fussy cut wonky blocks
 

I wanted to fussy cut these lovely Laurel Burch cats. Then I wanted to set them in "wonky". It was tedious re measuring until I had 8" square blocks. So having just purchased paper piecing paper I cut it to 8.5" squares scored in pencil on the wrong side 1/4". Turned it over set the fussy cut at various angels then just took scraps laid them sewed a scant 1/4" seam then turned it over and cut on the 1/4" line. I think I saved time. My question is what is this technique and where can I learn more?

paper with 1/4 line

[ATTACH=CONFIG]555488[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]555489[/ATTACH]sewed scant 1/4" seam

[ATTACH=CONFIG]555490[/ATTACH]first cut away excess from each side on the edge or 8.5"

[ATTACH=CONFIG]555491[/ATTACH]finished cutting on the 8" line

I think you pretty much covered the paper piecing and the wonky setting. Carol Doak is the queen of paper piecing. There are craftsy classes available for paper piecing and most likely lots of info on youtube.

Tips:
Make sure and shorten your stitch length. That makes removal of paper easier.
make sure you sew past the intersections into the seam allowance.
If you need to pick out a seam, put a piece of clear tape on the paper to keep the paper sew line for the redo.
I ordered a packet of newsprint from amazon. It is thinner than copy paper and handles easier in PP. I had to feed it through the printer as single sheets (Printer was a little hot to pull them in lots)
I do not like to use vellum. too crunchy and hard to remove.
If you crease the lines ahead of sewing, it makes folding and trimming easier.
A lot of people use the "add-a-quarter" or "add-an-eight" ruler to trim the overhang.
Depending on the pattern, I pull the paper off before sewing the blocks together. That way I can put the blocks on my design wall.
Sometimes the paper doesn't want to come off. I will spritz it with a little water or rub a wet q-tip over the seam and that will help release the paper (it can make a bit of a mess).

how funny it was Carol Doak paper.. I pulled the paper off too so it would hang on the design wall. I'm sure the newsprint is cheaper too, thanks. I'm on the last fussy cut now I'm shortening the stitch length, thanks again for terrific advice. Really pleased how much more accurate this is than re measuring countless times.

Foundation paper piecing, regular typing paper works too. You can get ultra fancy w/ it and make insanely precise angles and points, or detailed pictures.

We all have to learn by trial and error. Think you did a great job.

You're off to a great start! :)