Mindful and Mindlessness in making - Update on my Quilt as You go Hexagon Quilt

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Things mentioned:
Quilt as you go playlist: • Quilt as You Go
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My Patterns:
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/ vintagesewingbox

[@suzisaintjames]

I love this project. The only thing I'd do is add the year of the memory. When did I go to that place, when did that flower grow. 50 years from now, I'll want to remember and won't be able. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@jacquelineknox1977]

Your quilt is so very pretty and I can see it means so much to you and is made with so much love. You are very wise for someone so young. I have only just realised how much mindfulness means to your health and longevity. Embroidery and reading really relax me. Reading actually sends me off to sleep!! Take care Emma. xx

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Reading does that to me too! One of the reasons why it takes me so long to finish a book! Thanks for watching Jacqueline 🌸

[@suzettewoolley5397]

I love all craft as well and love love reading about all craft. What a joyous double joy.❤😊

[@cynthiacarter532]

I dusted off my plastic shoebox of hexagon stuff a week ago and have been making hexagons again. My plan is to do different shades of a color in a floral shape with various yellow centers and make a runner, a tote bag or even a coverlet from them. Sometimes I just want to do the relaxing rhythm of sewing. 🪡

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That sounds like a wonderful plan Cynthia

[@suzisaintjames]

0:59 don't leave needles and pins in your work (especially if you are going to set it aside for a while) as needles and pin can rust and permanently mark your project. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@poodlegirl55]

Lovely video. Crochet can also be mindful or mindless. I make Mandala style blankets in the morning that need quite a bit of concentration. But in the evening I make things like a waffle stitch or Granny stitch that is the same all the way through and you don't need to think about it.

[@craftdipper]

I agree about the different types of crochet. You can zone out more with granny squares😂

[@gracepatane9384]

Such a beautiful video, Emma! I agree with you 100%. I do a lot of counted cross stitch. Working on a beautiful pattern, & watching the designs come to life with an assortment of colorful threads, is very relaxing for me. But, I find that any type of repetitive stitching relaxing. Recently, I started doing Sashiko stitching, & I love stitching that as well. I’ve also done many pieces of Redwork, in addition to regular embroidery pieces, using an assortment of stitches. I love doing all of it - there are not enough hours in the day!! I feel sorry for people who do not do any type of sewing handwork. They are missing out on “sew”much! Thank You for sharing your thoughts & memories, Emma. 💜🌿🌹🌹🌹🌿

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so right Grace, everyone should do some type of hand stitching, it’s so beneficial. Lovely to hear you have so many lovely projects on the go. Take care x x

[@wendybond2848]

Your quilt as you go is developing so beautifully. It is a joy to watch you work on it.

[@soulfulessence7733]

What a great subject Mindfulness & Mindless - very explained. The joy of creating (journey) rather than the destination (end of a project) is calming versus rushing to get to the end. Thank you so much

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes it’s all about the journey for me for sure. Thanks for watching

[@OxfordComma47]

Beautiful video, wise words. Thank you!

[@HeatherEK]

I agree with everything you said in this video. I currently am working on 2 projects that are actually companion pieces. The first is my mindless project which is a simple pieced top that I am hand quilting in a Kantha style. The second is a hand appliquéd quilt which is my mindful project. The applique as well as the fabrics in both quilts are all William Morris designs. I am actually really enjoying moving back and forth between the 2 as I can see how well they will look together and it keeps me motivated on both projects. Thanks again for sharing your insights and projects. Your videos are a delight!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

They sound like wonderful projects Heather. Thanks so much for watching

[@franwilson9324]

My hexagon qayg project brings me much joy and satisfaction too, for all of your reasons. I have 35 blocks now and am in no rush to complete it. Each block is a little mini project and I love adding the finished ones to the pile. I make and give away many things, but this one is just for me. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’m so glad you are getting so much out of making one too. Thanks so much for watching 🌸

[@suzisaintjames]

I'm also recovering a fly guard. (It's like a fabric & mesh umbrella you put over a plate of food at a picnic.) I bought it at a dollar store years ago. It was covered in a cheap manmade fabric that rotted. Which is okay, because now I get my choice of covering and it will be one of a kind. I used the old cover as a pattern, so it was pretty mindless, until I got to the bottom corners. They need to be pleated in such a way as to keep the side flanges flat and no openings to let the flies in... this is the mindful part... Once I get the first one done, the rest will be mindless (I hope!). 💖🌞🌵😷

[@maureengauvin1768]

What a GREAT idea - “re-upholstering” the little fly guards! I’m off to the dollar store to fetch some, since inspiration has been struck… thx for sharing this idea…🧡

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea Suzi!

