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I had a very difficult time paper piecing last year in a class I took. Everyone else was on 2 or 3 blocks ahead of me and I was on the first one. It just seems backward to me. I picked up my pattern again abt 2 weeks ago, and just the point part of the project took me almost one and a half hours. at that rate, if i tried to do a New York Beauty block and make a quilt, I would say about 5 years in the making. I find it beautiful, precise but very frustrating bec. I feel I am backward when doing it. I think it just takes practice and patience.

I love paper piecing. There was a learning curve at first, but I finally got comfortable with it. I love how the blocks looked. They were 6" blocks and some were very involved, never could have done it as well with the paper piecing.

The method that Kitsie referenced looks to involved if every block is different.

I have a waste basket that sits on one side of me, and a crumb bag on the other, with a thread catcher cup next to the machine. I complete the whole unit of PP, then hold it with both hands, over the trash, and rotate my hands as if I am pedaling them. Paper tears itself loose, and falls in the trash. Pull off the last few bits, and go to the iron to press. Square done.

Thanks for posting pictures.
Going to to beautiful.I like your color choices.
Gale

I did some PP cardinals. it took over 2 hours for each block, start to finish. I got so i was not ripping out every other seam-more like every 4th seam.
they turned out pretty good IMHO. they do have a lot of mistakes though. i do like it and will definately do more PP. I would like to make a point-there are different methods of PP. the methods where you don't tear out the paper is not the same as Foundation Paper Piecing. Isn't that English Paper Piecing? someone correct me if I'm wrong. Personally, I think that method is more difficult.

Pollyv9- i forgot to say YES i thought it was a very messy project. Scraps of fabric, slips of paper, threads everywhere!!! I did keep a scraps bucket nearby and a wastebasket too! it's messy, but oh so beautiful when done. I love your blocks. your quilt will be beautiful when finished.

Me neither no matter how many times I look I just don`t get it.What is wrong with me ?

Here's the link that someone posted yesterday(?). It seems like a great way to do this as I've been having some trouble pp but can generally do it. I'm going to try this but am a bit apprehensive about cutting the seams when she does.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2gK...eature=related

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXyankee

I've been working on a pp mini. I had explanations and demos from the experienced ladies at my bee group. I still get confused but I'm ripping out less as I get better. How do I handle the bulk in the junctions? My sewing machine gets stuck when I try to sew over the seams.

Anytime my machine 'bogs down' over thick areas,I just turn the wheel by hand so I do not break needles or thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTS

Quote:

Originally Posted by peggymunday

I realize it's "paper" piecing, but I like to trace the pattern onto a lightweight fabric like muslin (just lay the fabric over the pattern and copy with pencil) and then use it like the paper pattern. No need to tear away and it gives the piece more stability without being too thick. It made for quick work for some TUIT's that I did for a women's meeting at the church. I made 16 of these in just a couple of days.

But that's one continuous pattern. You start and keep going around, and there aren't different sections that need to meet up in the center.

The first freezer paper PP I did was in a class and we did a Mariner's compass. Turned out perfect. And it was so easy once I got started.

Which is why I always say that there are many PP techniques, but not all work for all PP situations. So it's good to learn them as many as possible as each has its pros and cons.

For example, I would never do a complicated Mariner's Compass using muslin foundation.

I shiver just thinking about the extra bulk. But your example, or a string quilt, sure, without hesitation.

Or I've even used the Benartex NYBeauty pre-printed muslin foundations - but that's because there aren't points matching up with other points.

The term paper piecing is almost used generically.I think all these comments cover "foundation" piecing. And then it's your choice of the foundation and method.