paper piecing...get easier?

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06-30-2010, 09:38 AM

#41

Su Lin

Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Posts: 61

I love paper piecing. Have made several quilts with PP.

06-30-2010, 12:14 PM

#42

Ilovemydogs

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: White Mountains, AZ

Posts: 2,688

Quote:

Originally Posted by raptureready

BIG TRICK LEARNED DIRECTLY FROM CAROL DOAK:

Take a piece of strapping tape and tape the card you use to fold on the line to the ruler. Line it up where it's supposed to be and tape it to one end. When you're paper piecing, put the card along the line, fold, bring the ruler over, cut. VERY VERY EASY!

If you use a piece of template plastic for your card it never frays or becomes soft on the edge.

If you invest in an Add-a-Quarter ruler (or Add-an-Eighth for tiny projects) it really will help. That's a ruler with a "lip" on it that's specifically designed for paper piecing.

I love my add a quarter ruler. What a time saver. Plus I have a tiny cutting board as well. It does get easier. I never thought I would get the hang of it but I love it. Just don't have enough time!

06-30-2010, 01:56 PM

#43

Sister Sal

Member

Join Date: May 2010

Posts: 32

yes, it gets easier - almost routine after a while. I love it

06-30-2010, 01:56 PM

#44

grandme26

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Central Arkansas

Posts: 2,559

I want to try it and hope to take a class this Fall. Have also found instructions on the net so will probably try it before the class.

06-30-2010, 02:10 PM

#45

candyce

Junior Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Irmo, SC

Posts: 130

I hope it gets easier. Once I get the hang og it, I forget if I don't keep working with it

06-30-2010, 02:21 PM

#46

Sister Sal

Member

Join Date: May 2010

Posts: 32

I didn't take a class. Just bought Carol Doak's book and took my time, going slowly. She has excellent instructions. I like to make my own patterns - simple as they are. I love paper peicing.

06-30-2010, 03:42 PM

#47

Arleners

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2007

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Posts: 1,225

I think it gets easier. Just remember to think backwards. My biggest problem is cutting patches that are large enough when there are angles involved. Now I am sure to cut out a piece of fabric the same basic shape as the patch, just a little bigger than what I need.
However, ripping the paper out after I'm done NEVER gets easier. :lol:

06-30-2010, 03:46 PM

#48

Ruby Y Campos

Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Posts: 83

I had done some paper piecing off and on and then took the challenge and took a class using a Karen Stone book and did a 16 block 48 X 48 wall hanging called Cino de Mayo. Now I am really hooked. I do admit that it took close to 4 years to finish but it was well worth it. It really does get additive and I can't wait to do another similar project. This pattern was done in really bright colors and helped me also to 'get out of the box' (quote from the instructor) in putting all colors and prints in the same project. Even though it took me that long to make, I did many projects during that time. It was a great project to work on and put aside and do something else, and then pick it up again.

06-30-2010, 04:53 PM

#49

fireworkslover

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota

Posts: 1,653

I think it does get easier, the more you do it. You do need to pay attention to what you are doing tho. It's bad enough to put a fabric in the wrong section, but to discover it after you've sewn on three more pieces is really frustrating. Ripping is awful, since you're stitching is so tiny. Then the paper falls off, since it's already perforated from being sewn thru on those lines. I've made 4 PP quilts, the current one with lots of small pieces. PP is the only way I'd attempt the patterns I've made. Just keep at it and it should become easier with practice.