[@suzisaintjames]

@@maureengauvin1768 , if you can't find them at the dollar store, I think I saw them on Temu. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@nancymacdonald8968]

Thank you Emma...God bless ❤

[@linbourne8731]

Some lovely fabrics, sticheries and memories. What a wonderful quilt. I enjoy combining stitched pieces new or vintage in some of my quilts.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@stormeliz7406]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on mindfulness and mindlessness. I will try some hand stitching. Your videos are so restful. Thank you. Love your fabrics and embroidery! I appreciate how you show the stitching together close up.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you!

[@victoriaspencer725]

The Straweberry Thief is SO CUTE. I started my own quilt as you go project a few months ago after seeing your videos and after having a rubbish day have been inspired to pick it up again

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Ahh I’m sorry you’ve had a rubbish day, I hope some stitching has helped to make it better

[@peggysmith8346]

I absolutely adore your videos. You are so right about doing the mindful/mindless projects. It's get therapy for the mind and heart

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much

[@julias.8236]

I love that projects. It is so beautiful and I like that you always have "little finishes" in between. Had a similar experience when making a sampler quilt. Fabric picking: very mindful. Cutting the pieces: some in between. Sewing the blocks: more on the mindless side. At the moment I'm working on a Kawandi. The stitch is quite meditative but I'm looking forward to finish it soon since it started to bore me a little and I keep a bunch of fabrics all over the place to pick from whenever I need a new patch. Like to tidy up the chaos and start with a shiny new project soon 😅

[@suzettewoolley5397]

This quilt is so beautiful. And all your words are so true. I love all your tiny little pictures that say everything withoutvthe words. A picture paints a thousand words.❤😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@susanprokop1558]

I loved watching this video. It really brought home the point to enjoy our projects not just treat them like a task. Thank you!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes! That’s it exactly. Thanks for watching

[@lsheffield6205]

Oh my goodness! You have articulated how I feel when I hand stitch. Many of my fellow quilters can’t comprehend why I enjoy everything from appliqué to piecing to binding. You have explained it in a way that I haven’t been able to. Thank you from the prairies of Wyoming, USA.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’m so glad this resonates with you 😊

[@craftdipper]

Beautiful soothing video, Emma. I really enjoy watching you stitch - it is so calming. I agree that we need to make sure to take time to create beautiful things and relax into the process, not just be focused on (and stressed about!) the final product. Though having a product at the end is satisfying🥰 I was stitching on my QAYG hexagons this evening. I am taking it slowly. It took me quite a while to work out what pleased me and what didn't please me when I laid my blocks out together, but I have arrived at a clear vision of how I want it to look and am enjoying watching the little piles of hexagons grow❤ I enjoy deciding each time what shape to quilt in each hexagon, so this becomes a very soothing and mindful activity❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That is so lovely, I’m so glad you are enjoying the process so much too. And you are right about the final product feeling so satisfying. Thanks ever so much for watching

[@sofaquilterin]

Emma, I feel exactly the same way as you do. I've been handcrafting since I was a child and have now been sewing patchwork for 23 years. It has carried me through the good times and the bad. I have sewn many quilts, including hexagon quilts. But your beautiful memory quilt has inspired me to start a QAYG hexagon project too. Thank you for your lovingly designed videos and greetings from Germany, Andrea

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’m so glad you feel the benefit too Andrea 🌸 thank you so much for watching

[@lavendercottagefibrearts]

Lovely video! I am mostly a knitter but I agree a very complex project that requires a lot of attention can almost be a form of escapism that you lose yourself in the project, whereas a simple project like vanilla socks allows you to process your thoughts whilst being comforted by the repetitive motion of your stitches.

