behind the scenes: Hexie Blues quilt pattern + leggings!

Designed by Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill of Whole Circle Studio exclusively for Makers' Mercantile, these incredible leggings are made of a 4-way stretch polyester/spandex blend that conforms to your body in every direction. It moves when you move, like a second skin. Durable and breathable, it’s perfect for the dance floor, the yoga mat, the studio or the streets. It’s like being naked. But better. Printed and sewn in Seattle, WA on fabric made in Italy. Available in 10 sizes.

I’m super excited to give you a behind the scenes look at the process of creating my latest quilt and leggings design — Hexie Blues!

This summer, as I was brainstorming the design for my second pair of licensed leggings (be sure to check out my first pair: Kona Sunset), I thought a lot about my everyday clothing staple—denim. A denim quilt has been on my bucket list for a while and this seemed like the perfect time to dig in.

Luckily, Art Gallery Fabrics has curated a beautiful collection of denim fabric. This was the first time I worked with Denim Studio Fabric exclusively, and I LOVED it!

Art Gallery Fabrics Denim Studio

I used the colors: Classic Denim, Wicked Sky, Indigo Shadow, Afternoon Sail and Hydrangea. Art Gallery Fabrics also makes textured and denim prints. I definitely see more denim quilts in my future!

I would recommend pre-washing before using denim. Just like jeans, the indigo can wear off. I was in a bit of a rush (and to be honest, I very rarely pre-wash my fabric) with this project. I did have the pigment wear off on the sewing machine. It eventually did come off, but it was a good reminder that some fabrics really do require prep time before you begin working with them. I have washed the quilt since. Tip: whenever I wash fabric or quilts, I always throw a Shout Color Catcher in the washing machine. Like magic, the dye from your fabric will be trapped on your Color Catcher and not bleed—this is a lifesaver if you have a dark color and light color in the same quilt.

piecing the quilt

I was excited to dig into this project so I brought my sewing machine with me on my annual summer beach vacation. My pop-up sewing space shared the same table as the puzzle/game activities.

Making a quilt while on vacation on the Jersey Shore.

Assembly of strips: Hexie Blues quilt pattern by Whole Circle Studio
Piecing and pressing of strips: Hexie Blues quilt pattern by Whole Circle Studio

planning the quilting

I auditioned a number of thread colors. When I decided that I wanted to matchstick quilt my Hexie Blues, I selected two blue (#1128 and #2715) and one gray (#2605) Aurifil 40wt cotton threads. The 40wt is a bit thicker than the 50wt I normally use. With the slightly thicker thread and variation in colors, I achieved a nice texture that complements the texture of the denim.
Selecting thread colors for my Hexie Blues quilt. A variety of Aurifil 40wt cotton thread. Pattern by Whole Circle Studio
Detail of Hexie Blues quilt. Made with Art Gallery Fabrics Denim Studio (variety of colors) and pieced and quilted with Aurifil Cotton Thread. Batting: Warm and Natural by The Warm Company. Pattern by Whole Circle Studio
Hexie Blues is an easy, modern quilt pattern. No complicated Y-seams necessary! This super versatile pattern looks great in blues or your favorite color palette—go with a monochromatic, rainbow or even scrappy color palette. A coloring sheet is included so you can audition all types of fun combinations! Make a throw quilt (featured in pattern) or adjust the block layout to make table runners, pillows or larger quilts. You’ll want to make this pattern over and over again! Pattern available at www.wholecirclestudio.com

make and wear this quilt!

Want to make your own Hexie Blues quilt? Get the pattern here.
Hexie Blues is an easy, modern quilt pattern. No complicated Y-seams necessary! This super versatile pattern looks great in blues or your favorite color palette—go with a monochromatic, rainbow or even scrappy color palette. A coloring sheet is included so you can audition all types of fun combinations! Make a throw quilt (featured in pattern) or adjust the block layout to make table runners, pillows or larger quilts. You’ll want to make this pattern over and over again! Pattern available at www.wholecirclestudio.com

Want to WEAR Hexie Blues?
I teamed up again with my friends at Makers’ Mercantile to photograph Hexie blues, print it on high quality Italian athletic fabric and manufactured the design to be wearable art! I love how durable, breathable and versatile these leggings are. I love wearing them with denim dresses, skirts and black or gray tunics (another staple in my wardrobe!). They’re printed and sewn here in the USA and you support two small businesses with your purchase! Head on over to my shop to get all the details on how you can get your very own pair — they also make a GREAT gift!
Designed by Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill of Whole Circle Studio exclusively for Makers' Mercantile, these incredible leggings are made of a 4-way stretch polyester/spandex blend that conforms to your body in every direction. It moves when you move, like a second skin. Durable and breathable, it’s perfect for the dance floor, the yoga mat, the studio or the streets. It’s like being naked. But better. Printed and sewn in Seattle, WA on fabric made in Italy. Available in 10 sizes.

Quilters wearing Hexie Blues leggings, designed by Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill | Whole Circle Studio.
Me and my new friends, Hillary and Gigi, modeling our Hexie Blues leggings at International Quilt Market, Fall 2018.

I can’t wait to see you all wearing your Hexie Blues leggings and snuggling under your Hexie Blues quilts. Be sure to send me photos!

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5 Comments

  1. Just love those leggings. Even though you were seated on the floor in the picture with your quilt class I noticed the leggings.. dynamite!!

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