Andii

:shock:
Paper piecing...Let me first say I think I am going to love it...I am still plucking away at the February BOM-plucking it out and starting over that is :roll: I think it is going to be good once I get it down but it really is something that doesn't come naturally to me. It seems backwards and awkward. I get what I'm doing but when I try to think too much I pin the fabric backwards or make sure I have enough material but forget to flip and measure it...know what I mean?

I also notice I have to keep at it because once I walk a way for a bit the groove I get going takes awhile to get back into...like I don't retain the knowledge. I'm also handpiecing so it takes awhile. I have a machine but I like handpiecing so far.

Anyway, just a few tips for other novice piecers. When it says print extra copies of the pattern while you're learning double whatever you planned to print ;-) I thought I could reuse the pattern if I messed up but you really can't because it's perforated.

Second, try not to overthink it...because it doesn't make sense, just do it :thumbup:

Third, beeswax or thread conditioner if you're sewing by hand. Someone mentioned it to me as a tip and I didn't get it until I had finished my first block. I got it yesterday and it helps so much. I haven't been having near as many problems with tangling.

To all of you experienced ladies-does the beeswax stain the fabric in anyway? It doesn't seem to but I just wondered.
Back to my block.
Andii

Eddie

It can be. :D

DebraK

what?

Andii

It can be what, Eddie?

I didn't mean to disrespect the gentlemen on here
:oops: I'd like their opinions on beeswax too.
You've heard this a hundred times, I'm sure, but your quilts are some of my favorites, Eddie.
Andii

AtHomeSewing

Carol Doak showed us how to use Scotch Brand REMOVABLE tape to "fix" pattern pieces when I needed to restitch something. This tape is also repositionable! It comes in the Blue Box . She suggests using the 1/2" size. It works very well. The tape is very easy to peel off when you want it off.

Hope her tip this might help you too! :) :)

Here's is the product:
http://www.Shop3M.com/70016032032.ht...Removable-Tape

Eddie

Shocking, LOL. :) When your message was first posted there was only the :shock: thingy in it, so I was agreeing that paper piecing can be shocking. But in a good way. :) I attended a quilt retreat a few weeks ago and they did a paper piecing class which really got me interested in it. The precision that can be achieved with it is amazing. A friend lent me a couple of PP books since then, so I need to get busy reading up on them. So to me, PP is shockingly great! :D

kathy

WOW I can't believe you're PPing by hand, that's got to be tuff! I really think you'd enjoy it quicker if you'd use your machine. I'm just like you on the not retaining what I thought I learned. When I started I would baste it by hand to be sure it was right, then sew it on the machine, then I would pin on the sewing line so I could flip and be sure it was big enough, then I really got the hang of it and just eyeballed it. Good luck, can't wait to see what you're making .

TanyaMas

Ive always had issues with paper piecing too.. It seems easy, and not sure why i have issues with it but for some reason, i always end up backwards on it too lol... good luck with yours, im sure it will turn out lovely in the end.

Marjpf

I had problems at first, then found if I first don't think about it, just follow the instructions, and second if I find myself thinking about it I try to think backwards, that it all comes out just fine.

Ninnie

I am addicted to Pp. I just learned how last week, I bought Carol Doaks DVD on learning to PP, and after watching it only once, it all made sense. I was one of those who that that paper piecing was something I would never be able to do.It is so much fun!!