Book Review: Hexa Go-Go by Tacha Bruecher

Cover of "Hexa Go-Go" by Tacha Bruecher

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of Tacha Bruecher's Hexa Go-Go for review. The above opinions and statements are my own. All photos were used with permission.

If you've been keeping an eye on my crafty little adventures you know that for the last wee while I've been engaged in some serious hexagon-ning... I believe the tally is now at 1725 hexagons... phewf!  That said, I feel somewhat qualified today to take part in the review tour of Tacha Bruecher's new offering Hexa Go-Go, a book all about working and playing and sewing with hexagons.

First, some basics. Hexa Go-Go contains 16 new and contemporary hexagon-themed sewing and quilting projects over 162 pages. Each project is broken down into a materials list, cutting instructions, and construction and finishing details. Full-colour photography and many many explanatory diagrams fill the book's pages. Words of wisdom are sprinkled throughout in the form of handy tip bubbles.

"Over The Rainbow Quilt" by Tacha Bruecher

The book's main idea is this, I think: "You don't need to make an entire grandmother's flower garden quilt to be a hexagon quilter." Over and over, the author takes the beloved hexagon unit and combines it with other popular trends in quilting for fresh angles on this old favourite. Notice my use of the word "combines". That is the operative word here. No project in this book is ALL hexagons. In other words, you may not have to dedicate years of your life to make any of them. I mean, you could if you wanted to. But you don't have to.

"Sunday Brunch Placemats" by Tacha Bruecher

Tacha Bruecher takes the time to explain in detail the English paper piecing technique for hand-making hexagons, which is truly handy. But more to the point, she plays with all sorts of ways to mix hexies into her designs. Her projects include hexagons organized into rosettes, stars, and diamonds, among others. She then uses these as building blocks in her creative quilting and sewing. What's nice for the beginner too, is that the book includes some easy and non-quilt projects. Case in point, and one of my favourite projects, is the smart Sunday Brunch placemats seen above. Another fave is the string-block-and-hexagon-rosette combo in this Cat Tails quilt pictured below (and on the cover too).

"Cat Tails Quilt" by Tacha Bruecher

As someone who's hands are at their happiest making stuff, my one selfish criticism of the book is this: I would have liked one or two additional smaller home projects. Otherwise, it is a lovely book containing some truly inspired ideas!

♥M

Be sure to check out future stops on the Hexa Go-Go blog tour:

14 Sep 2012: Fat Quarter Shop
17 Sep 2012: Comfort Stitching
19 Sep 2012: Quilt Dad
21 Sep 2012: Oh Fransson

Eleventy-One Days of Hexagons

Okay, I admit it.  ↑  is not as exciting as it once was. I've been working on  ↑  everyday for 111 days now and I tell you. Sometimes I just want to throw  ↑  in the river. If only I had a river.

Then again, whether I want to work on  ↑  or not doesn't really come into play anymore. I do  ↑  anyway because  ↑  has become something of a habit. Every morning I devote some time to  ↑  and I will continue to do so until  ↑  is done. Like  ↑  or not.

The thing is, I would never be where I am if I hadn't put myself on this strict do-it-or-else regimen. As a consequence, I am seeing the progress. I am witnessing the fruit of my work. And when I get to the end, will it all have been worth my effort?

Hex, yeah.

♥M

Previous posts about this hexagon quilt:  here and here and here and here

Other hexagon projects: here.

Woman at Work - Hexagon Quilt in Progress

Wouldn't this make a great scarf?... I'll get right on that...

See that?

I took a bloggy break. Actually, I took a complete, out-and-out, computer-free, internet-free, blog-free, totally unplanned, completely out-of-the-blue, yet immensely satisfying VACAY-SHUN.

Huh... I think I needed it. I feel refreshed. It's nice to be back here.

My hands have remained busy however. I continue with the hexagon quilt. Everyday, I add to it. I've been working on it for 49 days straight for a total of 750 hexies. 49 consecutive days!!! That's a tiny miracle.

The above photo shows only a third of what I've pieced together so far... WHAT?! You didn't think I'd reveal the whole thing did ya?? Nuh-uh. No way Jose. I ain't showing you the whole thing until I have the whole thing to show you... I'm sorry. But bits and pieces is all you're getting until then... I know. I'm a very mean and cruel person.

And you? How've you been? Did I miss anything good?

♥M

Previous posts on this quilt:  here and here.

Other hexagon projects: here.
While I was away, I was featured in IspirAzioni Magazine! 

Tutorial: Hexcellent Headband

EDITED TO ADD:

As stated below: As of June 5th, 2012, the tutorial is now in The Shop and additional information is blogged here. Thanks.

'Tis Tuesday.

And yes. My hexagonal foray continues. I'm severely smitten. But you know that already eh? This time I hopped on a six-sided tangent and look where it got me... To the land of cute headbands!

See, it's a kind of adorable, and even a little bit retro, headband! Because everyone needs a rainbow for their head. Right?

You have a lovely day now, won't you?

♥M

Please Note: 
This tutorial will be posted here for free for 7 days, after which time it will be available as a PDF in The Shop. Thanks so much!


EDITED TO ADD:
As stated above: As of June 5th, 2012, the above tutorial is now in The Shop and additional information is blogged here!