I'm going to shamelessly plug a product that I just found for paper piecing (I'm sure there are others that are just as great, and I'd love to know about them, I just happen to have used this one). I would also love your helpful hints, since there are so many great ideas floating around out there.
For Jane's Spooktacular Swap, I decided to do witch blocks since I love this pattern from Sonja at Artisania. I was a bit nervous because when I did the gnomes, I hated pulling the paper off and it really pulled at my stitches. I decided to just buy a pack of "Perfect Piecing" and a tablet of tracing paper from Joann's and see if either helped. I hated the tracing paper because I couldn't get it to feed into my printer (but it's been useful for other things).
I loved the "Perfect Piecing" paper! I was able to easily print on it and it perforates and tears easily. I can also use my seam ripper along the edges and it just cuts away. It also didn't pull my stitches! I did my block for Adrienne this way and this witch without too much trouble. I still have another 11 more to go, so I'm glad I found a way to do the pattern I want without ripping my hair out. :)
I think you could also buy sew-on interfacing and cut it to 8.5x11 and it would work too. I'm going to try that next and see if I can save money that way.
p.s. Here are what my nine-patch blocks for the Spooktacular swap look like!
Great post! I may have to give it a try, as I'm thinking about making my own paper pieced pattern for the candy corn! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI might have to try that paper :) The block turned out great.
ReplyDeleteLOVE both your blocks especially your witch. I wish I had the patience and talent to paper piece.
ReplyDeleteWhat I found that really helps is to set your stitch length a little smaller so the needle perforates the paper more and it is MUCH easier to tear off. I also sometimes dampen the paper to make it easier to tear.
ReplyDeleteI have been peeking at blogs to what fun is going on with the swap, Holy Moly!!! Your blocks are just wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the witch! You need to try freezer paper paper piecing. YOu can reuse the freezer paper many times and there is no ripping or tearing. Slightly different than paper piecing in the steps but the finished product is the same! I wrote a tute last year, I think.
ReplyDeleteyour witch looks amazing! great job. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I haven't commented yet! This chick totally rocks her socks! I'm still so tickled over your creativity with this pattern. Bravo! I'm blogging about her as I speak : www.artisania.wordpress.com
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