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!


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70 comments

  1. 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 :(

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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!

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  4. 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!

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

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

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  7. 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

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

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  9. 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 :)

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

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  11. 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!

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

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  13. 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

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  14. 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!!!

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  16. 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!!!

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  17. 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)

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

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

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  20. 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!

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

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  22. 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.

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