[@hollyallen1065]

Yes I agree with what you are saying. New to EPP living it. Finding new projects all the time. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@kellyhipkins5616]

You are wonderful in what you share mentally. So sew enjoy you videos. Your so blessed

[@KD-fn5xi]

I love losing my mind in sewing , I've been whacking away at my first EPP project since March of last year and I'm happy to say that it's now grown to over 1 metre in size , think I'll call it "Learning curve" 🤣

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh wow that’s amazing! It’s a slow process but that is great progress x

[@carolschobs2621]

Emma I could sit and make hexagons like these all day long ❤

[@donnarader2327]

Such lovely work! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@Texasmidwife]

I love watching your videos while stitching on my EPP project. It’s like visiting with a friend. 🌸

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Love that! Love to think we are all friends stitching together

[@bossieackerman1067]

Love your quilt as you go. Love the little cottage embroidery. Many thanks for sharing. x Blessings x Mariana xx

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! 😊

[@Bearstedbears]

Your quilt is just so beautiful. You have done the right thing and taken your time. I’m going to make another one but in squares and will TAKE MY TIME. I bought the Moda Sweet Liberty fabric packs when it was in a sale. I’m currently doing a lot of embroidery and cross stitch and have just started the Bouquet Knitting Bag cross stitch work in the Cath Kidston Stitch book. I am loving the projects in that book and bought the red Aida fabric to do it around 2 years ago! Your embroidered cottage hexagon is just so lovely and the silk threads are just so beautiful. Really pleased that you have Skillshare as a sponsor now too. Well done! X. Hope things are getting better for you all. X

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much Lesley. Your projects sound wonderful. I adore the CK stitch book there’s so many lovely patterns in it 🌸

[@SarahSmith-pe8nx]

I've always crafted snd was indpired by my mom eho could tutn her hsnd to anything, from knitting (and correcting pattern errors), crochet, sewing, toys, lace and more! But crafting hit me on a whole new level when my cancer returned and i became engrossed with embroidery. I've a few pick up as and when projects which whilst i can't wsit to finish, i feel no rush. Im also writing about my creativity whilst juggling cancer, it's mindful and healing...just need extra hours to do all the projects lol!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you for watching Sarah. I’m glad crafting and writing are helping you through this time. Sending you lots of positive healing wishes, take care 🌸

[@kathrynbarker7967]

So very very true Emma - great video. The quilt is stunning!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Kathryn!

[@sibyllekoch3611]

Thank you for this thoughtful video. Yes, to be creative is very important. And I fully agree with you concerning mindfulness and mindlessness. Made the same experience. ❤❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you, so glad you experience the same benefits too

[@carrieruston1964]

Hello Emma I agree with you about being mindfulness I do that while sewing on the machine I will sew on something that is easy love your work always waiting for your next video from southern Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Carrie!

[@lindaskinner5887]

So relaxing. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@debrawortman1712]

Many thanks to you, Emma, for another lovely video!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad you enjoyed it Debra 😊

[@SuperRJS14]

I really enjoy your videos Emma they really get my creativity flowing. I recently started to do some hand sewing and found it really relaxing and soothing. Thank you so much for all your inspiration xx

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’m so glad hand sewing is relaxing for you too 🌸

[@bluemerlinmakes]

I love seeing all of the beautiful fabrics you choose, Emma! I find hand sewing binding pleasantly mindless. I really enjoy choosing fabrics that exactly fit the project I'm working on as well as embroidery and applique for mindfully crafting 🙂

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh yes totally, I love stitching the binding too. Thanks so much for watching

[@corgerbyk]

Emma you do such beautiful work I am just starting to get into hexagons really enjoying it but love your work

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much 😊

[@jeannehoffman1060]

Loved this video!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you!!

[@kathypatrick427]

I love your videos and tutorials, thank you for sharing. ❤ I especially love this quilt as you go project.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome!

[@suzisaintjames]

What am I working on? My eat-in kitchen chairs need new cushion covers. I looked for new cushions, but my chairs are square in the front and round in the back... all I could find were all square... So I've bought red towels and cut them up... I sewed the first one by hand (easier to un-stitch if needed, as there's no patteren). Looks great and I made them small, so the cushions are plumped up... Looks like new. The three to finish, just need the corners rounded, stuffed and the top stitched closed. I let the old ties (red and white buffalo check) stick out the cover and will look nice with the big bow ties. The curves are marked and the machine is threaded. Just need to stitch them next time I feel like a moment at the machine. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@Karmapemadrolma]

Precioso tu trabajo, muchas gracias por compartirlo.

