paper piecing questions

I'm going to make a couple of test log cabin blocks and use the results for hotpads! I'll do one paper pieced and one not and see which technique I like better. I think I'll use safety pins next time. Now that I think about it, straight pins *are* scary!

liz > actuall, Liz, log cabins come out great if you do use paper piecing. > just an idea.

i might be wrong here but i recall reading some time ago that log cabin is a great block to quilt as you make the block then join all those blocks together. anyone familiar with this method who can point us to pix of this method and any ideas/comments/suggestions as to how well this works out. :) jeanne*

"Elizabeth Young" wrote... | I'm going to make a couple of test log cabin blocks and use the results for hotpads! I'll do one paper pieced and one not and see which technique I like better. | I think I'll use safety pins next time. Now that I think about it, | straight pins *are* scary! | liz in sunny california

It doesn't seem to, but of course starting with a fresh needle for each new project is always a good idea.

I pin it. It can be a little bit tricky to get the new strip positioned just right, but like everything else it gets easier with practice.

I like paper piecing log cabins! I am HORRIBLE at sewing a true 1/4" seam, and when I paper piece, my log cabins always come our perfect. ;)

heh heh -- you have now become a quilter. ;)

Is that the voice of experience speaking?

I call my seam ripper Mr. Pointy. We have a love/hate relationship. I love the tool. I hate ripping out stitches!

Hi Wendy: Since you have a love/hate relationship with your seam ripper, I thought I would offer a suggestion. If you need to take off a piece, place a piece of scotch brand removable tape on the paper along the seam line you will be taking out, pull back the fabric you will remove until you see the bars of the stitches and use a Rotary Point cutter to touch the bars to cut them. The piece comes off easily, the tape holds onto most of the cut threads and provides a new foundation to sew on when you replace the pieces. Just hoping to add to your enjoyment of paper piecing..... All the best, Carol Doak

Well, that's a new one Carol! I thought I had sussed out all the wrinkles of paper piecing now!! but I've just had some very complex ones to do and I've had to unpick more than any other project before (and I sincerely hope after >gHi Wendy:

Thanks for the suggestion, Carol. I have tried that method, but it doesn't work for me - gives me hand-cramps. It's not the process or technique of ripping that bugs me, just the fact that I've done something wrong, and have to re-do it!

My seam ripper has a curved Bakelite handle, and is a joy to hold. Even so, using it means more work!

Carol had the chance to apply tape on my project during her class last spring. When you go to buy your own tape, it in the blue box.

Mary

Just finished quilting a 65 x 74 " quilt where I printed out the quilting motifs and border designs on foundation paper and quilted through for the whole quilt.

Used just one needle, didn't hear any pop, pop, pop of a dull needle at the end.