Just how easy IS English paper piecing?
It’s easy. Really easy. And fun. Really fun. And portable. And pretty. Really pretty!
Don’t tell me you dislike hand piecing if you haven’t tried English paper piecing (EPP), because it’s tons more fun than regular hand piecing.
I was a skeptic too, until I became friends with Vicki Bellino (yes, I’m a name dropper). Here we are together in front of a row-robin quilt we worked on together (that’s Vicki on the left). She’s the author of English Paper Piecing, a fabulous book filled with, you guessed it, English paper piecing quilt patterns! I blame Vicki for my EPP obsession, because she taught me everything I know. So I offered my coworkers the chance to become as obsessed as I am.
We gathered in our conference room recently, and I shared the basics. We even had offsite editors Ursula and Jenny via video conference!
Vicki sent us a care package full of fabric and precut papers. The precut papers make all the difference!
Within minutes, everyone was basting and stitching.
A few more minutes went by and we had joined hexagons!
Giveaway alert! Our friends at Marcus Fabrics have generously donated TWO fat-quarter bundles to give away to you—the very same fabric that Vicki used to create several of the quilts in English Paper Piecing! Find out more about the fabric (and how you can win it) at the bottom of this post.
So, what are the basic steps of EPP? There are very few, really. We learned how to baste the fabric to the papers, join the basted pieces with whipstitches, and remove the basting when a segment is complete. Simple, right? If you’d like further proof, you can see Vicki herself demonstrating this fun technique in this video:
Video linked with permission from our friends at Connecting Threads.
There is something so endearing about hexagon quilts! The beauty of Vicki’s patterns is that she makes small units first and then appliqués them onto her quilts. So you don’t have to tackle a giant Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt to enjoy the fun of EPP. You can see all the projects from English Paper Piecing at the bottom of this post.
I’m happy to report many of my coworkers are now nearly as obsessed as I am. Many of them came back the next week with new works in progress, and not long after that, some even completed a project!
Durby made an adorable mug rug from her classroom sample.
Cathy completed a block and framed it. She’s got lots more started to make something else.
Jenny was inspired to do some hexagon quilting on the back of her denim jacket. Isn’t that the coolest?
Karen S. pulled out some of her beautiful Daiwabo Japanese fabrics, and before she knew it, had a ton of flowers made!
Mary G. also got started with some beautiful fabrics and couldn’t stop. She doesn’t yet know what this will be when it grows up, but she thinks it might become a table runner.
And Mary B., our very own overachiever, actually completed a project from Vicki’s book! Here’s her version of Vicki’s “Starflowers” quilt, all hand quilted and framed.
I’d say I was successful in passing on the obsession, wouldn’t you?
Giveaway Details
Have you tried English paper piecing? Tell us your hand-piecing story in the comments and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the eBook version of English Paper Piecing AND one of two fat-quarter bundles, generously donated by our friends at Marcus Fabrics. We’ll announce two winners one week from today and let you know by email if you’ve won. Or, purchase Vicki’s book now, download the eBook for free, and try your hand at EPP today.
About the fabric: Judie Rothermel revisits the archives of Old Sturbridge Village to gather the inspiration for her Holiday ’12 collection. It features deep shades of green, red, and golden tan in a richly detailed wallpaper stripe, large floral, and an array of smaller allover reproduction prints.
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Thanks to all who entered the drawing! The randomly chosen winners are Judith and Fran.
Judith said: “I am going to try it next month when I visit my granddaughter… she’s almost 9. I thought it might be a fun way to inspire her into the sewing world. She loves soccer, so I am thinking pentagons. I would love to have a book she could look at for inspiration. Thanks for the giveaway.”
Fran said: “I have been working on some hexagons since last spring and enjoy having a portable project to carry around. I think we’re blessed to have precut papers available to us; I’ve seen some older quilts with the hexagons cut from newspaper! I love the idea of appliqueing ‘flower’ hexies onto quilts. This book is very timely.”
Judith and Fran, we’ll email you about your free eBook and fabrics. Congratulations!
I bought a small package of papers at Paducah one year. Made flowers that I appliqued to a wall hanging to make a flower pot full of grandmothers flowers from her garden. Was a wonderful gift to a dear friend. Would love to do more… more papers and wonderful fabric to go with it would be great. Thanks for a lovely give away.
—judy danz on September 13, 2012I’ve been paper piecing a long time. I started out with some little things and am now working on a Grandmother’s Flower Garden. I’t a big project (for me), but I’m determined to finish it. A bundle of FQ’s would go a long way toward my finishing it.
