books are offering one lucky Quilt Dad reader their very own copy of Hexa-Go-Go. Simply leave a comment on this post and tell me your experiences with English Paper Piecing. Have you ever done it before? Do you enjoy it? What's your favorite project you've made with hexagons? I'll randomly select a winner next week.
The fine print: US-based winners will receive a hard copy of the book, while international winners will receive a digital e-book.
** NOTE: THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST! **
The full list of stops on this fun tour can be found over on the Fat Quarterly site. Be sure to visit all of the stops to increase your chances of winning!
I swore never again after doing a GFG quilt. But Katy's QAL convinced me otherwise so I'm at it again!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried this technique, although I've been seeing lots of hexie posts, and it's very tempting!
ReplyDeleteI have tried it, but only for small projects -- pouches, so far. I would love to get this book and try one of these larger projects!
ReplyDeleteI love epp and hexagons in particular... I've actually got 3 hexie projects going at the moment, including one that's very sexy!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love the patterns. all the possibilities you can do with Hexies sooo cute!esp the rainbow one.
ReplyDeleteSou totalmente viciada.Mesmo assim gostaria de ganhar.Obrigada.tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI've been resisting so far, but this book could get me started on a hexie quilt.
ReplyDeleteI've done some EPP, just to try it out. I'm a hexagon junkie (collector) and I've made quite a few pieces using hexagons, most often as fusible applique. Thanks, John!
ReplyDeleteI've not tried it yet, but am loving that argyle quilt.
ReplyDeleteI've never done EPP, but hexies make me want to learn!
ReplyDeleteI sew love the look of hexies, the book is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried EPP either, but after seeing these patterns, I would love to!
ReplyDeleteEnglish paper piecing was the first quilting technique my mum taught me. I was about twelve and we did a massive scrappy hexagon quilt. I loved it and am still quilting away - but my stitching was so horrendous that all the sewing I did is breaking apart, while Mum's continues to be perfect. I think I may have to get this book - love the Union Jack one.
ReplyDeleteI have tried a littlre bit of EPP. I love it but rather have not much time - but once I start it's hard to stop..My next project would be something small - so that i could get it finish - instant gratification. maybe a purse with hexies!
ReplyDeleteI do like a bit of EPP, Tacha has changed my thoughts on hexagons, they can do a lot more than I thought!
ReplyDeleteHaven't tried it before, but I desperately want to make that glorious rainbow hexie quilt
ReplyDeleteI love EPP. I love that it is so versatile and it's also very portable, great for taking with me when I'm playing taxi service for the kids!
ReplyDeleteA week or so ago I made a ball out of EPP hexagons and pentagons, I think it is my favourite EPP make so far. http://stitchingupastorm.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/amazeballs.html
Tacha's book looks wonderful, thanks for the chance to win :-)
im new to EPP, but i'm excited to learn, these projects are gorgeous i'd love to win!
ReplyDeleteafter FQR I got back into hexies (i'd made a few grandmothers garden blocks before) and am loving how portable they are, glue basting has been my great breakthrough cos it means less hand sewing WAY YAY !!!
ReplyDeleteI love EEP. :) I am currently working on several EEP projects including a free-form block quilt made with hexies. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteDid some hexagon flowers in one of my first ever projects, a sampler quilt. According to the tutor, Ngaire Brooks, I did a good job at hand piecing but with three kids and work the handwork takes more time than this busy girl usually has lol. Would love to get my hands at the book though, the pics promise a modern take and might entice me to try again :-)
ReplyDeleteI was inspired to try hexies by Gail's projects in her blog I Think Sew. I made a bunch of 3/4" hexies and sewed them together to make solid fabric. Then I proceeded to make a zipper pouch a la The Plaid Scottie. Turned out pretty well. Now I am planning a pink and brown quilt inspired by Hexie Redux made by Caroline on Trillium - a very pretty design.
ReplyDeleteI have never made a hexagon quilt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
I feel a hexagon happening heading my way! These patterns are lovely!
