Learn How to English Paper Piece

Learn How to English Paper Piece by Nancy's Notions and Carolina Moore

I am excited to get to share with you a new book about English paper piecing.  Some of you that know me, and my love of my sewing machines, may wonder why English paper piecing?

Look back a few posts and you will find the answer---you can do this without power!  I think this may just be my new favorite method of travel/powerless quilting!

So when Carolina Moore asked for quilters to review her new book, I jumped at the chance to explore this method of quilting.  I am also sharing my project that I created from her new book.

Be sure to join in the Instagram Give Away and check out what other quilters have to say about Carolina's book.  Links are found on this post.

I should probably introduce myself to those of you who have just found me. I am a quilting and sewing instructor that designs patterns, workbooks and machine embroidery designs.  I favor creating art quilts, and love adding mixed media products to my projects.  My website is www.LindaBrattenCreations.com and you can subscribe to my free newsletter, Linda B Creative.  I host a Facebook Group, Linda B Creative, where I hope to inspire you to try a variety of sewing and quilting techniques.  I am addicted to sewing machines, and love all the wonderful things you can do with them.  I have an online class with Bluprint, Exploring Natural Machine Quilting Motifs that features my nature inspired quilting motifs done on a domestic sewing machine.

Having recently spent 36 hours without power due to a major snow storm, I was on the look out for a project that would inspired my creativity.  I believe Carolina's book, Learn How to English Paper Piece, was just what I needed.

The table of contents from the book.

She does a great job of  describing the basics of paper piecing.  I was familiar with some of the techniques, but the pointers that she includes such as the stitching order of the pieces, made my project come together easily.

And speaking of projects,  Carolina shares ten projects in the book.  I found that they included a variety of skill levels, which I appreciated so I can develop my skills gradually and be successful.  As I read the book, I saw the potential to create quick and easy gifts for those I love. I also appreciated that the there were quick and easy projects to get you started on your way to English paper piecing.  This is an added bonus for those of us who find our creative time limited due to our other commitments.

So I chose to make the Fussy Cut Coaster.  Carolina shows you how to create a template to assist you with fussy cutting your pieces.  I found some of my favorite, Riley Blake Fabric that had a peacock motif to use in the project.  (Did I forget to mention that I love peacocks???)  Essential to being successful with this is to determine the accurate repeat of the fabric.

You will end up with a piece of fabric that looks like Swiss cheese, but the results are worth it!

When you get your motifs cut out in the diamond shapes, then you need to find fabric for the outer diamonds.  In Carolina's project she fussy cut additional fabrics, I felt that the peacock motif would be lost if it competed with another busy print, so I opted for a bold lime green to make the coaster sing.

When it came time to applique the paper pieced block to the background, I used my artistic license and chose a different decorative stitch to use, the blanket stitch.  I also backed the coaster with a tear-away stabilizer to prevent "tunneling" as I sewed. I then removed the stabilizer once I was done.

I was able to create the project, in a couple of hours.  It might have moved along faster, if  I didn't enjoy my coffee so much.  I am thrilled with the results and have already found a spot for it in my studio!

Carolina and Nancy's Notions are giving away an English paper piecing starter kit for those of you on Instagram.  Go to my account at  https://www.instagram.com/linda_bratten/ and look for this post to join in the fun!

Find out what other quilters on the book tour have to say about Carolina's book and see what they are inspired to create.

Friday, January 25^th: Carolina from Always Expect Moore

Saturday, January 26^th: Linda from Linda B Creative and Havalah from Sisters, What

Sunday, January 27^th: Teresa from Sewn Up, Teresa Down Under and Stephanie from Modern Sewciety

Monday, January 28^th: Jen from Faith and Fabric and Alicia from Sew What Alicia

Tuesday, January 29^th: Sherry from Powered by Quilting and Marie from Underground Crafter

Wednesday, January 30^th: Brooke from Brooklyn Berry Designs and Melody from Two Maker Chicks

Thursday, January 31^st: Ali from Home Crafts by Ali and Sarah from Quilted Diary

Friday, February 1^st: Bobbie from the Geeky Bobbin and Gemia from Phat Quarters

Saturday, February 2^nd: Beth from Garland Girl Quilts and Bobbi from Snowy Days Quilting

Sunday, February 3^rd: Kirsty from Bonjour Quiltshttps://www.bonjourquilts.com/blog/ and Simone from Charmed Life Quilting

Monday, February 4^th: Aimee from Things Small and Simple and Mathew from Mister Domestic

Tuesday, February 5^th: Kathy from Kathy’s kwilts and more and Kim from Stitched in Purple

Wednesday, February 6^th: Audrey from the Cloth Parcel and Anorina from Samelia’s Mum

Thursday, February 7^th: Laura from Slice of Pi Quilts and Lauren from Molly and Mama

Friday, February 8^th: Sarah from Saroy and Stephanie from Swoodson Says

I can't wait to try to create the Tech Pouch next!

Hoping you have a creative weekend,