Michele Made Me

One birdie's attempt to figure things out. Oh, and crafts.

Book Review: Hexa Go-Go by Tacha Bruecher

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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.

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“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.

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“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).

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“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

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Giac says

    Hello Michele,
    What amazing pictures. I very much admire the art of quilting, but when I see hoe bright and vivacious some pieces are it blows my mind. I can't wait to see yours all done.
    Big hug,
    Giac

  3. Judith says

    What a great book full of inspiration. I love to sew Hexies and working on two projects as we speak. Thanks for the review. Judith, Texas

  6. Amber @ The Cardboard Collective says

    Hi Michele,

    I've never made a "hexie" quilt and I'm a "make it up as I go" quilter at best, so I have a question for you. This summer I saw a beautiful paper pieced hexagon quilt in an antique shop that was unfinished so all the paper was still showing.

    I'm wondering how you get the paper out, or don't you? Do you just wash it and live with the paper nuggets?

    Or is this another part of the hexie drudgery?

    • Michele Pacey says

      Hi Amber,

      Yes, you definitely take the paper out once the hexagons are stitched together and the top is finished. They're super-easy to pop out of there. Then you sandwich, and quilt and boom, done!

      Hope you can visualize that… Good question!

  7. KJ@letsgoflyakite says

    So glad the book tour stopped at here. Every time I see a hexagon, I think of you. It looks like a beautiful book. I recently purchased a pack of hexie pre-cuts, so I hope to attemp a project soon.

  8. Orla O Connor Laurie says

    Its really nice that you share you ideas and crafts. I am yet to put on some ideas re puppet making and am a total fresher to the whole experience so here goes nothing. I have a quilt that needs making for my little 5 year old girl, I have hexa shape pieces of material and some scraps left over from making bunting. If you manage to browse this way then I would be very grateful to study :o) your ideas and make a lovely present for my daughter. Thanks for sharing.