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Yes it gets easier. I love doing pp as it is so accurate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minda

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKrenning

It does get faster but a lot depends on the pattern you are paper piecing to begin with. For those that hate paper piecing or think they'll never get it--try an easier pattern. Don't start off with a Mariner's Compass. Start with Square in a Square or Log Cabin--chunky style--not the 10 layer 6" block. Odd angles still throw me off & I've been paper piecing for 6 years. I have found it speeds up my process to pre-cut my pieces to about the size I need and lay them next to my machine--chain piecing style. Chain sew several blocks and then cut all the chains & press out your seam with either a finger presser stick thing (forgot what it's called) or my favorite--the mini Clover iron. Have a pressing area right next to your machine so you don't have to keep getting up.

I don't use the fancy rulers to trim the seam allowances. I have my foundations all pre-folded so I just turn the block upside down, fold the paper back and eyeball trim with sharp little scissors that had better stay right by my machine or there is HE-double hockey sticks to pay!

I want to try the freezer paper method where you don't sew through the paper but haven't done it yet. Gotta get my inkjet printer hooked back up to print out the foundations. Not a good idea to run freezer paper through a laser printer.

What is the freezer paper method??

You print your foundation off on freezer paper or use the method in the link below but instead of sewing through the paper, you fold it back, trim the fabric to 1/4" and sew the next patch on. Then you press it out and the freezer paper "sticks" to the patch you just sewed. Fold the paper back on the next sewing line, trim fabric, lay on the next patch and do it again. When you're all done, the fabric is stuck to the paper but it just pulls off and you can reuse your foundation many times before the "stickiness" wears off.

I saw Judy Mathieson demonstrate it on Simply Quilts a long time ago. Here's a link to a simple version of what I saw her working on: http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/found-at-sea/index.html

I gets easier the more you do it. Paper pieceing is like anythig you do...practice, practice practice...

I love it for the perfect points but it is slow!

I saw Judy Mathieson demonstrate it on Simply Quilts a long time ago. Here's a link to a simple version of what I saw her working on: http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/found-at-sea/index.html[/quote]

Oh I have never seen it done this way. I might have to try it soon. Thank you for postiing the web page.

I find that pp is still slow for me but it is easier than when I first started just recently,some one on the Dear Jane thread told me if you fold the piece you are sewing on face down on the fabric and the fabric is covering it ,the angle and all will fit. Dont know if I made sense ,but it works.

I don't know if it gets easier, but I do know I'm addicted to it. I never manage to get through a project of any kind --paper pieced or not--without frog stitching somewhere :) and paper piecing is no exception. I love the perfect points that come from this method too much to give it up! rusty

Ithink it does get easier as you go.
Some patterns will have the measurements of the pieces of fabric to cut figured out, some have the 1/4 inch added on and some don't. I use cardstock or and old envelope for the folded edge and my 1/4 in ruler.
To me the hardest part is the really pointed deep angles getting the measurements of them figured correctly the first time. I also have to agree practice, practice, practice. I love paperpiecing.
When I do multiple blocks I chain sew and do at least half or more at a time.

I am working on a paper piece quilt do as much ripping as sewing. Can figure out how to cut the pieces. Right side of pattern piece to wrong side of fabric or what. I cut all the pieces out and them cut a 1/2or more over the pattern size It is not all straight block that is the problem. All help appreciated.

Carol Doak's cd is very helpful for reference as well.