It was a banner day. It started at the very civilized time of 10 am out at the University of the Fraser Valley where I learned how to paper piece – a fancy and finicky way to create cute little images for quilting projects.
Seeing as my strengths in quilting don’t really include being accurate in any way, I seriously wondered how I was going to make this work at all. Happily, our instructor, Sonja, was very patient and babysat me while I made the same mistake over and over and moved fabric to places they weren’t supposed to be, and then the angles wouldn’t line up because I don’t think/picture in my mind what something looks like sewn backwards. I also don’t follow directions very well. But, I persevered (and so did Sonja), used the seam ripper over and over, and after 5 1/2 short hours, I finished this!
LOOK! The gnome is beside the mushroom – not floating above the mushroom, not standing underneath it, but standing right beside it! Hoorah! It’s a real miracle. And Amy Dame showed me how to line stuff up with pins and stuff. I know! I pinned stuff! Paper piecing is tough for someone who’s favourite phrase is, “Close enough!”, but I did it. And I liked it. I can’t wait to get cracking on more pieces.
After a tough day of quilting, Mike and I went over to John Biehler‘s place to celebrate his birthday and watch his 3D printer make stuff. RAD. He really needs a big printer so we can make furniture. I feel like a new dining room table. Whip me up one with the printer! Thanksgiving dinner is served!
Well, that’s in the future. For now, we celebrated with this shiny, green skull. Thank you, 3D printer!
All the good times of the day has me tired out. I’ll be getting a good night’s sleep because tomorrow, there will be more crafting and more hanging out with lovely people.
See you tomorrow!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Paper piecing is hard. It takes me forever too. I think it’s because I have a hard time visualizing anything mathmatical and precise like that. It IS all angles. I am much better if you just hand me a pile of fabric and say “Make something!”. THAT I can do.
It’s probably also why I like cooking over baking-too fiddly for me, too much math. Cooking is creative. Baking in science. Hence the less than 12 rule. LOL!
You did a great job though, all unsewing considered. Good for you!
Your results look great, Carol! I always have to use my seam ripper when I do foundation piecing, those darn angles and backwards pieces get me every time!