redstilettos

I have never really done anything specific with paper piecing, but found these placemats fabulously screaming my name.

I looked at many sites online and one of them said, they have clear instructions and was able to do 4 placemats in one day.

So I thought...well I only want two....and I am slower, so I could probably do the two in three days or so.

I got the pattern....and the instructions are Twelve pages long!

Before I begin, has anyone done them? Will it get better as I read along?

I've been sewing for 40 years, quilting for about 10-ish, so I would say a confident beginner, or beginning intermediate sewer

Thanks!

QuiltE

First of all relaxxxxx .... and breeeeeeeeathe deep!
Feel better?

Patterns can be intimidating, for sure!
It wouldn't be the first pattern that is on steroids
with a designer in overdrive trying to make it perfect ... and only killing your enthusiasm!

I hate reading patterns, and often only use them as a reference.

However, without seeing what you are trying to make, it's hard to give you truly relevant suggestions.

Perhaps you could share a link as to what pattern you are talking about?
Then more of us can help you!

Good Luck!

humbird

Google "Tea Time Placemats" Lots of examples.

QuiltE

............. and lots of possibilities, which does not tell us what pattern RedStilettos might have.

nativetexan

these? http://www.quiltworx.com/patterns/tea-time-placemats/ they are beautiful!

redstilettos

nativetexan: yes, that's the very one!

SherylM

Oh, redstilettos, you're singing my song! I bought that pattern too, and almost had a coronary when I saw the instructions! I've also never done any paper piecing, but fell in love with those placemats. I asked at my weekly "sit and sew" if anyone had ever done a Judy Niemeyer pattern and could offer some advice, and I was told to see if there was a Quiltworx class in the area.

So discouraging...not sure that I want to take a class - if there is one - just to make placemats. I'll be looking forward to seeing what people have to say here.

peaceandjoy

There was a class offered for these through our guild last year. I was unable to participate as I was out of town. The ones who did this one (there were 2 patterns offered) that brought them to show and tell said that they were glad they had done a class and that once they got the hang of it, it wasn't difficult as long as they kept going. Those who set it aside to finish weeks - or more - later found it hard to figure out where they'd left off and to get comfortable with the process again.

Remember, of that 40 pages, part of it is the templates, lol! So maybe only 30 pages to figure out.

I have the seasonal table runner pattern, but haven't attempted it. Yet...

LilaKay

Take a deep breathe and follow the directions one step at a time. I have made these and it wasn't that bad once I got started

hobbykat1955

There's a class on Craftsy for this technique...It's not for beginners...Judy's patterns are advanced. I have one of her patterns one being similar to what you are showing only large leaf runners...haven't done it yet.