—Mary Ener on September 13, 2012I’ve never tried it – though I’ve been tempted as I want some hand work I can carry to my lunch hour each day. It is currently a knitting project that will NEVER end (I am a novice and slow knitter) but after that – these are SOOOO pretty. Love the idea of making them and then appliqueing on – less intimidating that way to make something larger. That denim jacket is AWESOME!!!
—Regina on September 13, 2012Earlier this week I started paper piecing again so I would have a small, portable project to take with me where I didn’t want to drag a sewing machine. Mine will be a blue & white table runner when I’m done.
—Kathy Harris on September 13, 2012I have made some pincushions with EPP. Love the precut paper pieces, makes it so easy.
—Susan C on September 13, 2012Would love to work on a paper piecing project with this fabric
—Lin Stricker on September 13, 2012I love hexagons, but with ADD and Arthritis, I’m not able to do much handwork. Instead, I use my Sizzix Big Shot Express to cut out the hexagons – it can cut neatly through as many as 8 layers of quilting cotton with the push of a button! The hexies can then be hand-pieced for a small item like a mug-rug or coaster, or pieced by machine for the quilt top I’m making featuring Kaffe Fassett & Anna Maria Horner fabrics. The English Paper Piecing you feature in this article is beautiful, and looks like a lot of fun for those able to do handwork pain-free.
—Annie on September 13, 2012I’ve never tried English paper piecing. The part that I dislike the most about sewing and quilting is cutting out the pieces. I will have to try this technique.
—Julia Vedders on September 13, 2012I have just started to learn quilting and would love to win the eBook and fabric.
—Robin Huss on September 13, 2012Wow, what a great day you all had! I have not tried English paper piecing yet, but after reading this, I have to try it!
—Linda Cartwright on September 13, 2012Love Hexies and English Paper Peicing
—Rhonda on September 13, 2012Love Hexies and English Paper Peicing. Going to have to do more.
—Rhonda on September 13, 2012I did do some epp a number of years ago and would love to pick it up again. Beautiful fabric!
—Suzanne on September 13, 2012I love English Paper Piecing! You are absolutely correct that the paper pieces make all of the difference. I also rotary cut the closest square shape for the basting and then cut off the excess when I snip out the basting threads.
—Teri Leigh Baird on September 13, 2012I have only just started and it is very addicting!!! Nice to have a take along project. Plus, with taking care of our Grandchildren, it gives me a project that I can do and not have to be at a sewing machine with little helping hands. :o) Thank you for the chance to win!!
—Leisa on September 13, 2012d.leisa@yahoo.com
Hand-piecing was the first technique I learned. Once I learned to machine piece, I gave up on handwork. Now I am looking for small hand work projects to do in the evening. English Paper Piecing seems to fit the bill. The pre-cut paper will make it so easy.
—Kay on September 13, 2012I have never done the paper piecing before but it appeared that as she was basting that she basted through the paper as well as the fabric, but at the end it appears that she easily removed the paper pieces with out having to rip them out. Oh wait a minute. She removed the basting before taking out the paper pieces. Hummm…. I think I just answered my own question didn’t I, LOL’
—Jan MacKay on September 13, 2012I love English paper peicing. Its the perfect "take along", and there are so many sizes, that your options are really unlimited.
—Joan Stoltz on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried it yet, but have the papers and am ready to go. It looks like so much fun.
—Sally Leep on September 13, 2012I started "Grandmother’s Flower Garden" for my daughter before she was born. Over the years I added hexie flowers using fabrics leftover from little dresses I made for her. Knowing I wanted to actually finish this quilt sometime during my lifetime, I took a seam ripper, laboriously separated the background hexies from the flowers, then appliqued a few of the flowers onto a rail fence quilt, giving the quilt to my daughter when she was 26 years old! I SAID I would never attempt a Grandmother’s Flower Garden again, but now that I’ve gotten a sneak peek at Vickie’s book, I’m itching to do some more English paper piecing! I love the star flowers!
—Carol Doyle on September 13, 2012I’ve done English Paper Piecing for many years. I’ve started on a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt and it’s my take along project when traveling. I love doing the hand work and it’s something that is very relaxing to me. I would love to win the book and fabric. I want to learn how to do more with it and using different shapes. Thanks for the chance to win.
—Sher S. on September 13, 2012My first project was a pillow, and the 2nd was a queen-sized quilt. It took 5 years to finish. It found a good home as a wedding gift.
—Sally H on September 13, 2012Oh goodness looks like you guys had so much fun. Well it just do happens that Vicki just taught me how to paper piece and it was so much fun. I really love it.
