tlrnhi

Ok Skeat...did you hear me cussing??
Well, I was!
I guess I'm just maybe putting more into it than should be.
Sometimes I do that.
I'm just going to give up on it at the moment.

I do, however have the quilting done on the heatt.
Will post a picture, then gotta bind it.

Skeat

No...I didn't hear it...:))LOL I don't believe it:))I do understand it...what I understand is in real life we carry full loads and stress and it's sometimes hard to turn it off and give us that think time...so, here's what I'll do...go here and watch this video on how...Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6NEynMOv8k&feature=related I like this one first...there are several to watch...(free!) and when done...go reread your instructions...try-try again little train...you will win this game and then we will name you the 'paper-pieced queen'!!Wait...I might want that title..LOL Skeat

tlrnhi

Ok, I promise I will try it again tomorrow. Too late tonight to start anything new.

tlrnhi

I know, I know....I was going to try this again in the morning, but couldn't.
I started Googling websites for paper piecing. I found one that explains it step by step and shows pictures along the way. I think I understand it now, but it's still a bit confusing. Looks much easier to just do it in pieces instead of using paper.

Skeat

The best thing is just 'don't think'! You just do it...there's no think to it. I actually find paper piecing relaxing. If you have ever seen the Dear Jane, Civil War Love Letters, and Civil War Diaries quilts (you can search those titles) you will see why paper piecing is a 'good thing'...the blocks are about 5" and there are little bitty stars in stars, etc...and when done..they will be perfect w/o much thought on them. As long as you can sew on a line:))I pre-plan mine and number before I start...for the phone will ring or something will distract you...and, then you can pick it right back up where you stopped w/no mistakes or thinking. I am working on all 3 of those right now:))I do about 5blocks each month...sometimes more or less:)) Keep us posted on your progress over there:))Skeat

hannahsmom

I was thinking this was too hard for me too... but look what everyone wrote... mayne this can help you out too.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/5831.page

quilt_mommy_2001

I agree with hannahsmom! I'm the biggest pusher of paper piecing! Lol** It CAN most defnitely be done. Don't get discouraged! You can definitely make a Mariners Compass!!! If you're having a rough go, start simple, with a block you could easily piece like a flying geese block or even a bunch of half square triangles. Try using tracing paper and dropping your stitch length down to a small stitch (this will not only help perforate the paper, but it will ensure your stitches won't weaken when you remove the paper). There IS going to be a lot more waste than traditional piecing, but the results are so worth it. Try practicing with scraps or inexpensive fabric for now. When you're confident you've got it down, try your compass with some better fabric! You can do it!!!

nanabirdmo

i love paper piecing but didn't have a clue about this "exotic" animal until i saw a notice of a paper pieced pineapple class at my local quilt shop.
i saw that it was for beginners and taught by someone i had taken a class from already and decided to dive in.
it was the best class i ever took. super easy!!!!!!!i can't stress how easy and fun this method turned out to be.
however, if i hadn't taken the class i don't know if i ever would have tried it. i am a very visual learner and my little brain often needs hands on to get the hang of something.
so if there is a new method that you want to learn, visit your quilt shop or guild. my quilt shop will do a class if you can get 3 or 4 people to sign up. i understand that some shops require that you purchase material from them to take their class. this one doesn't but you do sometimes have to have the book that applies to the class.
i'm not in a guild (except for this one )but i have heard that they do classes also.
i don't try to paper piece everything but sometimes it is just the best therapy. i usually keep a paper piecing project going so that when i just need a quick sewing fix i can sit down and do a block or 2.
talk about instant gratification!!

tlrnhi

I'll try it again later.
I dunno....just maybe thinking too hard on it.
But....if ya'll want to do a get together, my house is available for ANYONE wanting to visit. :D

MissTreated

Brenda Henning does an excellent paper pieced Mariners' Compass. I have made this one.

http://www.bearpawproductions.com/SharpPointies.htm

Her instructions are well done and the quilts are stunning.

M