Hexa-Go-Go: English Paper Piecing 16 Quilt Projects

Tacha Bruecher is a well-known quilt designer and teacher, and a founding member of the Fat Quarterly Magazine.

Fat Quarterly e-zine cofounder and quilt blogger Bruecher introduces contemporary quilters to the classic art of English paper piecing in this collection, which focuses on paper-pieced designs made with hexagons. The projects, which range from a beginner-friendly, seven-hexagon needle case to a king-sized bedspread that uses 1,666 pieced hexagons, implement fabric choices to make an old technique fresh and modern. Hexagon templates, as well as easy-to-follow basic directions for paper piercing, are included. VERDICT The modern quilt movement is at its best when it finds creative ways to make classic techniques fit in with modern tastes. Bruecher has done just that with this collection of patterns, and a new generation of quilters will benefit from her expertise. --Nanette Donohue; Library Journal, 06/26/2012

A great place to look for hexagonal inspiration is the new book from Stash Books Hexa-Go-Go - written by Tacha Bruecher. With sixteen projects to choose from there is plenty for any skill level and interest in hexies. She mixes them up for a modern twist on a traditional quilting technique, using hexies to create the stripes in the American flag, squaring them up for quilt blocks and to make both stars and diamonds! --Fabshop.net; July 30, 2012

As you may have guessed from the title, Hexa-Go-Go is all about projects featuring hexagons! Never tackled hexagons (or, as many quilters like to call them, "hexies") before? Have no fear. For the uninitiated, Tacha begins the book with a robust, 15-page section that takes the reader step-by-step through the process of English Paper Piecing. For more experienced paper piecers, the book contains a variety of projects that are sure to inspire sewists to put their hexagons to use in fresh, unique ways.This is Tacha's first book but, based on the high quality of Hexa-Go-Go, I predict it won't be her last. Tacha is an amazing quilter and crafter, and both her style and skill are presented beautifully in this book. Tacha is one of those talented crafters whose fabric choices and original patterns reflect the eye of a modern quilter, but who simultaneously pays homage to the history and traditions of quilting. The result is a beautiful book that is sure to become a classic! I've made no secret of my (ahem) distaste for hand sewing. Little did I know that my first attempt at the technique -- a quilting bee block for Tacha that I made years ago -- would actually make its way into a book! See the quilt above? Tacha included blocks made by several members of the Bee Inspired quilting bee into the original Over the Rainbow quilt pattern. --quiltdad.com; 10/03/12

I think it's always exciting to learn a new technique, and I can happily say that Hexa Go-Go taught me how to do English paper piecing with hexagons. Like so many of us, I've been seeing the gorgeous EPP projects on Flickr for years, but I hadn't attempted it until now. The how-to instructions in Hexa Go-Go are straightforward and comprehensive. My favorite thing about Tacha's Getting Started With Hexagons chapter is that she describes multiple ways of completing certain steps, along with pros and cons of the different methods. After reading this chapter, I felt like I knew exactly what supplies I needed and how to use them. I kept the book with me while I was practicing and found myself referring back to it several times, each time finding exactly the information I was looking for. --ohfransson.com, 10/0312

Tacha Bruecher is the latest quilt author to have been swept up in the current craze for English paper piecing (EPP). She says that her enthusiasm for EPP caught her by surprise, as she is an impatient person by nature. But, having tried it, she was hooked. It's therapeutic and, because it's so portable, she declares it "quilting's answer to knitting"! Even if you're mainly a machine stitcher, Tacha encourages you to try EPP because it will increase your quilting time - you'll be able to pull a few hexagons out of your handbag and work on them any time, and before long, you'll have a whole block done. What's more, EPP allows quiltmakers to confidently tackle complex projects, knowing that points and corners will all match up. What makes Tacha's book different and worth buying is that she has added a modern twist - with wonky piecing, white sashing, embroidery, raw-edge applique and a colour palette and fabric choices taht scream 'modern'. --Australian Homespun; January 2013