[@Betsyboo1883]

I loved this video thank you, i didn't realise that i have a project ive been doing that does this for me. Its a light summer quilt im making ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So happy to hear you have a project that makes you feel good too 🌸

[@darlenefarmer5921]

I absolutely agree with you. ❤

[@sweetspellbreaker]

Emma, can you tell me about the marks on your needles when you are hand piecing or hand quilting?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes, they are Pony Certain Stitch needles and come in a variety of sizes with different size markings

[@helenogorman9467]

Emm you are so right. I heard Penelope from Penelope chinwag (I think it was her) say once that crafts can take you out of your head and into your hands and they is so right. My mum died last year and while she was very ill and we were looking after her I was knitting a rabbit! It didn't make sense to my brother's lol but it gave me such peace at such an awful time and it really helped me. So well done you for highlighting this.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Hi Helen, I am so sorry for your loss, that must have been such a difficult time. I’m glad making the rabbit helped, I totally understand how doing that can help you through such a difficult time. Sending big hugs 🌸

[@angelarowson6328]

Aaawwww that was perfect bedtime view!!!!!!! Thank you Emma..❤🍄🪻🌿🌷🧵🪡✂️❤️

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You’re welcome 😊

[@angelarowson6328]

BTW I’m an adult 👩🏻… not a kid 👧🏻… 🧵🪡✂️📍…🤭

[@ncmckinley]

Thank you for another beautiful video, Emma! You have such a calming voice and demeanor! I don’t know if I can get Lilly of the Valley to grow here in Montana, but I’m going to give it a try. It’s my favorite essential oil to use for fragrance. I have never heard of Cath Kirstin before…thanks for introducing new fabrics to us!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I hope you can get it to grow because it’s such a beautiful flower and I love the scent too. Took me three years to get any flowers, so don’t give up if you don’t get any at first 🌸

[@karentoynton8948]

Hello Emma listening to you saying how you feel when you are sewing I can see myself in the same place. Sadly I cant do embroidery, well I have never been taught rather than I can’t do it, . However it is something I would love to be able to do, . I prefer to sew by hand rather than machine really , but as I have told you before I have only in the past couple of years , even got into any form of sewing. I always enjoy watching you , and your ideas. So thank you for sharing with us, happy sewing.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Karen. I’m sure you’ll be able to do it if you watch some tutorials on KZbin and give it a go. I might do a beginner course at some point too, it’s on my to do list 😊🌸

[@karentoynton8948]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox that would be great . I will keep my fingers x on that one. Thank you. Your so easy to follow as well. X

[@quiltynana9422]

This is such a good topic for today’s world ! Taking the time to enjoy a slow stitching project can sometimes be a challenge as I like to see results. At this time I am working on an epp project , Lucy Boston blocks . When Iam picking fabrics for the next blocks or fussy cutting, I must be mindful yet in the evening when Iam stitching it is mindless and I have found I can hardly go to bed without put a few stitches in the block ! 😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’m so glad you are enjoying your epp so much! I must get back to my Lucy Boston too

[@marialinder1295]

I’d love to do this in near future

[@viviannefraser5974]

I do enjoy your videos!!!🥰

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you!!

[@sharonzotoff3975]

I recently picked up a paint-by-number project just to give me something besides foundation paper piecing to work on and I've found it such a wonderful mindful/mindless project. Mindful in the fact that I have to pay close attention to the small sections and the colours they need to be but once I get stuck in I'm totally "in the zone". I lose track of time...my mind wanders...and my tea gets cold, haha! It's a wonderful place to be.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That is the perfect example of mindfulness! So glad you are feeling the benefits too

[@bs6281]

I found the quilting needles.😊

[@craft4mysoul]

I love this . I bought the rectangular template but I haven’t started . Just need to start somewhere I guess. The twins are already six months I suppose it’s about time before the mind n eyesightung start going 😂😅

[@redeemedvintageseamstress4728]

Would you believe I was thinking about you and your QAYG Hexagon quilt just last night and wondering how you're doing with it.. .? 😂 Thanks for the update! I've been saying this for a long, long time....but I'm still working on gathering fabrics I plan to use on mine. I'm thinking for my "memory quilt", that I'm going to do different things that remind me of my family (both those alive and those who've gone on before). I'm thinking I'll do the Hexagon in their favorite colors and embroider a design of something they like/d. My GPA fished, Gma quilted, Mom gardens, brother loved playing baseball etc....I may even put birth and death dates too.... I'm still thinking about that. 😊 Thanks again for your update. ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I love your plan for making such a personal and meaningful quilt, it’s going to be an heirloom for sure. Thanks ever so much for watching

[@barbarahamrick3990]

Lovely video Emma, your voice is so soothing, and everything is so pretty. Speaking of pretty…my eyes popped out of my head at that gorgeous silver sewing caddy!!! 😍 Where did you find that lovely treasure?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much! I got it from a gift shop in wales, in was a present from my son 🌸

[@maggiesmith6099]

Another lovely thoughtful calm video. Thank you. Where did you source that beautiful template please with the words of Frances Hodgson Burnett?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you. I got it from a Christmas market at Chatsworth

[@martasarber7133]

Hi Emma!

