Recently, I joined a group on Facebook called “One Block Wonder Quilt Forum.” I had made a couple of One Block Wonder quilts quite a few years ago, and this group sparked my interest in doing at least one more. A One Block Wonder is a quilt made from hexagons sewn from six identical 60 degree triangles. Briefly, the way to achieve this is to stack six layers of a fabric, matching the pattern repeat, and cutting out adjacent 60 degree triangles. When sewn together the six identical triangles form a kaleidoscopic hexagon. Of course, hexagons tessellate and the rest is history! If that was clear as mud, try reading this best reference book on the subject, “One Block Wonders Encore,” by Maxine Rosenthal and Joy Peltzmann:

Part of the methodology of creating a One Block Wonder is to sew the cut triangles in sets of two half hexagons. Keeping the two halves of the hexagons separate until later in the process makes construction easier. So far, I had sewn 228 sets of half hexagons:

Two Hundred twenty eight hexagons required 8 yards of this fabric:

Isn’t it fun? The line of fabric from Tina Higgins Designs for Quilting Treasures is called “Out of Africa.” Here’s a close-up so you can see the wild animals better:

Almost all of the hexagons turn out differently. I have placed two half hexagons together on my cutting table so you can see some of the fun results:

Tigers:

Leopards:

Hippos:

Zebras:

Elephants:

Then you get down to some wacky bits and bobs like elephant ears and giraffe necks:

And elephant trunks and hippo heads and leopard heads all together now:

All of the hexagons will be sewn together in a (uh-hem) pleasing arrangement I hope! In the mean time, I bought some coordinating fabric for accents and borders and backing, etc.:

For accent border, orange:

For backing, black and gray:

And just in case I need it a panel depicting larger versions of the animals:

The next step is arranging the hexies on a design wall. I will keep you posted.