paper piecing fail

I heard about the Threadbias contest using Allison's new fabric line Wallflowers and I knew I wanted to participate.  Most of the time when I have an idea for a quilt I use graph paper and a pencil, so I wasn't really quite sure how to sue the Threadbias tool.  It turned out to be pretty easy and after a little tinkering I came up with this.
I was pretty happy with how it turned out, but I thought that since I have never made a paper piecing pattern I should try it out.  Ha ha ha.
While I did figure out how to break up the block into pieces and print them out, I forgot to account for the fact that I needed to reverse the pattern for some of the pieces since they aren't symmetrical.  I also ended up with the most monstrous center seam I have ever seen and I would not wish that seam on any quilt!

So I guess it's back to the drawing board.  Does anyone have any tips or tutorials on making paper piecing patterns?  I think I could use some help.

In other news, I received my pillow from the Pillow Talk Swap yesterday and it is really beautiful.  There were a few bumps in the road this round, but after I received this pillow it made up for everything.  Jenn did a great job.
 And here it is with my pillow from last round.
And the pillow I sent to my partner, Kelsey.
pillow talk swap finish
It is such a fun swap!


Follow on Bloglovin
loading..

70 comments

  1. LizJune 21, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    Those pillows look awesome! I should join that swap, but I'm a little intimidated with my newbie skills.

    I have no tips on paper piecing since I've never done it, but the quilt design looks awesome, too bad it didn't work out :(

    ReplyDelete
  2. Heather D.June 21, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    No tips on the paper piecing as it's definitely not my favourite thing to do. Your block has some potential I think, but the seams that come from having so many pieces intersecting is definitely a downside to it. I think that's why I don't like paper piecing. I hate those huge bulky seams.

    The pillow you received is absolutely gorgeous. Love the oranges and purples together.

    ReplyDelete
  3. nicoleJune 21, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    Wish i had some advice re paper piecing, but i'm in the same boat... trying so hard to design my own and not getting anywhere. I just finished up a block where twelve seams intersected. It wasn't too bad, though i did break a needle(mainly because i was sewing to fast!). It wouldn't stop me from using the pattern again. Your pattern looks great! Hope you get some advice that helps!

    ReplyDelete
  4. nicoleJune 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    Me again:) Just took another look at your block and i think if you could adjust your pattern to only four pieces you could eliminate four seams. If you use your floral print as one piece (instead of two), start there and build around it, yellow than pink, you would end up with four quarters to sew together instead of two pieces to make one quarter then four quarters to one block! Just a thought!

    ReplyDelete
  5. JennyJune 21, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    Fun, fun and lot's of fun!! Love all your pics and the paper piecing quilt is going to look fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  6. West Michigan QuilterJune 21, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    I love paper piecing and really like your block. Looking forward to seeing the end pattern. I can't wait to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. SharonJune 21, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    You could reduce the bulk of seams in the middle of your block by making the "petal" one piece instead of two and have the background triangles not meet in the middle, rather have them come just short of where the strips end. I have a tutorial called 'no more nipples' about bringing seams together in the center.
    Just holler if that doesn't make sense or if you want some help
    Yankeequilter(at)gmail.com
    Fabricsandflowers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. SharonJune 21, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    I love that block on the pillow you make for Kelsey!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cloud CouCouJune 21, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    I would offer some advice, but I have never even tried paper piecing, although I really want to give it a go. I'm sure you can figure something out though, keep trying. Those pillows are fantastic, would love to have one on my sofa :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. BethJune 21, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    I don't have any tips to offer but I love your design - both the graphics and the actual block!

    ReplyDelete
  11. sarah elizabeth :: {no} hatsJune 21, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    My my my! Don't be so hard on yourself! First off props to you for tackling paper piecing design ;) And if you think your seams are bulky you should check out some of the super intricate forest QAL blocks (holy smokes they can get pretty thick). I will say that one thing I've found to be helpful is ironing seams open when joining pieced sections. Might not be overly effective but st least it's a start!

