gingerd

I've just started paper piecing. I love Judy Niemeyer's patterns. Is that something that a beginner could handle?

Those of you that have made one of her quilts do the patterns have the fabric measurements for each piece that is sewn?

Anything else I need to know?

Thanks!

luvspaper

I would do some samples such as pp'd hearts that you can find on the Internet for free first .... then it's going to depend on which of her patterns u pick...read thru the directions multiple times. My third quilt was mariners star....it was doable

No I don't remember sizes but do didn't really need them because with pp-ing u are trimming to the paper/Seam allowance which should keep consistency--but each piece did have a template that I guess u could measure and she does suggest cutting sizes -- many from strips

feline fanatic

Judy's patterns are indeed gorgeous but I don't think I would recommend them to a beginner unless you took a class specific to her patterns. Just getting the pattern and looking at the pages of directions is enough to intimidate the most seasoned paper piecer. Of course you could do it but you may end up discouraged and frustrated to try some of hers as a beginner. Better to feel comfortable and consider yourself an intermediate so you have fun as well as end up with a beautiful quilt instead of WIP crammed into the corner of the closet.

I agree with luvspaper that you would do better to find some free patterns on the internet that are a bit more complex like New York Beauty or some of the free patterns on Silver linings originals and Carol Doak's websites.

http://www.caroldoak.com/free-quilt-patterns.php

http://www.silverliningsoriginals.com/b.html#free

http://www.lenzula.de/en/pattern/fre...rk-beauty.html

If you feel comfortable with some of the more complex patterns offered on these sites then by all means try a Quiltworx pattern.

dunster

My first paper piecing was from a Judy Niemeyer pattern, but I made it in conjunction with a class. I've since made quilts from her patterns with no real problems, other than trying to figure out which fabric corresponds to which pieces in the pattern. Once you know how to paper piece, the detailed directions in a pattern are not as necessary. She does give sizes for cutting the fabric pieces, which is very helpful. I have never done a Carol Doak pattern, but I have heard that her patterns and her books are easier to follow.

gingerd

Neat! I'll check the links. Thanks!! I've been looking for more.

I did these from Carol Doak.

Jennifer23

Since you have actually done some paper piecing, a Judy N. pattern is reasonable, especially if you can do it in a workshop, class, or other group setting with someone knowledgeable around to help.

I made a paper-pieced placemat, then did Golden Harvest (a throw-sized Judy Niemeyer pattern). I did it as a class at a retreat; the instructor explained the pattern and got us started, and then gave help as needed. She left after the first day, and we were all able to finish without any big problems.

I think it would be a lot to tackle on your own, as there is a lot to read and figure out, but if that's your thing, give it a try. Start with the smallest, simplest pattern you can find (maybe a table runner?), and after that you will be ready for anything.

One thing that makes her patterns both easier and more complicated is that cutting templates are included, so you get all the fabric pieces cut to a good size before sewing. The complicated part is that you have to separate the cutting templates from the sewing templates, and make sure you're working with the right one all the time. Once you get them sorted, it's not that hard.

Jennifer23

I love your flowers!

sewingitalltogether

No, I don't think JN patterns are for a beginner. I'd wait until you are a confident paper piecer.

bearisgray

I think gingerd's samples show proficiency at paper piecing.

gingerd

Thanks ladies! I'm glad you like my flowers. I think I'll look into finding a table runner by JN. That's a great suggestion!

My LQS had done one of her patterns a few years ago. It was the log cabin pattern. Classes at the store are few and far between for something like that.

Off to find a table runner!