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Feeling better about PP, but still having some discouragement

Feeling better about PP, but still having some discouragement

Old 09-08-2011, 12:54 PM
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After several attempts and frankly thinking I was too dumb to EVER get it, I finally succeeded in getting a paper pieced block done! Yay me!
Toward the end, it did start to get easier and I wasn't having to wrestle mentally with each stitch.
However, I am still having problems following exactly on the lines, and I feel this very slight difference has caused my points and seams to still be a little off.
I am sewing on my new (old) kenmore and for whatever reason, the needle does not follow the middle of the foot. I *think* this is causing me to sew slightly to the left of where I need to be. I'm gonna drag out my manuel and see if another foot might fix that problem.
Tips are appreciated. Thanks!
Attached Thumbnails attachment-253397.jpe   attachment-253398.jpe   attachment-253399.jpe  
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Old 09-08-2011, 12:59 PM
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Love the pattern! What is the name of this one and where did you get it?
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Old 09-08-2011, 12:59 PM
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Congratulations. It's a great first effort.

You might try an open toe foot - the foot is irrelevant as you should be looking at the needle meeting the line on the foundation.

Ah, unless your foot is blocking the view - and that's where the open toe is helpful. Maybe you have one for applique. I'm not familiar with the Kenmore/generic feet.

Here's a picture of a similar one that I sometimes use on my Bernina-
http://www.amazon.com/20-Open-Toe-Fo.../dp/B0007XPZ0A
Allows me the full view of where I'm going. ;-)

PP throws everyone for a loop the first couple of times. And even when you've been it for years and years, one can easily put a piece backwards, or cut it too small. :roll:

But I promise it gets easier.
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Old 09-08-2011, 12:59 PM
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I just took my first paper piecing class last week nad had same problem. Couldn't get on straight line. Turned out my needle was slightly bent. Try changing.
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Old 09-08-2011, 01:02 PM
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Your block is great along with your choice of fabric. Did you slow your speed down? This helps a great deal in getting a straight sewing line. If your machine doesn't havew the option of slowing the motor you may have a hard time controling the machine speed. To help slow it down you can wedge a small sponge under the foot pedal and you be surprised how much control you gain.

Love your block. Keep up the great work and post pictures as you go!
peace
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Old 09-08-2011, 01:03 PM
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i use an open toe foot when i do paper piecing that way you have a clear view of everything.
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Old 09-08-2011, 01:17 PM
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I agree with using an open toe or applique foot which is completely clear. I love paper piecing. A trick I learned a long time ago is to crease the paper on all the lines before you start sewing. That allows you to bend the paper more easily to trim.
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Old 09-08-2011, 01:28 PM
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Much better than my first attempts! And yes, an open toe or clear foot will help dramatically. Although when I finally managed to take a class - which helped me like you wouldn't believe - I used my FW with a regular 1/4 in. foot and had not problems. Could be the bent needle as someone else suggested?
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Old 09-08-2011, 01:39 PM
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All good suggestions. I think your block is GORGEOUS!!!
I love PP but it does require me to change the way my brain works a little- not an easy task hahaha :D
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Old 09-08-2011, 01:42 PM
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I think your block is beautiful. The places where the seams don't *quite* match (not enough to get really upset about) is where you joined two paper pieced sections together. Did you keep the paper on while making that join?
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