    ReplyDelete
  12. ReneeJune 21, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    Aw, that is too bad it didn't work out, it is such a cute pattern! The pillows are all great!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kelly @ My Quilt InfatuationJune 21, 2013 at 8:41 PM

    sadly, I have no advice to offer on the paper piecing as I've never done it. :( however, I really love your pillows! what a fun swap!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

    ReplyDelete
  14. SoniaJune 21, 2013 at 10:11 PM

    I'm afraid I have no tips on the center seam but the paper-pieced block is gorgeous! And beautiful cushions too, your sofa must look very cosy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. LisaJune 21, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. LisaJune 21, 2013 at 10:54 PM

    You are so super brave to try the paper piecing on the Threadbias tool! I think it looks adorable - reminds me of a 4 leaf clover. Your pillows are lovely - looks like a really fun swap!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. heart of charnwoodJune 22, 2013 at 1:16 AM

    I think the principle with a block like this is to try and make the centre piece of each block 1 piece of fabric instead of 2, and then make your way outside. I think it is possible to do this block in just 4 pieces instead of 8, and that would considerably reduce your seams and issues. :o)

    ReplyDelete
  18. heart of charnwoodJune 22, 2013 at 1:16 AM

    And love the cushion you sent and received, just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  19. DebbieJune 22, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    Looks like you are getting some help here which is great - nice design! Hope you blog about it again further along in the process...

    ReplyDelete
  20. PattiJune 22, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    Love the pattern you created, Erica! I'm no help with design, but I sure know what you mean about converging seams from doing the Lucky Stars blocks! Your pillow swaps looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AllisonJune 22, 2013 at 9:37 PM

    That quilt is freaking gorgeous Erica! Makes me want to start paper piecing (almost) ;) -Al

    ReplyDelete
  22. Rachel at Stitched in ColorJune 23, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    No experience is wasted! I'm sure you've already learned a lot and the comments here are nice. I agree - you would want to redesign to make the block in 2 segments, not 4.

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJuly 30, 2015 at 10:04 AM

    I read this post fully concerning the difference of latest and former stuff, it is awesome article.Shredder Choice

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownNovember 6, 2017 at 8:08 AM

    amazing !!! good work. keep it up. find shredder for office from here.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousNovember 12, 2017 at 3:36 AM


    Thank you so much.
    website

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousNovember 12, 2017 at 10:06 PM

    Thank you so much.
    website

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownNovember 20, 2017 at 5:58 AM

    Thanks very informative. Do check out more info at: Best Electric Chainsaw

    ReplyDelete
  28. UnknownNovember 22, 2017 at 2:38 AM

    Thanks very informative. Do check out more info at: Best Electric Chainsaw

    ReplyDelete
  29. UnknownNovember 23, 2017 at 3:55 AM

    Thanks very informative. Do check out more info at: Best Electric Chainsaw

    ReplyDelete
  30. UnknownNovember 24, 2017 at 3:14 AM

    Thanks very informative. Do check out more info at: Best Electric Chainsaw

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownJanuary 23, 2018 at 4:47 AM

    Great article click here
    Bulk of information check this
    VERY INFORMATIVE more info
    Thanks for sharing this for more informatin click here
    Good information really appreciated Appreciated See this

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownApril 2, 2018 at 11:49 AM

    Thanks for sharing this amazing information
    See this

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownApril 4, 2018 at 8:18 AM

    nice to see this have a look

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownApril 4, 2018 at 12:41 PM

    Thanks for shring this amazing article. It help a lot.. Thanks once again
    see this

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownApril 5, 2018 at 12:05 AM

    Thanks for sharing this amazing information. Keep it Really appreciated
    see this

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownApril 7, 2018 at 4:18 AM

    Nice Informative Post. Great work Really Appreciated
    See this

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownApril 8, 2018 at 7:32 AM

    I really enjoyed that postsee this

    ReplyDelete
  38. andrewApril 12, 2018 at 3:58 AM


    find a best external hard drive here.
    Best external hard drive

    ReplyDelete
  39. andrewApril 12, 2018 at 3:59 AM


    yeah really nice information.
    Best external hard drive

    ReplyDelete
  40. andrewApril 13, 2018 at 3:46 AM


    I love this post thanks for this amazing information.
    Best cheap vlogging camera

