This is my first attempt at paper piecing and I am really happy with the way the block went together. I had a little trouble with the "reverse" thinking at the beginning, but quickly "turned my thinking around" (I know...narf!) and this Friendship Star block was my first paper pieced block.
Loreen (my friend and our class instructor) shared a joke with our friend, Will. They had all of us laughing. Will is quite accomplished with his machines. He's got more than two Babylocks and was sitting at his Janome for the class. He told us that he earned three ribbons at the Venice (FL) Quilt Show a few weeks ago. We were all duly impressed, even though we didn't get to see the actual quilts.
There were five of us taking the class, but most of the gals were camera shy. That's my Sofia in the foreground, and she was quite happy to help me create my block(s). I like the fact that, unlike Miss Ellie (my Ellisimo) and Prissy (my Espire), Sofie only weights about 12 pounds. It's a truly portable machine, so I don't have to worry about lugging around something heavier.
If anyone needed to cut their fabrics, the main cutting table in the front of the shop was available. It's also where we gathered to watch Loreen demonstrate layout or other paper piecing techniques. There may have been money and merchandise exchanging hands, too, although I was sworn to secrecy so I couldn't possibly comment.
This was as far as I got on the second block yesterday. It's called Kansas Troubles. I used the same fabrics that I've been using in my Farmer's Wife blocks, so I can add it to the blocks to go into my Farmer's Wife quilt when I complete them.
All in all, I think the class was a great success for me. I now understand the concept of paper piecing, and have completed one block, with patterns for three more from the class to finish. They meet every week, so perhaps I'll go back over again. All I can say for now is that I'm happy I took the class, because I've found that I really like paper piecing! If you haven't tried it before, get thee to a class and learn. Who knows? You might like it, too!
Looks good to me! And looks like you had a fun group to enjoy it with too!
ReplyDeleteYour block is great for your first one!! I like paper piecing and hate it at the same time. I tend to let my mind wander sometimes and I forget to do the flip and use my 1/4 ruler and will end up cutting my seam right along the paper - UGH. So I really have to pay attention and make sure I'm distraction free.
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are great and I also love paper piecing!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to take and class. The resulting blocks are sooo picture perfect this this technique. This to-do has definitely moved up the to-do list.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Always, Queenie
Looks like fun was had by all.
ReplyDeleteClasses are wonderful to learn new techniques and share with like-minded people. I have no idea what paper-piecing involves but your blocks look wonderful. I can read "Happy" in your post. Weekend Bliss...
ReplyDeleteYour blocks look beautiful, I have only done English paper piecing which I think is different.
ReplyDelete