ReplyDeleteI see that our block was featured from our Bee Inspired group, that is pretty cool, I surely didn't know that way back then. I so want a copy of this book, I have some hexies going, out of Cotton Blossoms by Bonnie and Camille, but I have yet to figure out what to do with them. I want to make a quilt with all my Bonnie and Camille fabric, maybe something in this book would be a good idea, now I just need to get my hands on a copy of it :D
ReplyDeleteI tried a hexie block for a Craftsy BOM, and I thought I would not like it, but actually enjoyed the whole EPP for the block. This book looks like it could make me a full on hexie convert!
ReplyDeleteI've just started with hexies and I LOVE them. I may never machine piece again. I'd love to see some more of the inspiration in this book. The argyle quilt has my wheels turning already.
ReplyDeleteLove working on hexies - EPP is nice and portable!
ReplyDeleteOne of the firat things I tried as a quilter was cut a whole lot of hexagons out of charm squares to machine piece because several bloggers said how easy it was. It wasn't....Those hexies have since sat in a plastic bag for 2 years. I would love to have inspiration like this book to pull those hexies back out.
ReplyDeleteI have only done one Hexagon project and that is the one that I started at the Fat Quarterly Retreat! I love making the hexagons but sewing them together takes so long. But it is a good take-it-with-you project. I have got it up to pillow size, so now I just have to square it off and get a backing onto it x
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with English paper piecing. But it is something on my to do list to try it sometime. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried it before but would love to give it a go with a little guidance. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to try some of these quilts. This book is going on my list...
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely book. Am I brave enough to try hexagons? I think I am - I've seen so many amazing things made with them that this book would encourage me to be brave :) Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI always have a stack of fabric and hexie papers beside me when I watch (or listen to) TV. They are addicting.
ReplyDeleteI've never paper pieced anything, but I'd learn it for that quilt on the cover!
ReplyDeleteI started making hexagons early this summer as an easy to take with me project. I have exactly one made and summer is over. I have seen Tacha's book and love it. Such beautiful patterns! Thanks for a chance to win my own copy.
ReplyDeleteI have done a few very small epp hexagon projects but I'd like to trying something bigger.
ReplyDeleteI have an on-going hexagon/grandmother's flower garden project . . . I think I'm on the 10-year plan for getting it finished. That American flag quilt is to die for. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI've never made a hexagon project. I always think they look so gorgeous but I am not so patient. I keep thinking I should try, though!
ReplyDeleteLove the hexies! I have two projects going on using 1" and 3/4" sizes. EPP is so addicting and so much easier to carry around than my one hand quilting project that I started about 6 years ago. I also love that I can use scraps!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on a EPP hexagon wall hanging with vintage sheets. Hopefully, I'll get it done someday!
ReplyDeleteI haven't done much EPP (I usually prefer to hand piece) but I'm slowly getting into it - it's hard on the hands though!! I love that Union flag quilt!
ReplyDeleteI have not done English paper piecing, but my dream quilt is Grandmother's Flower Garden. I feel like this book would be a great way to introduce myself to the technique for the day when I am brave enough to make Grandmother's FG.
ReplyDeleteI've recently caught the hexagon bug, and I'm really enjoying having a project on the go all the time. My favorite project is this bolster pillow I made for my daughter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/freaknoodles/sets/72157631367471224/
ReplyDeleteI've been working on a set of hexagons for about a year and a half; I had a quilt design in mind, but after seeing the book I think I might be changing my mind about what to do with those hexies. The designs in this book are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love sewing hexies and finally will have one of my projects finish soon. Another right behind it. I love how soothing it takes me and the craft that was given to us before sewing machines or those who could afford them. Thanks for sharing and love your quilt....Judith, Texas
ReplyDeleteI've not tried hexies, but I so want to! This book looks amazing, every time I see it I want to try it more!
ReplyDeleteI love the Over the Rainbow quilt and would love to win!
ReplyDeleteI love to piece hexies while watching TV. I'm working on a project now using 30s reproduction fabrics but I'm not sure what it will end up being yet.
