Paper Piecing Progress

32 comments
So I've been mostly following Lori's advice on my Gypsy Kisses quilt and working on it one arc every day or so, sometimes more, and it is coming along. I can't really stand to do more than that at a time because paper piecing is boring.
But when it comes time to putting the arcs into blocks that will end the boring time and start the scary time. I'm going to need a helping hand to get this altogether. I took the directions with me to read before church started yesterday and I get what I'm supposed to do next but that doesn't mean it will be easy or I'll be able to do it without some help.
I have 25 pairs or 50 single arcs completed. I like them. I like looking at them. I find the shape and multi fabrics very pleasing. But this means that I have 46 more arcs to make if I follow the pattern size. I don't think I want this quilt to be 93X102 though, that is too big for me and paper piecing!
I think this is my favorite one so far. The prints and colors just make a pleasing combination.

I used 3 different foundation papers because I didn't know which one to choose. I liked using the wash away type to sew on the most. Compared to the velum and thin paper it just was so much easier to use and press against.So I tore away the velum and thin paper from the back of those arcs but now I'm stuck with the wash away paper still attached to the others. I don't want to piece the quilt together with this material attached to just some of the blocks, but I also don't want to wet it down to get rid of it, especially since not all the blocks are made with the same paper. I looked for instructions with the wash away paper but it didn't really give guidance.
I have figured out that it helps to have my mini mat and an extra rotary cutter right on my sewing table to use as I construct. Nedra helped me realize that made things go quicker.

So in between other projects, I'll be sewing more arcs. I just can't see me making 46 more. Whew.

-nanette
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32 comments

Shelley said...

As Usual Nannette, I love everything you do. I think you must be my fabric personality alternate...if I wasn't so into country reproductions I would be working in this style! Does that make sense!?LOL!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

They look really really pretty but that's a LOT of work. Do you buy the sheets pre-printed with the patterns on or do you print the pattern out onto the sheets from the booke somehow? I once tried paper piecing on Dear Jane block and that just scared the life out of me for the time being!

Annette said...

All the hard work you've put into it will be so worth it in the end. This is going to be an amazing quilt! I am impressed at how far you've come. Sometimes when I'm paper piecing I do several blocks at a time and chain piece. Then I don't have to stop and trim so often, which for me is the tedious part of the process.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

It's going to be beautiful Nanette! But I hear you on the paper piecing. I think it may be years before I try it again after Geese in the Forrest.

Lori Holt said...

Hi Nanette...it's really fun to see your progress...and you have made alot of it!
I totally agree with you on not wanting to get your blocks wet...yikes! that is just asking for trouble...but how do you get the paper out?
i'll stay tuned for the answer.
In the meantime, i just love looking at the arcs too. very fun.
love all of the fabric combos.
have a great monday my friend...
x
lori

Darlene said...

Beautiful combination of fabrics - this is going to be a beauty no matter how many you make. :-)

Trisha said...

They are looking beautiful! Looks like it would be fun to pick the color/fabric combo for each arc. Lori had a good idea to make one arc a day. I should do that more. I bet I would get a lot more done! :)

Sherri said...

Cute new blog header! Good luck with the paper piecing...I don't envy you one bit...but I sure will envy your quilt when you're finished!

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

This will be an amazing quilt when finished....like a piece of art! I didn't get to go to market so I missed seeing your quilty things and so, no photos. My blog explains why. Spring market is in Salt Lake City next year. I wonder........ :-) Bet you'll be there and I am going to see if it might work for me.

AnnieO said...

Oh my. I'll be holding your hand from afar but will be of no help with the process, as the only paper piecing project I ever started is still in a box! Hope someone can get you some answers, but meanwhile, I like your fabric combinations too!

Kaaren said...

This is going to be one amazing quilt, Nanette, no matter what the final size you decide upon. I have to give you credit though...you have much more patience than me. I think I'll just continue to look and drool over yours.

Anonymous said...

I'm feeling inspired (as always) and tired for you at the same time! These arcs are so beautiful, and the finished quilt is going to be AMAZING! But oh making 46 more!!! I guess one or two a day and you'll be there before you know it. Just think about how much you'll love the finished quilt, I love it already! xoxo

Nedra said...

You are way ahead of me. My pile still sits as is since you left.
I love how yours is turning out. You'll be just fine putting it all together. I bet Rae Ann or Lori would come over and help out too.

jen duncan said...

That is going to be stunning and BEYOND fabulous Nanette. I want to make one each of the quilts in both of those MO books. They're all so wonderful!

Pat said...

I love the fabrics you are using for this. I'm sure you will be very proud of this one when it's finished...since I know the paper-piecing is not your choice of techniques!

Unknown said...

Nanette, Chin up! Paper piecing isn't really boring, you just haven't realize yet that it rocks!! Wait until you get all those perfect little curves and seams. It looks like you are coming along wonderfully and I am hear cheering you on, can you hear me??

Ruthie said...

They are really beautiful!

Jenny said...

I saw your quilt at market and it was great!! I once did a lot of paper piecing. I made that blasted Dear Jane quilt. I now feel like a paper piecing expert. Your things are just beautiful!

Sherry said...

I love your arcs. So many pretty fabrics. This will be an awesome quilt!

Liz said...

First time at your site and love it. I have paper pieced several quilts and have found that the arcs are more stable if you do not take the paper off until that first border is on your quilt. At that point you can rip all the paper off.

Sharie - Moss Bluff said...

You will love that quilt when it is finished and you will love the results from paper piecing. I do a lot of paper piecing designing most of my quilts. Take a look at my blog, I am also working on arcs. They are for Judy Niemeyer's Bali Wedding Star quilt.

Shari said...

You either love it or hate it. i hate it (paper piecing). Very good to know about the wash away paper for the foundation. Thanks!!!

Sinta Renee said...

I love the look of this quilt... but I am holding my breath for you... and fingers crossed that it all goes together s-m-o-o-t-h-l-y! And that the papaer pieceing part goes fast:)

Candace said...

My Gosh --- what an ambitious project, Nanette! I really like the blocks - especially the fabric in your favorite one! I have a New York Beauty paper piece quilt ready to start, but am feeling somewhat intimidated by the paper piecing - I think you've just given me the inspiration I needed!
Cheers!

Browndirtcottage said...

Ok....just think of the fabulous quilt you will have after you are finished tearing all those papers away.....LOL...no pain no gain!!!

*karendianne. said...

I'm not sure if this is the right thing to say or not but... I do like reading about how you feel about this, the process you're going thru when being challenged. Sometimes I think you're just so talented that these sort of feelings just don't ever come up. Ya know? I guess one of the things I mean to express is that I appreciate your real and down to earth nature.

Thank you for being you. You know I love this pattern and it totally speaks to me and if you don't think you'll make it to 46 more then I'm with ya!!!

Those "prints and colors just make a pleasing combination" - I agree!

calicodaisy said...

Wow! The blocks are going to be beautiful! -- michele

Unknown said...

Now that is a lot of work Nanette! But it sure will be beautiful in our your fun fabrics, can't wait to see it done!

prashant said...

I love your arcs
post free classifieds

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Oh these are so pretty! I love the fabrics you are using! You just have to think like Dory from Finding Nemo..Just keep swimming (sewing) just keep (swimming) sewing :o)

Corrie said...

I love each & every one of them! It'll be so worth it.

em's scrapbag said...

Looking oh so good! I love how you are pacing yourself. Slow but steady wins the race.