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Kris O'Neill

Lessons from an Old Honeycomb Quilt Top

Just like the vintage scrappy nine-patch quilt, I purchased this quilt top at an auction. I purchased 11 quilts in all and have featured two of the 11 so far on my YouTube Channel Sew the Distance.


Here's a link to the video:


This is a cool one! Here is some information about it:


Measurement: 72" x 84"

Block: Honeycomb or Elongated Hexagon

Block Size: 4.25" wide x 7.75" long

Number of Blocks: 180 full honeycombs, 37 honeycomb "points"

10 honeycomb halves, and 2 quarter points


Oh, the colors! I love the placement of these honeycombs! It makes this quilt look so calming and, well, pretty! It is made of men's shirts from (I think) the 1970s or early 1980s. The stripes all go the same direction (I LOVE THAT!). This helps with the overall look of this quilt top.


How was it made:

This quilt top is made by sewing the strips together by machine and then sewing the rows together by hand. This could be for the ease of construction. I am not sure, but it gives it an almost shiny look because of the buckling at the Y intersections. In fact, I originally thought this was made of ties because I thought it was a silk or sateen fabric. It isn't. It is cotton. Isn't that cool?


Condition of the Quilt: Even though the hand stitching is biggest, this quilt is held together really well without any holes or tears.


The Borders:

I am not a fan of the fabric used on the borders, so I am going to take them off. I am also going to have this quilt machine quilted. I want to see this one finished and used. It is so unusual and amazing! It needs to be finished. :)







Lessons We Can Learn from this Maker:

  1. Blue and Grey and Beige, Oh My!: Notice the variety of shades of fabrics and their placement. We can learn a lot about this from the maker!

  2. Change What You Don't Like: I know I wouldn't finish this quilt if I didn't take the border off. I just didn't like the border. I am giving you permission to change any thing about a quilt or quilt top that you do not like, especially if it means the quilt will get used, or in this case, finished. :)

  3. Combine Machine and Hand Piecing: It's okay to use both in one project. Seriously, it is okay. I promise. :)




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