My First Hexagon for La Passacaglia

I have made my first hexagon ever! This is the start of my journey for La Passacaglia. I chose this block to start because it does not have any set in seams and looks pretty easy to make.  Just attach the little triangle on top of the half hexagon and make bigger triangles. Then sew them together, turning each piece one turn.  My plan was to make this hexagon in several different ways - machine piecing, hand piecing and EPP - so I could decide which method will work better for me. This is my machine quilting attempt.

And I have already learned a lot of lessons on this quilt. I printed out the pattern for the block, and looked at my acrylic templates. The templates were slightly larger than the pieces so I decided that with seam allowances, they would be close enough.  If I always use these templates, then they will work for the quilt, even if the size isn't an exact match to the pattern.  I made the block. I am very happy with the way the swiggly lines radiate out of the center.

Then I compared the block to the picture, and realized that it was too small. The template is for a one inch pieces, and I need one and a half. I need to measure more carefully and use the paper for the template so that I will make the correct size. Then, I looked at the inch measure. I printed the template too small. The one on the left is the correct size. So it is really, really too small.  The good news is that if I make the block the correct size, the quilt will go together pretty quickly. 

The two fabrics are different weights - I was matching colors, not weights, and using the same weight will make it function better.  I also did not match the points correctly in the center, so I am going to have to be more accurate with the piecing and matching of points.

I also did not fussy cut these pieces, since I figured squiggly lines would look fine without fussy cutting, but I do think it will look even better when it is fussy cut.

I've also decided that I like the machine piecing, and that will work best for me.  The other methods require prep - basting down the seams, cutting out the paper pieces, then taking out the paper. I am afraid that this quilt will become a UFO pretty quickly if I don't keep the process as simple as possible.  The acrylic templates worked great in showing me how to trim off the dog ears before I even start, making it easy to line up the pieces. Unfortunately, this quilt uses a lot of unusual pieces so these templates wouldn't be enough even if they were the right size.  Even though I won't be able to use them as much as I thought, I will be able to carry that concept to this quilt.

Other things I learned: 1 don't have nearly enough striped fabric. Also this quilt will not help me keep my space tidy.  Everyone is recommending that you go through your stash to figure out what you can use. 

I have finished sewing the Irish chain top.  It looked really boring to me until I put it on top of the green fabric. It's the same fabric that is in the top.  Now I like it again.  I will use the green for the binding and the back.  I also have another quilt in mind that will be able to use any remaining fabric perfectly. Hmm, I think this quilt might need a border.