Quilted Cupcake: English Paper Piecing

Thursday, March 24, 2011

English Paper Piecing - Have You Tried it?

I finally tried English Paper Piecing while I was in Lancaster last week. I needed to get a sewing "fix" in my hotel room during the AQS show. I tweeted about it, and was assured by many that it is addictive. I'd say that's a yes! I think I'm going to make a table-runner from this. Love the bright colors!

I used a charm pack of Dilly Dally fabric by Me & My Sister Designs, and the pre-cut 1.25 inch hexagons. If you haven't tried it, here's what the back looks like:

I think I'm liking it because it's both precise and a little sloppy. I don't have to be super careful when cutting out the pieces, and yet, the templates keep it all nice and even. It's also very portable and easy to do in front of the TV.

Here's a good tutorial if you want to try it: Craft Stylish

Another good resource: PaperPieces.com

This is the pattern my mom made over and over (without paper piecing), so it also helps me to feel connected to her - I still miss her every day.

Have any tips to share?

6 comments:

Sharyn Mallow Woerz said...: If you enjoy hand work, try Inklingo, you can also use it for machine work of course, but it eliminates completely any need for the paper inserts and the laborious basting around them before you can get to the fun part.

I always have a busybag with hand work, amazing how many places in this world you can hurry to in order to sit and wait...

All the best, Sharyn; March 24, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Miss Val's Creations said...: This looks really fun! I have not tried it! ~Val; March 24, 2011 at 10:55 AM
LisaAnn said...: Love it! I'm going to try one too :); March 24, 2011 at 8:52 PM
Sandi Colwell said...: I just took this up myself and I love it! Will you applique the hexagon flowers onto the table runner? Can't wait to see the finished product!; March 25, 2011 at 9:53 AM
Vals Quilting said...: Hi Jean, long time no write, I miss you:) I'm doing an English paper piecing project now also called Pies and Tarts and I'm loving it!! Love your hexes:)))
Valerie Moss
blog: http://www.PastimesOnline.ca/Vals-Quilting/
Chestermere, Alberta, Canada; March 26, 2011 at 1:18 AM
Anonymous said...: So glad you finally took the plunge. Told you it was easier than it looked! Mom would be so proud!

Kelly; March 28, 2011 at 10:12 AM