Quilting Geometric Shapes

I begin by quilting the zigzag lines between each hexagon.  You could begin with the straight lines, or quilt each individual hexagon one at a time. 

Here I have sewn to the corner of the first hexagon. Next I will lift the presser foot, rotate the quilt, and sew along the border of the yellow and plaid hexagons.  This way I can zig and zag along the entire width of the quilt without cutting my thread.

Next, I tackle the straight lines that make up the flat ends of the hexagons.  After sewing the length closest to the edge of the quilt, I lift the presser foot, gently slide the quilt away from myself, under the foot, until I reach the next straight line. Then I lower the presser foot and continue sewing without cutting the thread.  I continue til I reach the other end of the quilt, then snip all the excess thread at the same time.   

Not only is this a bit faster, but it keeps my sewn line nice and neat looking, without too many interruptions.

I love to take a step back and look at my quilt.  I do this about a million times as I quilt; that's why I take forever! Machine quilting goes so fast, though. I have to slow down and enjoy each stitch as if I'm hand quilting.