[@GlendaBlair-cy7sq]

Beautiful

[@lindafitzsimmons2526]

You have such a sweet personality and obviously multi-talented. I’ve been a fan of your videos for years. I believe there are times that all of us could use a project to distract ourselves from the “valleys” of our lives I prefer the view from the “hills” of my life. However we wouldn’t appreciate the more delightful aspects of our life if we didn’t walk through those valleys occasionally ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh I absolutely love the valleys and hills analogy, I will remember that. Thank you

[@wemick1753]

Hello, love your video. Very clear explanation, thank you! One question what is the needle with the red mark you are using ??

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! It’s a Pony Certain Stitch needle

[@MariaGarcia-zd3st]

Imagine what a world this would be if we were all applied "mindful and mindless" to our lives daily?

[@debbieboothe606]

Love every second of this and totally agree creativity is good for us! Could you possibly tell us what the fabric is at 15:40? It's the one with the goat and the little girl on the bicycle.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I don’t know the exact name but it’s by a designer called Daniela Drescher and I bought it from Elmhirst Fabrics

[@Tysja-65]

Очень красиво !!!!

[@marthaburnum3925]

I am loving this project so much! Besides the Cath Kidston fabrics, could you tell me what the other fabrics, please?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes sure, I’ve used Liberty tans lawn on the back and a whole mixture on the front including Daniela Drescher fabrics from Elmhirst Fabrics

[@marthaburnum3925]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox - Thank you so much! Just love all the prints!

[@kirstencook1439]

Keep Rocking 🤙 the good stuff 👍 Beautiful person 🤗🕊️🫶🐦🗽🇺🇲🦅🌌

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you kindly

[@bs6281]

What kind of needle are you using for your hand quilting? I've never seen a needle that is marked like that so stitches are the same

[@twopencehalfpenny]

Beautiful work. What size are your hexies ?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

3 1/4”

[@sally-anneshotter9174]

I saw at 4.39 you had a marked needle that helps gauge the spacings. I never knew such things existed, does anyone know the make available in the UK ? Thank you in advance

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

It’s called Pony Certain Stitch and they are available on my website in the shop 😊

[@sally-anneshotter9174]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox Ah great fantastic. I’ll be over shopping later

[@leannemacleod8385]

This might sound really daft but how do quilts made using quilt as you go feel? Are they still cosy feeling?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

They still feel soft and cuddly 😊

[@deniseorourke7235]

Hi Emma I’m wanting to buy the needles with the markings for hand quilting can you tell me where to purchase Thanks Denise

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Hi Denise, I sell them on my website 🌸

[@margaretsmith8066]

I noticed marks on your needle as you were quilting, did you place the mark or did you purchase the needle like that? That seems to be a good way to keep your stitches even.❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

They are made like that, they are called Pony Certain stitch needles

[@user-bl7mn8mi5e]

Beautiful quilt and thoughts..what size are your hexagons ?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

They are 3 1/4”

[@amaliabroedel1759]

❤ lindo 🇧🇷

[@DIY_weekend]

Beautiful ❤❤😊 loving

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! 😊

[@donagail]

Can I ask what kind of needle you are using? 😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

It’s a Pony Certain stitch needle

[@kayk8123]

❤️ Your videos are so beautiful. I know it may seem silly, but something m8ndless that do is color. As in Crayons and color pages. It is an inexpensive way to just let my creative self be. There is no right or wrong, no rules, no judgment because no one has to see. It also only takes a little bit of time out of my busy day. Am I the only one? 🖍

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Not silly at all! I like to colour in too 😊🌸

[@corgerbyk]

Where do you get all your beautiful material from is it all liberty

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Many are liberty, I get them from Alice Caroline, sew and quilt and I get other fabrics from elmhirst fabrics and oh sew sweet shop

[@ibolyamolnar2707]

Szép❤