English Paper Piecing

How is it I keep finding more projects to start, but can't seem to finish many??

Hubby and I are planning a trip this fall with several days of driving.  I've been thinking about what I could do to pass the time.  I don't like to read in the car because we can't chat.  So, I starting thinking about what type of sewing project I could do.

Last time we took a road trip, I made lots and lots of yoyos.  I still have them somewhere and can't think of anything to do with them.  I'm sure someday I'll pull them out again and figure something out.

I've been seeing videos and tutorials on English paper piecing and always thought that's not for me, it takes way too long.  But...I've always wanted to make a Grandmother's flower garden quilt.   My great grandmother made one and it's in pretty bad shape.

After watching several different techniques, I decided to go with Sue Daley's way.  Her way looks simple and very accurate.  So I bit the bullet and ordered most of the supplies.  I forgot to order the thread she suggested, but I got the glue pen, paper pieces, needles and the template.  I'm going to use fabric from my stash.

I ordered everything from Fat Quarter Shop, they seemed to be one of the few places in the United States with everything in stock!  Sue Daley must be pretty popular!


I've already decided I think I ordered the wrong size of hexies.  I ordered the 1 1/2 inch.  I think that's going to be too big. My thought was I didn't want to do tiny ones and it take forever.  But, after looking at them, I think they are too big.

Now my dilemma is do I go ahead and make a quilt or maybe something else with the bigger ones or order smaller ones.   Tough decision. 

I've decided to make at least one complete flower and then decide if it's too big.  So I got started cutting them out. 

And gluing them.  So far it's going well.  It's actually pretty easy!

All the gluing done for my first complete flower.  Now for the part I'm not so sure about...the actual hand sewing.

I have the first round completed and it doesn't look half bad!  I've already figured out I need to get different thread.  I know to use polyester, but the only polyester thread I have is embroidery thread.  I struggled using it so I think I'm at a standstill until I can get the proper thread. 

But I do have to admit, it is rather fun.  I have decided to go ahead and go with the 1 1/2 inch hexies, it will make a big flower, but I guess it won't take as many to make a nice size quilt!

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Have you tried English Paper Piecing?  Do you enjoy it?


Happy Sewing,

Lori