ReplyDeleteI have seriously been eyeing this book up for a while!! Love then fresh take on a very traditional form of quilting. PICK ME PICK ME!! lol
ReplyDeleteI recently did my first hexagon piecing in an online Block of the Month. It was fun and I am amazed at all the designs you can create with hexagons. Thanks for opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI have never done hand piecing before, but I'd love to learn! Those quilts are all so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it! It is one of my very first experiences into quilting, and I'm hooked. I'm struggling to get it finished as I am on the hand quilting portion of it, and I want so much to move on to other quilts that I am in love with as I browse blog land. I just had to put it up as I was in the home stretch because I got a new puppy and there was NO WAY I was taking a chance that she was going to puppy soil the new quilt, or chew a puppy hole in the work I had done. So it is sitting waiting to be finished around the edges with hand stitching, but it is ever so close, and I can't wait to move on to other projects, and this book is ever so tempting.
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely no experience with hexagons or English paper piecing, but I plan to change that as soon as I can get my hands on the Hexa-go-go book! Beautiful quilts!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how to EPP, but I would love to learn!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried it yet, but I would love to. I love hexies!
ReplyDeleteI've never done it but would like to try. I just used an Ellison Die Cut to make 2" hexagons and punched a hole in the middle for the straight pin to hold the material. I'm excited to take it on a road trip and try making hexies with fun scraps. I'd love to take a look at the book!
ReplyDeleteHaven't caught the hexie but yet, but I think this book would be a great start. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI learned how to make hexies last year and only have made small projects. I've been looking for a larger project and that Argyle quilt strikes my fancy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Sandy A
I have not made anything with EPP nor have I done anything with hexies. But I want to do both - I'm just trying to find the time (with a toddler in the house)
ReplyDeleteHi! I've only dabbled in EPP, but I am working on a project from Stitched in Color's recent Handstitched class that I really love! It's called a Star Flower, and I just need to stitch the EPP pieces to the background. Hopefully, I'll get that done soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Tacha's book! I've been wanting to check it out!
I have created a few hexies but they are all still solo acts. I need to learn how to put them together. :)
ReplyDeleteThe only paper piecing I've attempted is making hexagons. I love making them......haven't done anything with them yet, though!! Would love to win the book for some ideas.
ReplyDeleteI haven't attempted true EPP, though I am making hexies using my own cobbled-up method - a lifetime project for a GFG bedquilt. How do they get put together? Surely there is an easier way and like that the book's projects combine EPP and patchwork piecing.
ReplyDeleteI've never done paper pieceing. I always intend to...but then I get lazy and go for a pattern that's not paper based. But I love hexagon quilts (and I ADORE that union jack) so I'd love to toss my hat in the ring for this book. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI need to learn EPP for all of my traveling. This would be perfect! Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE EP! It's like cotton candy to me, I go through phases when all I can think about are hexies! I haven't made any projects with them yet, I just pile them up & then give them away! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love hexies. Need to try other shapes.
ReplyDeleteI love EPP!!! I have worked with hexies and they are my faves, they are so fast to put together! I am actually working on a EPP quilt. I have some down time coming after having a surgery and EPP will be the perfect thing to keep me occupied! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletei love hexies :D look like there are some gorgeous quilts in this book!
ReplyDeletei'm making my first epp project ... fat quarterly's hex-along quilt! i'm addicted! love working on this! would love to win a copy of this book; it'd broaden my hexie horizons!
ReplyDeleteI have not tried EPP yet but I am gathering supplies to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteginger c at gmail dot com
I am currently working on putting a project together to do some English Paper Piecing. thanks for a chance to win this great book. ;)
ReplyDeleteI've not done English Paper Piecing, I've made hexagons with those pop out templates (I can't remember at the moment what they are called.). I have a bed quilt in progress, and it has been in progress for at least 4 years now. (sigh). But I did finish a mini featuring hexagons a couple years ago that I love and that is hanging in my sewing room. Thanks for the chance to win what looks like an amazing book!
ReplyDeleteI have only made one flower and I loved it. So cute. I need to buy some papers so I can do more!
ReplyDeleteI have all my EPP supplies, patterns bookmarked, blogs bookmarked, but have yet to make anything :( I really love hexies, but am a little intimidated. This book is definitely on my must buy list, for when I finally take the plunge :)
ReplyDeleteI never tried EPP but the Argyle Quilt looks fabulous so I think I have to learn it...