    ReplyDelete
  41. andrewApril 13, 2018 at 3:47 AM


    this is a good thing yeah very good.
    Best cheap vlogging camera

    ReplyDelete
  42. UnknownApril 16, 2018 at 12:41 PM

    Really amazing post..much helpful see this
    check this

    ReplyDelete
  43. UnknownApril 16, 2018 at 8:06 PM

    Really amazing post..much helpful see this
    check this

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownApril 26, 2018 at 3:14 AM

    I was looking for something amazing and finally found it

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownApril 26, 2018 at 4:10 AM

    I was looking for something amazing and finally found it

    ReplyDelete
  46. Rich HeartsApril 27, 2018 at 12:55 PM

    What a great platform that for such nice information Have a Look

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownMay 17, 2018 at 1:20 PM

    Nice info see this keep up the good work

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownJune 27, 2018 at 5:34 AM

    Nice one see this website

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownJune 30, 2018 at 6:24 AM

    Good work keep it up website

    ReplyDelete
  50. UnknownJuly 1, 2018 at 2:52 AM

    Keep up the good work thanx website

    ReplyDelete
  51. UnknownSeptember 4, 2018 at 12:11 AM

    Thanks for sharing this amazing information
    See this
    check this
    Click Here
    See more
    Check this out

    ReplyDelete
  52. shaban aliSeptember 12, 2018 at 2:27 AM


    Great post Keep it up.
    Bissell Air Ram 1984 Vacuum Cleaner Review - allofvacuums

    ReplyDelete
  53. UnknownOctober 11, 2018 at 2:19 AM

    Freedom APK for Android

    Freedom APK for iOS

    ReplyDelete
  54. UnknownNovember 7, 2018 at 11:03 PM

    game hacker apk no root

    ReplyDelete
  55. assadNovember 7, 2018 at 11:32 PM

    its nice to be here.keep posting such content
    click here

    ReplyDelete
  56. UmairNovember 9, 2018 at 1:31 AM

    It's best knowledge shared on this topic. I have never seen such accurate post
    read more..

    ReplyDelete
  57. johnroyNovember 10, 2018 at 6:20 PM

    Thanks for sharing your thought with us!
    please see this

    ReplyDelete
  58. assadNovember 13, 2018 at 3:03 AM

    its nice to be here.keep posting such content
    click here

    ReplyDelete
  59. assadNovember 15, 2018 at 10:36 AM

    its nice to be here.keep posting such content
    click here

    ReplyDelete
  60. Davin SmithNovember 16, 2018 at 8:27 AM

    Its really worth to read this post thanks for Sharing amazing post.
    click here for more information

    ReplyDelete
  61. asadDecember 4, 2018 at 4:11 PM

    very good information given by your blog.
    thanks! see more

    ReplyDelete
  62. UmairDecember 5, 2018 at 5:51 AM

    Keep it up. valueable article
    Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  63. asadDecember 10, 2018 at 12:52 AM

    Thanks for sharing this intresting post.
    see this

    ReplyDelete
  64. jhon millerDecember 11, 2018 at 9:27 PM

    Thanks for sharing this amazing post.
    see more

    ReplyDelete
  65. jhon millerDecember 11, 2018 at 11:53 PM


    Thanks for sharing this amazing post.
    my website

    ReplyDelete
  66. asadDecember 12, 2018 at 2:45 AM

    its nice to be here.keep posting such content
    click here

    ReplyDelete
  67. asadDecember 13, 2018 at 2:18 AM

    its nice to be here.keep posting such content
    click here

    ReplyDelete
  68. asadDecember 14, 2018 at 3:26 AM

    Nice info see this keep up the good work.
    thanks! see website

    ReplyDelete
  69. UnknownDecember 15, 2018 at 5:17 AM

    Glad to see this beatiful information!
    Pleasesee more

    ReplyDelete
  70. salmaFebruary 13, 2020 at 8:04 AM


    اسعار كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض اسعار كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض

    اسعار كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض اسعار كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض
    شركة عزل فوم بجدة شركة عزل فوم بجدة
    شركة عزل الفوم بالرياض

    ReplyDelete

Unfortunately I have had to turn off commenting due to an overwhelming number of spam posts. If you have any questions, please contact me using the contact form at the top of the page or comment on an Instagram post.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Powered by Blogger.