I am terrible at searching this forum, but I did try to see if this has been addressed before (so a link to an old thread will be welcome, too)...

The quilt I've designed with EQ6 and starting right now has 4 NY Beauty blocks in the corners (because I'm a complete masochist). I've tried "paper piecing" them before, but the results were not very good.

So I'm looking for some tips on how to get a NY Beauty block to come out w/o the points chopped off and the curves smooth.

This is the design. I call it "Goose in a NY Minute" (because it uses the following blocks: Flying Goose Variation, Hourglass and NY Beauty)

I can't help you, but that is sure a pretty pattern.

That's very creative. I like your borders, very inventative. The only way I've done the curved borders like your cornors were by paper piecing. I can't think of another way that would work, atleast for me anyways.

Idea! Have you tried PP'ing the curves individually and then sewing them together?

Yes, I agree, pp piece the curves individually and than sew them together to make the block.

How do you paper piece a curve? I haven't got that to ever work for me. The zig-zags are all straight line, so I can do those PP'ed.

I think it was on quilter's tv where I saw a tutorial by Eleanor Burns on an alternate way to do the NY Beauty. She used an interface-based applique. May be worth a check. Sorry I don't have a link.

Ula Lenz has wonderful paper pieced NYB blocks and her points don't get chopped off: http://www.lenzula.com/pattern/free/nyb.php

You might want to try freezer paper paper piecing where you don't sew through the paper--you fold it and sew next to the fold.

I have used that method before too and it works best for me when I use the zipper foot on my machine because I have better edge control. On my machine I can move the needle to the edge of the foot.

http://dquilts.blogspot.com/2007/04/...per-piece.html

http://www.planetpatchwork.com/fndpiece.htm

As others have recommended, I freezer paper piece NYB blocks.

I HATE conventional foundation piecing where you sew through the paper, but the freezer paper mothed is different and I love it.

Check out this tutorial for the basic method:

http://www.twiddletails.com/store/in...age=page&id=21

I piece the spiky arcs this way, for sharp clean points. Very easy.

Then to the curves:

For the solid arcs, I cut a piece of freezer paper for each, iron it onto the wrong side of the fabric, mark the curve on the fabric along the freezer paper with fadeaway marker, and pull the freezer paper off (keep it for next time, it reuses beautifully about half a dozen times).

I mark the curves on the spiky arc fabric the same way, pull the freezer paper off - then I pin the curves with tons of pins along the marked lines, and sew very slowly.

Done. 8-)

Very creative. You really know how to use the EQ I just don't get it. My son-inlaw works with it and designs some for me. A older women show me how to paper piece and made it easy for me, but you really need to be shown in person. Too bad we are miles apart would love to show you. Hope you find someone close to help you. Oh and I love your bio pic. If it was a pattern I sure would like the name of it. Thanks

On a lot of EQ's print outs, I have found if I use a scant 1/4" I don't lose my points. Or I use my ruler to cut a bigger seam allowance and then use a true 1/4" seam.

When I do these curves, I pull the paper off and then sew the pieces together. The paper seems to get in my way and it can shift on the curves. I put the solid piece on the bottom and the pieced on top, as the unpieced always seems to want to stretch more. But I know others who do the opposite LOL

I also only pin at the beginning, end and middle. The more I pin, the worse it turns out it seems. The last curved pieceing I did, it was suggested to just pin the beginning and it was the best I had ever done... but that could have been a fluke, too LMBO I had to try different feet and methods on scraps to finally find what worked best for me :D:D:D

That is another design I did, called "Quetzel's Cabin"...

[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/...2b0c3522be.jpg[/img]

That is gorgeous!!!! I need that pattern tooooooo!

You sure do make beautiful. Wished you lived closer I would love to share ideas with you. I Just closed my quilt store so I have the fabric now I need your ideas. Thanks for posting pic.

That will be beautiful!! I have never tried a NY beauty, so can't help you there!

Oh, that is just such a beautiful quilt!

That is a pretty pattern. I've never tackled those blocks so I'm no help.

I see your ideas are beautiful,wish I could help. Theresse

When I printed out my pattern onto paper I printed out as many as I could get on the sheet. Then I cut them out individually. I just layed my fabric on the paper and sewed on the line. When all was said and done TA-DAH!!! Just make sure though that you have enough fabric to compensate for the seam allowance and don't try to skimp on the piece of material that you sew onto the paper. I tried getting like right on with the material (frugal/cheap) and just ended up screwing myself up. A little bigger is better and then trim down and sew on the next.

Make sense? :? If I've confused you, PM me.

can't help but love the pattern, have fun

i've used this collection for pp on curves and they worked well. i wish i had photos. pickle dish is a good reference also.


http://www.lenzula.de/pattern/free/nyb.php

Glad to see Salmonsweet responded...Because I was gonna tell you to PM her, she does beautiful work on these NY Beauties.