first time for everything

7.24.2012

I have never attempted paper piecing. Before now.

I'd always admired the look of paper pieced blocks, but the process seemed too much trouble, all that folding and holding things up to the light and dulling your needles on paper, ripping the paper off the fabric, etc., etc., etc. Essentially, I am a very lazy busy gal. So I'm thinking, there has to be a lazier quicker way to do this. Or at least a method that is a little less mind-straining.

paper pieced house

Then, my husband asked me if there was anything more I could do with my fabric house pattern, and of course I couldn't resist the challenge.

I couldn't even be bothered to buy freezer paper.

But I think it turned out pretty well.

paper pieced house

My favorite part might be the rick rack on the roof. Or perhaps the chimney? No, it has to be the peek-a-boo number on the door. That's it.

I'm already planning changes for the next house. I'm sure (famous last words) I could squeeze in some smaller details (rounded door? window shade? doorknob??) without having too many meltdowns. Or make the house a little smaller (it's 9" x 9", I'm thinking something more potholder sized?).

How about you? Have you learned any new techniques lately?

28 comments:

  1. Paper piecing is a lot of fun - and can't be beat for getting accurate seams! And there are approximately 47,369,248 patterns and freebies available online - gotta love the internet :D

    I recently learned how to do wide open zipper bags from the Noodlehead site - it's a new to me method of installing a zipper - love it!

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  2. so cute! and how cool to read sandra's comment on my zipper bag tute.

    ps, love the new blog design. and when is your book coming out?! :)

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  3. I have to say that paper piecing is my favorite way to make quilts.
    Loving your little house ~ looks inviting!

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  4. Your house looks great. So cute! I'm curious to see more about it... I'm always aimed to learn new techniques. I recently learned how to sew a dress with a nice loop on the neckline.

    Denise

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  5. Thank you! I do not have a book in the works, but you can find one of my patterns in Zakka Style (link in the sidebar) :)

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  6. Love your house!! I'm still a bit afraid of quilting, but I tried crazy quilting (by my own rules!) and still need to decide what to do with the 4 blocks I made ;)
    A whole quilt would look so awesome with houses!
    Josée

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  7. Love your house!! I'm still a bit afraid of quilting, but I tried crazy quilting (by my own rules!) and still need to decide what to do with the 4 blocks I made ;)
    A whole quilt would look so awesome with houses!
    Josée

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  8. I love the house. I am trying to learn to do smart bags and purses. Reading comments is great because I am now going over to Noodlehead to look at the instructions - thanks Anna and Sandra for showing the way. Cheers Karen www.madewithmytwohands.blogspot.com

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  9. For having never attempted it, your block looks great! I would love to start EPP, but I haven't found the time to learn yet.

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  10. Kim I love your work! I'm new to quilting but I'm enjoying tackling all of the techniques. I'm making a gorgeous hand pieced 1 1/4" hexi quilt for my little girl and get excited everytime I finish a flower!

    Where do you go shopping for your fabrics? They are beautiful! Do you have favourite stores or designers?

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  11. Your little paper-pieced house is adorable. I would love to be a guest in that house. :) All the details are utterly charming, but that ricrac is my favorite!

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  12. Your house is fabulous. I won some paper piecing patterns from Ayumi and have been meaning to have a go. I'm more than a little intimidated though!

    As for learning new techniques, that's one of my big things, I'm trying to learn as much as possible, jack of all trades, master of none and happy with that!

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  13. EVERYTHING is a new technique for me at the moment! I've really just starting teaching myself to sew toys - haven't even put anything on my blog about it yet. It's a learning curve for me, but lots of fun.
    I have NO idea what "paper piecing" even means, but I do love your house - it's gorgeous!

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  14. I love the house. I too like the look of paper piecing but at the moment have too many small hands that I don't dare try it.

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  15. Your house is great!!! Is the pattern available? I would love to give it a try.

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  16. I long ago started thinking up better (easier for me) ways to do things than paper piecing. The house is very cute.

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  17. I long ago started thinking up better (easier for me) ways to do things than paper piecing. The house is very cute.

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  18. come sempre bravissima,i miei complimenti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!bacio miriam

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  19. Love your blog. I’m a lifelong antiquer, and am making my passion for antiques a full-time business by selling antiques online. I’m blogging about my experiences at my blog, Wisdom Lane Antiques: wisdomlaneantiques.blogspot.com. Stop by!

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  20. I would really love to have the pattern for this. Would you consider selling it as a pdf?

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  21. Your little house is adorable! And I'm with you, I don't know what's cuter - the door number or the ric rac! I tried paper piecing once and it didn't turn out so well and haven't tried again. Great job :-)

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  22. Do you have a pattern for the paper pieced block? If so will you share? It is so adorable and so is the house ornament! I cannot resist ric rac or bobble trim!

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  23. I too would like the pattern. Do u have one for sale?

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  24. Hi! The pattern is available in my Etsy shop as a regular pieced pattern, the link is in the sidebar. Happy Stitching!

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