retrogirl02

I'm with Janstar. Amma's tute is great and since she took such great pix with explanations, I didn't even have to DO the block. I jumped right in with the first PP DJ block on Klue's schedule. I think the cutting and transferring is a problem...I am leaving them bigger than the square or triangle I need on the block, piecing, and pressing. Then, I go back and reduce the seams so they don't get in the way for the next piece. I'm not sure if this is clear...feel free to PM for more assistance. HANG IN THERE! We've all had days like this.

retrogirl02

Oh, and since PP is still "backwards" in my head----along with several other things LOL----I am glad I cut larger. Some of those triangle pieces in the blocks would not turn out due to the angle if I cut more exact. It will be fine, BarbM.

wilhelmina

Don't give up! For what it is worth, I am sooo late to the party, finally I have the software and my fabric but haven't done a block yet!!! I have so much going on, its crazy :) But I am going to start and will catch up because I am determined to have a Dear Jane. I have wanted to start one for at least 3-4 years. I am going to make two sets of blocks, the first will be from my stash, scrappy blocks, really for practice, then I will make the second set with my new beautiful fabric, after I am happy with the construction. Paper piecing is different, it takes some practice to get the hang of it, but it is so precise. Use a little bigger needle and smaller stitches so the paper will come off easier, then remember it is backwards, plus due to the construction you will use more fabric. There is plenty of time, hang in there girl :)

cutebuns

Which blocks Barb? I find some of them easier to just piece without the paper, some to me just don't make sense to pp as there is so many that you can only do two or three pieces and then you need to put them together from there,

sandpat

Barb...I feel your pain! Don't give up though, you'd make it too easy for me to follow you and I don't want to do that. So...I think that its that you aren't working from actual print outs from your softward. You need to print (making sure your scaling is set to 0)..then sew EXACTLY on the lines for PP'ing. Believe me...even when I do that, sometimes its not perfect...but it is acceptable. I'm struggling with the applique blocks....can anyone tell me how to get pointy points?

retrogirl02

Has anyone looked ahead (or completed!!) the Autumn Aster E-9 I think? I printed it off and am thinking I'd rather applique than piece the center but the 4 center corners are SO thin it looks like I'd need to piece first then applique the leaves....any suggestions? It's not completed on that quilt, either.
Thank you!

retrogirl02

Sandpat, the pointy points are done by manipulating the absolute point with the tip of your needle---whether needle turn or freezer paper method.

You'll pinch with your thumb nail to hold the excess fabric back, place the tip of your needle right at the end (after tucking excess fab underneath) and go straight down through the fabric. I leave my thumbnail there and go immediately to the next stitch and then make sure everything is tucked in. I hope that's clear.

Esqmommy

F-9 is Autumn's Aster. I would make the base and applique the four leaves on. Do you know how to sew curves? Pinning is quite helpful. You need to put the piece that looks pregnant on the bottom..that's how I remember (pregnant ladies like to lie down to rest!!)

It seems like it will be easier to sew those down, then do the applique on top.

Any other thoughts out there?

retrogirl02

F-9, yes that's it EsqMommy. I thought I might have to applique last but am not looking forward to it. This is my first time with curves because I thought they looked too hard. I've heard pinning a lot helps (maybe that's why I've not tried it yet LOL). Should be a challenge when I get to it.

Esqmommy

I will make a tute. Don't panic...it's actually easier than you think. When I post the tute, you might want to practice with larger pieces first! Just to get it down. It also helps to have a long thin tool...like the pointy end of a wooden skewer. I just break them in half and use them. you can use it to hold the fabric while you manipulate it.