ReplyDeleteI have never done any EPP. It's on my list of things I want to learn.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried EPP yet, I sure would like to though! I just need some time. Are you having a giveaway for that too? Looks like a great book, thanks for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI have not tried English paper piecing. I love the Over the Rainbow quilt!
ReplyDeleteHELLO! THANKS FOR YOUR POST! YES,I'VE DONE SOME PP AND LOVE IT,BUT ALSO LOVE PLAIN PIECING.I HAVE A HEART PP PATTERN FOR A PILLOW TOP I'D LIKE TO TRY NEXT. THANKS FOR A NEAT GIVEAWAY!
ReplyDeletemsstitcher1948@yahoo.com
I have not done any hexies but that rainbow quilt! oh my- I would love to give this a Go! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm very new to quilting and never tried EPP, but the "Over the Rainbow" quilt convinced me, I have to try;)
ReplyDeleteI just started quilting last Spring and immediately had sewin machine issues, so I quickly turned to EPP. I have four hexie projects going right now and am pretty sure I will keep on adding them. Handsewing works seamlessly into my busy life.
ReplyDeleteHey John! I was beginning to think we were needing to get a "Where's John" posse together to find you!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI haven't done hexies in quite a while. . . .looks like I might have to give them another try.
So, how ya been???
I'm just starting out and this book would be a great way to begin. Love the pictures and the Union Jack.
ReplyDeleteI've just started EPP and am working with any shape but hexagons at the moment as I don't like hexagon "flowers". This book sounds just the inspiration I need for using hexagons in non-floral designs.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried paper piecing, but the quilt ont he front of the book is just gorgeous! Wish I could do that.
ReplyDeleteHAH! I remember making one of those blocks for the rainbow quilt, sweating and swearing like rarely before together with you and the others in the Bee Inspired group. But the end result is just breathtaking, I admit :)
ReplyDeleteAnd... wait for it...: I have played with the idea to try EPP once again! It only took me 3 years! I will be doing an indecent amount of job related traveling the next 2 months and EPP can be brought along, unlike my Bernina :D But then again, it might just end up with embroidery. We'll see
I really enjoy paper piecing but I have not tried hexies. Your quilts are absolutely wonderful. I would like to make one of your quilts.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried it. Have always loved the look and creations I've seen (images from that book are gorgeous) but I've just never gotten into it yet. Hopefully someday will be the day to start.
ReplyDeleteI've done a fair amount of EPP, but it seems like none of my projects are actually finished, just in bits and pieces!
ReplyDeleteI love Hexies. I currently co-admin a hexie facebook group with swaps (Let's Get Hexied!) And I am currently working on b/w hexie flowers for an unknown project and halloween hexies for a scrappy quilt. And I am in love with the Union Jack pattern you posted. I have plans for a Union Jack EPP block quilt.
ReplyDeleteI am working on making hexies with 1930s prints. I usually work on these when I am having to wait for an appointment or when I travel. I love to work on these. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks fantastic! I especially love the Over the Rainbow quilt--looks like it was hard LOL. I love EPP, I actually started off quilting doing it so of course all my hexies are a little wonky and get straighter as the hexagon grows ;P
ReplyDeleteI have heard so many wonderful reviews of this book. I love EPP I have made many Christmas ornaments with hexies, but have not tried any bigger projects yet. I would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteI have ZERO epp experience, but I would love to learn!
ReplyDeleteI have some very limited hexy experience (just a couple of blocks), but I think my favorite hexy use was to use them to patch a splitting seam on a pair of jeans. I used blues for the hexies, so the effect is really subtle. But there are four small hexies on the outside seam of my jeans and that makes me strangely happy.
ReplyDeleteWould love to own a copy of this book... there must be more to do with hexies than Grandmother's Flower Garden!
Have never tried hexies but they look interesting. I have a pot holder my mom made with a Grandmother's Flower Garden pattern which I have framed and hung. always admired it. Guess I need to try my hand at hexies. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletelove hexies, and always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to use them!
ReplyDeleteThis would be wonderful.
