Hexagons

I am many things...a wife, a mom, a physical therapist, a Fiskateer, a housework procrastinator, a crafter...but, I am NOT a quilter. I want to be a quilter, but it just doesn't seem meant to be. Sure, I can sew straight lines, but the artist in me just can't handle all of the precise measurements required of quilting. Some might disagree, but I think paper is much more forgiving.

A vintage penny quilt is my inspiration for this paper table runner. I've always admired how the perfectly shaped stacks of circles connected with tiny stitches are so simple yet produce such magnificent results. So, no, I am not a quilter, but I do know how to improvise.

First, I made a diagram based on the number of rows I would need to make a hexagon approximately 24 inches in diameter. It all started with 1 circle and 6 circles around it. Each row added 6 more circles (1, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36). To get the size I wanted, I was going to need 127 base shapes, with 127 centers.

Using the Large and Extra Large sizes of the Fiskars "Seal of Approval" and "Round 'n Round" squeeze punches made this job easy. I made my center "penny" and then, on the first row, I used the XL Seal of Approval as the base, and the Large Round 'n Round as the center, For the next row, I switched and used the XL Round 'n Round as the base and the Large Seal of Approval as the center. I continued alternating these shapes until I had all that I needed. For the last row, I decided to layer with 3 shapes and used the XL Round 'n Round, the XL Seal of Approval, and the Large Round 'n Round.

Using my Fiskars Sure Cut Paper Trimmer made cutting the 12 inch by 1/4 inch connecting strips an easy job. After arranging and gluing the first six strips into symmetrical angles of approximately 60 degrees, I began gluing on each of the "pennies" with tape runner adhesive.

I just kept adding and attaching more strips as I added each row. As I got further out from the center, I would gently pick up the runner from the table--where there seemed to be a gap between rows, I would add a small strip for stability. I continued this method until I had all 7 rows attached.

The end result is a "vintage" paper penny table runner...a great centerpiece for the dining room table. I could even frame it and hang it on the wall. Maybe, I am a quilter after all. And, maybe, I'll give that material quilting method another try someday. Maybe.