Foundation Piecing

I found some beautiful fabric by Michael Miller with bluebonnets and indian paintbrush wildflowers on them, so I am making a farm scene quilt. I was working on a foundation pieced barn pattern I found on Quilt Blocks Galore. All of the foundation patterns recommend you review foundation piecing before you make it, but not me! I have done it before, so I know how! Yea, right. I had the worst time. My sewing room is in a different building, and I had only made one copy of the pattern. Because of inproper placement of the fabric or the size of the fabric wouldn't cover the patch, I had to rip several times to the extent my paper was falling apart. I was too lazy to go make another copy, and I eventually finished the block. It didn't go together to well, I assume because of my ripping. Does anyone have the same problem? Any tips?

Ripping out paper piecing is a daunting thing! When I have to rip I do it very carefully and if my paper is coming apart I tape it together. I've had good luck doing this with nothing sticky on my needle. I don't do paper piecing very often and it always takes me a block or two to get back in the swing of sewing that way. Like everything else related to quilting, it takes practice. :)

I don't do paper piecing, tho I've secretly wished I had learned that technique for some of those "beautiful" quilts I've seen on line and at shows. Just don't feel I have the expertise to go that way as I'm still learning the regular pieced way and an occasional applique. This hobby shur is challengin' ....

It sure is challenging...and you never stop learning...I like that...paperpiecing is definitely not my thing although I have made quilts using scraps sewn to muslin before...someone tried to teach me paperpiecing years ago and it never took! :)

Paper piecing is actually quite simple. You learn a few basics and you are good to go. I'm sure all of you can learn to do it in less than 30 minutes! :)

I adore paper piecing because I am not a good piecer. You do have to make sure you have a good eye for what piece will fill in the spot and make sure you have ample allowance for it. I've ripped out plenty. I used to use the teensy setting on my machine for paper piecing. since I now use a heavier construction type of paper - ie, a scratch/drawing pad from the $ store, I can use a bit larger stitch and rip out without ripping the fabric when needed. Don't give up. Paper piecing makes even beginners or wonky stitchers like me look good.

I do like paper piecing because you can make beautiful blocks with it that are very percise. I just had forgotten how, and it took me awhile to get the hang of it again. Thanks everyone!

Put some of that heavier construction paper on your shopping list. It goes through my printer very nicely, once it is trimmed to size and what a difference in the removal. I buy pads of it at a time so I will never be out of it.

That's a good tip about the construction paper. I would never have thought of that because all the tutorials suggest thinner paper, even paper you can see through. Can you see through it enough to be sure your fabric is covering the area that needs covered?

Wonderful tip Blondie...I have to give that a try...would never have thought to use the heavier paper...Carol

I, too, would think it would be hard to see through the constrution paper. I have been using regular printer paper. Most of it comes off easily, but sometimes it does tug on the stitches quite a bit. I am working on a quilt of a farm scene. I am going to paper piece some of the blocks where the sky meets the ground so that I don't have a flat horizon. It will be simple piecing.

It is not colored construction paper (although I've used that in a pinch). It is a similar texture to construction paper. I've used all sorts of paper, looking for the best for me. You name it, I've tried it.
I also try to be smart and recycle all I can. I've used phone books etc.

I like think paper fine. I just prefer something not as slick. One year I was looking around my printer area for paper to print a block really quick without having to run for the store to purchase printer paper. I had a drawing pad from the $store there and tried it. Have never looked back.

Some pads are slicker and thinner than others in the feel and texture. I have not had a problem with the visual, I keep a bright table light next to my machine and hold my paper & fabric up to that.
The paper really does come off much easier than regular paper.