True
to the saying “Before Prozac there was quilting”, I often patch my sorrows in
my quilt room. When I need respite but cannot get away from home, the answer to
my frayed nerves is almost always a paper-piecing project (applique’ is my next
choice), in the form of a small wall hanging or simply finding a way to add it
to a current project. It is precisely the repetition and attention required at
each step which takes my mind away from worries, relaxes stressed muscles, and
heals wounds as it demands time – a healer in its own right. The result is
always perfect points, a perfection not easily attained in any other aspect of
life without exertion of considerably greater effort than just sewing a
straight line… The blocks look like they were made by someone with a lot more
experience than me.
to the saying “Before Prozac there was quilting”, I often patch my sorrows in
my quilt room. When I need respite but cannot get away from home, the answer to
my frayed nerves is almost always a paper-piecing project (applique’ is my next
choice), in the form of a small wall hanging or simply finding a way to add it
to a current project. It is precisely the repetition and attention required at
each step which takes my mind away from worries, relaxes stressed muscles, and
heals wounds as it demands time – a healer in its own right. The result is
always perfect points, a perfection not easily attained in any other aspect of
life without exertion of considerably greater effort than just sewing a
straight line… The blocks look like they were made by someone with a lot more
experience than me.
A few months ago when I asked my blog readers which quilt-related
skill they would like to learn this year, a surprising number of respondents
mentioned paper-piecing, quickly adding they found the technique intimidating,
hair-pulling, demanding extreme precision. How could this be fun?
skill they would like to learn this year, a surprising number of respondents
mentioned paper-piecing, quickly adding they found the technique intimidating,
hair-pulling, demanding extreme precision. How could this be fun?
As
with other blocks, there is a series of steps to follow, and the only
requirement is that one sews straight on a marked line. Beyond that, repetition
is the name of the game!
After deciding on
the block, gathering and cutting the fabrics, I remind myself of four things:
the block, gathering and cutting the fabrics, I remind myself of four things:
(1)
fabrics are placed on the back side of the pattern and sewn on the front side of the pattern;
fabrics are placed on the back side of the pattern and sewn on the front side of the pattern;
(2) pieces of fabric should extend
beyond the lines of the area to be covered by at least ¼ inch;
beyond the lines of the area to be covered by at least ¼ inch;
(3) seams are sewn
in sequential order (first seam will be on line between areas 1 and 2, second
seam between areas 2 and 3, and so on, depending on each design);
in sequential order (first seam will be on line between areas 1 and 2, second
seam between areas 2 and 3, and so on, depending on each design);
(4) stitch
two or three stitches before and after each line to make sure entire line is
covered – these stitches are removed in the process of trimming the seam
allowances. Then, I run the simple steps through my mind before I actually
begin.
two or three stitches before and after each line to make sure entire line is
covered – these stitches are removed in the process of trimming the seam
allowances. Then, I run the simple steps through my mind before I actually
begin.
Hold paper with back of pattern facing you (numbers on
pattern will read backwards); place first fabric, right side up, over area
marked “1”; place second fabric onto first fabric, right sides together, and
pin; flip to front of pattern; sew on line between areas 1 and 2; remove pin;
align edge of postcard over next line
to be stitched (between areas 2 and 3, for example); fold pattern over
postcard; place add-a-quarter ruler over postcard; trim fabrics to ¼” seam
allowance; unfold pattern; flip to back; place next fabric on the edge you just
trimmed; repeat.
pattern will read backwards); place first fabric, right side up, over area
marked “1”; place second fabric onto first fabric, right sides together, and
pin; flip to front of pattern; sew on line between areas 1 and 2; remove pin;
align edge of postcard over next line
to be stitched (between areas 2 and 3, for example); fold pattern over
postcard; place add-a-quarter ruler over postcard; trim fabrics to ¼” seam
allowance; unfold pattern; flip to back; place next fabric on the edge you just
trimmed; repeat.
The postcard
mentioned above, in addition to further brightening your day with its picture
of, perhaps, a beach and palm trees, provides a sturdy edge over which to fold
the paper and align the ruler as you trim the seam allowance.
mentioned above, in addition to further brightening your day with its picture
of, perhaps, a beach and palm trees, provides a sturdy edge over which to fold
the paper and align the ruler as you trim the seam allowance.
When making many
blocks, I work as if in an assembly line, sewing the first area on all blocks,
then moving on to the next area, thus avoiding confusion and mistakes. After
all blocks are sewn together, music sees me through the process of removing the
paper. Finally, I stand back and marvel at the work. Perfection can be a silly
and time-wasting pursuit, yet it can be [unintentionally] achieved as
by-product of methodical work.
blocks, I work as if in an assembly line, sewing the first area on all blocks,
then moving on to the next area, thus avoiding confusion and mistakes. After
all blocks are sewn together, music sees me through the process of removing the
paper. Finally, I stand back and marvel at the work. Perfection can be a silly
and time-wasting pursuit, yet it can be [unintentionally] achieved as
by-product of methodical work.
Some of us aren’t
as concerned with the process of block construction, focusing instead on completing
the quilt and basking on its finished beauty. Others delight in taking time to
measure and cut with precision, sew with care, and square off blocks. Different strokes for different folks.
Regardless of your inclination, paper-piecing will please you with its simple
to follow method and eye-pleasing results. As a bonus, you may even save money
by reducing your contribution to the bottom line of pharmaceutical companies.
as concerned with the process of block construction, focusing instead on completing
the quilt and basking on its finished beauty. Others delight in taking time to
measure and cut with precision, sew with care, and square off blocks. Different strokes for different folks.
Regardless of your inclination, paper-piecing will please you with its simple
to follow method and eye-pleasing results. As a bonus, you may even save money
by reducing your contribution to the bottom line of pharmaceutical companies.
Paper-piecing is my way to avoid
going to pieces… Which is yours?
going to pieces… Which is yours?
Well said Denise! It's quite meditative to lose oneself in the quilt making process. Sometimes taking your mind off your troubles and onto sewing (crocheting or knitting) breaks that loop we can get caught up in. I love that quilt, looks like it has paper piecing and applique.
This is really beautiful, did you design it Denise? I find piecing to be the most relaxing for me but I did finally get the paper piecing grasped this year and have found I really enjoy it……but it isn't as relaxing to me. Applique….I really love it!