Paper piecing THANK YOU!

Hi friends,

A week or two ago I posted my frustration with trying to learn paper piecing. I want to thank all of you for your encouragement, especially the tip to take Carol Doak's Craftsy class.

I enrolled in the course for only $14.99 (a bargain in my book). Of course, I ran right out and bought more supplies (another, smaller rotary cutter and blades, two "add a quarter" rulers, flat pins, foundation paper, removable tape, more fabric OF COURSE) and ended up spending $100 . . . but it's only money, right?

I've been practicing a lot, which is unusual for me. I am NOT a perfectionist and I lean toward improv piecing, so this is definitely a technique that tries my patience and my persistence. But I'm kind of enjoying slowing down, and focusing on perfect points and smaller work.

Anyway, here's a pot holder I made today from a practice block. All but one point is perfect. 90% works for me, lol!

Attachment 80552

Beautiful! So glad that you enjoyed her class. I learned a lot of great tips, even though I've done paper piecing before. One thing that I enjoy is making little squares to insert in her gift cards from her patterns download. It's great practice and makes a lovely card.

Okay, Joan - but you didn't have to fold over the point that wasn't quite with it - love the colors you chose. Keep at it. My biggest problem is that I never have it on the right paper . . . hmmm - that shows my lazy streak, I think.

Nice job :-) your colors are very pretty...

Very nicely done - even put on a little - thing-a-ma-jig to hang the pot holder. I am impressed not only with your project but with you dedication to learn no matter what the "cost". Great job.

Great job!! Paper piecing is something I would like to try too. Your star looks great!

It looks fabulous! I love paper piecing and I have loads to learn still too. Same in all areas of quilting for me though lol.

So glad that you liked the class - I thought it really explained it well. I don't do the basting of the pieces together - I am just not that picky I guess. I pin at the matching lines and hope for the best and so far, they have turned out ok!

I love your star! You did a great job!

Haha, even though I signed up for that class ages ago, I'm just getting to it now. It really is an awesome class and carol is so sweet. I too went out and bought a bunch of new supplies and am super excited to get started. I like the idea of some small projects like blocks for the cards, etc. have fun...and the extra money you spent is worth the investment I'd say! (Because I did it too!) ;)

Oh, and your block is lovely and I LOVE your colours.

Great job, I've been wanting to try my had at paper piecing. I will have to check out the class, now to find the time and energy to do it LOL

Very nice! Paper piecing isn't something I want to do exclusively, but taking Carol's class gave me enough confidence to redesign a traditionally quilted block that wasn't coming out precise enough to suit me. I'm so glad you gave it a go!

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Originally Posted by Spudgrandma

Great job, I've been wanting to try my had at paper piecing. I will have to check out the class, now to find the time and energy to do it LOL

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I spent about two hours watching the first few episodes to get the basic idea. Then I cut fabric and readied my supplies. I put my laptop computer next to my sewing machine and started the series over and sewed along with Carol. I had to stop and start the video because I am slower than Carol, but I think it worked well to sew along with the video.

Now I've veered off and am trying patterns other than hers. I need to get back to the video and watch all the episodes because I'm sure I'm missing important tips.

Good luck! I've really enjoyed working my brain (and my fingers) in a new way!

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Originally Posted by Joan@DebtofGratitude

Good luck! I've really enjoyed working my brain (and my fingers) in a new way!

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Thanks for the suggestions Joan. I'm assuming, since you said you watched it over several time, that we can watch it as much as we want. Does the ability to watch the lesson end at some point. I have never taken one of the Craftsy classes.

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Originally Posted by Spudgrandma

Thanks for the suggestions Joan. I'm assuming, since you said you watched it over several time, that we can watch it as much as we want. Does the ability to watch the lesson end at some point. I have never taken one of the Craftsy classes.

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Craftsy classes never expire, so you can go back again and again - you can even take notes of things that clarify the directions for you. Love the Craftsy classes that I have taken!

Thank you for the info Lisa.