I just got the book "Shape Workshop for Quilters" and found your blog from there! I've never done paper piecing; I actually just heard about it for the first time recently but those hexagon quilts looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried EPP, but would love to try the Argyle quilt. Looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the process of hand basting roughly 600 - 1.5" hexies for a quilt (about 1/3 done). I have no idea on the layout, so this book would be a life saver! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteSharon in FL
I have never tried it, but I really want to and this book is pushing me ever closer to it.
ReplyDeleteHI:
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you decided to go by "hand". Its so relaxing and so portable. I started with a Grandmothers floral garden, and taught it to my daughters. It gave us all something to do while waiting in offices or long drives. People would stop and ask what are you making, which allowed us to share a part of quilting with them. Thanks for the give away.
Vicki
sunraesban@yahoo.com
I am a beginner but tried a hexie block (via craftsy's BOM) and fell in love with them... mostly cause it's easy to take on the road! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI actually really enjoy EPP. I put it off for years as I too *hate* handsewing, but it was surprisingly fun.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I was just looking for an American flag pattern yesterday! I'd love to get my hands on this book and read all about it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the opportunity!
xo, Amanda
I made a large blob of hexagons when I was about 15 and kept it for the next 20 years moving it from place to place... I have now made it into a cushion - lovingly un-picking and restitching it... full of lovely 1970's fabrics!
ReplyDeleteVicky - London UK
I also have a distaste for hand sewing, but the hexies are so cute! I've got a couple little projects just waiting for me to get up my nerve to try.
ReplyDeleteI've been dying to try English Paper Piecing, and now that I see how awesome hexies can be, I want to try it even more!
ReplyDeleteHand sewing ins relaxing and I can do it at work while on conference calls. I've done some hexies but not made anything out of them yet, and have done some tumbling blocks that will be a pillow soon (I hope).
ReplyDeletehand sewing is actually something I like to carry with me as much as I like to carry my knitting. Which is EVERYWHERE! I've been dying to see this book in person. It looks like it has some great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI love hexies. I have never seen instructions but I'd love to win this book. It looks delicious. I can sit and do hexies for hours and hours. Thanks for a chance!
ReplyDeletePlease pick me! I'm going to do mosaic tile work on a riser in my bedroom (just one step up to a lounge area) and would love to make the mosaic quilt in her book!
ReplyDeleteHugs, and so cool that you are a Quilting Dad!
Tina in San Diego
I have never done paper piecing but it's on my list! I just started quilting this year.
ReplyDeleteI love paper piecing as it is definitely quilting I can do while on the go! I love love love these quilts and would LOVE the book!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting her book! I love English paper piecing!
ReplyDeleteI have only done one paper piecing project and that was many moons ago. I really love the look of these hexies and am finally at a point that I really want to try these. This book looks great!
ReplyDeleteI have a hexi project that resides in a bag that can go in the car with me. I am using one of those Moda 2" square sampler packs to make this project. I've even hauled it to Hawaii on vacation with me.
ReplyDeleteI've not tackled a EPP nor a hexagon quilt yet, but a very dear friend is working on one right now and they are beautiful! I have problems doing a lot of hand sewing at this time, but have been very tempted! I think that Over the Rainbow is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI did a paper piecing block of hexagons when I was 8 years old. My teacher said 'they don't fit together!' I showed her how they did. Yes, I was innovative even then!!
ReplyDeleteI have 3 flowers done so far, I'm calling it a table runner for now!
ReplyDeleteI haven't done English paper piecing nor a hexies. Seeing these gorgeous projects really inspires me to make a hexies project next on my to do list. I am needing a "road" project, so this will be perfect!
ReplyDeleteHELLO! YES I HAVE DONE SOME ENGLISH PIECING FOR PIN CUSHIONS AND WALL HANGINGS; ONE VERY INTRICATE STAR BURST PATTERN WAS DONE THAT WAY! THANKS FOR SHARING!
ReplyDeletemsstitcher1948@yahoo.com
I have never tried English paper piecing, but have been wanting to -- especially love hexies! I LOVE the American flag quilt-- it is SO pretty!!! Thanks for the chance to win this book- it looks great!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lot of fun. Do you belong to the Capital Quilter's Guild? We'd love to see your quilts.
ReplyDelete