paper piecing allows you to put together sharp points and shapes that would be impossible by normal piecing methods-
visit Carol Doak's site and visit the galleries- you will see---it would be impossible---or extremely difficult to put together some of those points/shapes any other way. i love paper piecing- it adds alot to a design when you can make something that is so detailed...and comes out perfectly with no lost points. |
Sometimes it's just used to keep things straight. I've been sewing selvages onto adding machine tape to use in a strip quilt. The adding machine tape just keeps the rows from curving.
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iI agree with you Peckish. My first quilt was Storm at Sea paper pieced and it was quite accurate. I hardly had to square it.
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I too love the "Wow you did that". I just love paper piecing. But I like hand applique to go figure. Teresa
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Being a perfectionist... I LOVE the precision of paper piecing.
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Originally Posted by BATIKQLTR
(Post 4905868)
Good question!
This is just my take on it. Like the Mariner's Compass block, there is a lot of different size pieces and points that would be hard to match with regular piecing. And like you mentioned, some pieces are very small as in some circular patterns. I'm not very good at PP, but I want to make a Mariner's quilt, so am trying to learn as much as I can before I start a whole project. The January BOM is a paper piecing block that is not too difficult. You might want to go to that posing and see if you would like to try it. There is a youtube video that is really good at explaining it also. I'll find it and PM you with that link. Some people would rather PP than regular piecing. I haven't made up my mind yet. ;) Here is the link. It is very basic and easy to follow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uaW2...re=uploademail |
punishment to self. lol.
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self punishment.
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first off - Lynnie23, hello, I haven't talked with you in awhile. Hope all is well.
I agree that hand piecing will probably give one the precise points needed, but not many quilters today are 'hand' stitchers - in our hurry up world, can't sit that long, I guess. It is truly relaxing for me. Feline Fanatic, Thanks, I think for that wonderful website. I was truly amazed at all the patterns available. I love pp-ing, but haven't been 'shopping' for any new patterns. I think, though I just found my next shopping trip. Have some wonderful friends who are into horses and dogs - good patterns there for small quilts for them. Katherine and Murphy1, wonderful quilts and yes, would love the pattern to the pieces posted here - again, those are not in my pattern stash. (I have two hobbies - quilting and collecting patterns!!) |
Is paper piecing the same thing as Foundation quilting?
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Originally Posted by SandyQuilter
(Post 4912346)
The Mariner's Compass has been hand pieced accurately without paper piecing for years. Any shape, no matter how small can be hand pieced. However, how many now feel that PP is the only way to be accurate and not stretch the fabric? That's simply not true. I'm now PP some blocks, but still prefer to hand piece. You also do not need to starch fabric to be accurate. I started teaching quilting in the mid-70s after teaching myself how to quilt and written three books on how to do it. Now, obviously, the rotary cutter and other wonderful rulers are terrific innovations, but nothing beats being accurate with cutting, maintaining an even 1/4 inch seam--whether by hand or machine--and careful pressing.
I've been reading comments about how starch keeps the fabric stiff and makes piecing accurate. In my estimation, it's time wasted when I could be piecing. The trick is to spend time learning how to handle the fabric so that it doesn't stretch. I apologize in advance if I've ruffled some feathers, but I've wanted to say this for some time, especially for new beginners. Perhaps the answer is that what is successful for you is what you should do. But I want to get to a accurate, finished product as simply and quickly as possible with the minimum of fuss. SandyQuilter |
Originally Posted by bhivequilter
(Post 4915689)
Is paper piecing the same thing as Foundation quilting?
Originally Posted by Peckish
(Post 4913503)
In a nutshell, paper piecing is when you use a layer of paper to stabilize the blocks, and you remove the paper when you're done. Foundation piecing is using a layer of fabric (such as muslin) to stabilize the blocks, you stitch the patches directly on it, and it is left in the quilt permanently.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...g-t176633.html |
For accuracy-the points are so crisp and sharp.
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Paper piecing is to me like putting my head in a vice and tightening it! I did it once and thought I would go nuts. It is all individual. My sister-in-law absolutely loves it. HOWEVER, I am going to watch the tutorial that Linda sent and see if I can change my mind in the least bit :) :) :)
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I have never paper-pieced, but it seems like it would be tedious and you need a lot of patience. Maybe that is why some people don't like it. I might like to try, I just dont know if I have the patience...maybe if I were making a small quilt.
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Interesting. I wondered if anyone was of this opinion. I am mostly self-taught over the past 15-20 years. Eleanor Burns quilt-in-a-day books was my start. I have not done anything too fancy. I did start out with a rotary cutter, though. But, for years I did not even know what a bias was, it never even occurred to me to use starch or sizing, I was taught to always prewash, I never heard of precuts, etc.
I have been reading this board for a year ot two and have learned a lot! It is always fun to try different techniques to see if you like it. Right now I am experimenting with precuts, not prewashing, different battings, different basting methods, more modern patterns, etc. Although, I must say, because of reading this board (which I love), I find myself stressing or questioning myself over a technique that has been working efficiently and well for me for years. I call it "information overload". I agree with you about finishing a quilt accurately, simply, and efficiently as possible....having fun and enjoying the whole process.
Originally Posted by SandyQuilter
(Post 4912346)
The Mariner's Compass has been hand pieced accurately without paper piecing for years. Any shape, no matter how small can be hand pieced. However, how many now feel that PP is the only way to be accurate and not stretch the fabric? That's simply not true. I'm now PP some blocks, but still prefer to hand piece. You also do not need to starch fabric to be accurate. I started teaching quilting in the mid-70s after teaching myself how to quilt and written three books on how to do it. Now, obviously, the rotary cutter and other wonderful rulers are terrific innovations, but nothing beats being accurate with cutting, maintaining an even 1/4 inch seam--whether by hand or machine--and careful pressing.
I've been reading comments about how starch keeps the fabric stiff and makes piecing accurate. In my estimation, it's time wasted when I could be piecing. The trick is to spend time learning how to handle the fabric so that it doesn't stretch. I apologize in advance if I've ruffled some feathers, but I've wanted to say this for some time, especially for new beginners. Perhaps the answer is that what is successful for you is what you should do. But I want to get to a accurate, finished product as simply and quickly as possible with the minimum of fuss. SandyQuilter |
Originally Posted by feline fanatic
(Post 4905905)
Certain levels of piecing can ONLY be acheivied with PP. Go here to see what I am talking about
http://www.silverliningsoriginals.com/ |
Wow! http://www.silverliningsoriginals.com/ This website shows some really intricate quilts with small pieces. I can see how this level of piecing would need the paper piecing. It looks very challenging.
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When paper piecing, you print the block pattern directly onto paper and then have to tear the paper off when your blocks are done. It is much easier to remove the paper if you use a size 14 sewing machine needle and a smaller stitch lengh (like 2.0).
When you foundation piece, you print the block pattern onto a foundation instead of paper. You can use muslin (backed by freezer paper so it will feed through your printer), or you can buy foundation sheets made by June Taylor from JoAnns. They are very lightweight and similar to dryer sheets -- and I always use a coupon of course! I have used both methods and very much prefer the foundation sheets. Besides mariner's compass, this method is also great for the Pineapple pattern! |
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