—Joy on September 13, 2012Years ago, I made a Christmas wreath with paper pieced flowers. I babysit my grandson and would love some handwork projects . I like the star flowers as they are different.
—Therese on September 13, 2012I’ve not yet tried it (I just recently began my attempts at quilting), but I do want to learn paper piecing! It seems like the simplest way to achieve seemingly-complex patterns.
—Lauren on September 13, 2012I am in the process of making a twin size grandmother garden. At first I thought it was to much. But when I got started it was a piece of cake.
—Lee Marilyn Bradley on September 13, 2012Beautifull fabric! I love epp and currently I’m working on a 30’s grandmothers flowergarden. Very classic! My 12 year old daughter is joining me and we have lots of fun together.
—Christine S. on September 13, 2012If Vicki can teach me to do hand piecing, it will be a minor miracle! I’ve tried regular hand piecing and EPP in the past (using a small kit) and was a total failure at both. I’d love to have hand quilting projects that I could take along with me on car trips and cruises, but haven’t found anything that I can actually DO yet. Can Vicki’s book really help?
—Ginny on September 13, 2012Hi Ginny–Vicki’s techniques are very clearly written and illustrated. Just follow along, one step at at time, to learn how. Our staff caught on so quickly, and I’m sure you can too. Your local quilt shop is always a great place to stop by for some hands-on visual learning as well. Good luck!
Karen Johnson
I am working on the cover project from Vicki’s book. (Great name, by the way!) I also have a 1″ grandmother’s flower garden going and just bought several different shapes and sizes of new papers at the AQS show in Grand Rapids.
—Vicki on September 13, 2012Yes, I love English paper piecing! Started a wall hanging many years ago and it’s almost done. I used the blue hexagons in the background and plan to applique a star in memory of my Father on top.
I’m ready to paper piece again – thank you for the incentive!
—Duabe on September 13, 2012I just started paper piecing recently, with hexagons. I love it – particularly fun if I fussy cut them so that there is a cute picture in the center.
—Elizabeth McDonald on September 13, 2012I have not tried English Paper Piecing yet. After reading this and watching the video, I know I will try it. I would love to win this giveaway, so that would get me started out doing it.
—Marty Askins on September 13, 2012Haven’t tried it yet, but would like to start. Thanks for the chance to win.
—Joyce Mitchell on September 13, 2012I haven’t done any paper piecing in a long time now. When I first got started in to quilting I bought a yard of a fabric that I really liked and started making paper pieced diamonds to make a star quilt with. I had made several and decicded I would need more fabric to get the quilt to the size I wanted. Guess what!!! When I went back to get more they had sold out! I didn’t finish the project and just recently gave the pieces away to a friend who liked to paper piece. So that’s also my reason to not buy just 1 yard of a fabric that I really like!
—Brenda Hulsey on September 13, 2012I have done English paper piecing for years, on and off. It is a great travel project. I am in the process of making a tree skirt with the ones I have done at the moment. Great projects!
—Theresa MacLean on September 13, 2012I love handwork of all types, handquilting, cross-stitch, redwork embroidery, so i certainly would love to learn EPP and incorporate it into a quilt! Thanks for the chance to win1
—Donna Purchase on September 13, 2012I am currently working on a double wedding ring quilt using English paper piecing. I love that is portable and take it with me wherever I go.
—Rosemary Seeley on September 13, 2012I found grandmother’s flower garden pieces in my mom’s things when she passed away…know they weren’t made by her, but my grandmother??? I never knew they were there…but that was the start of my obsession with quilting…if only I could have known my grandmother and had "sat at her knee" to learn.
—Kate on September 13, 2012Luv EPP, you can download free EPP paper templates at Connecting Threads.
—Joan Rodriguez on September 13, 2012I am in the process of making a mug rug. I like it.
—Mary on September 13, 2012I really enjoy EPP. I am currently working on a ’30’s grandmother’s flower garden quilt for a queen size bed. The portion that lays on the top of the mattress is comprised of large flowers, and is complete. I am currently working on the triple border in 30’s greens, then will follow that with small flowers for the portion that drapes over the side of the bed. I hope to have it finished by Summer 2013, then I plan to do the Periwinkle Star pattern in EPP. Thanks for offering the give-away!
—Jaci E on September 13, 2012I love to paper piece. Easy to carry and do in company. I always say "it keeps me from fidgeting" . I just can’t
—Phyllis Miles on September 13, 2012sit without something to do in my hands and that fills the bill.
I found English paper piecing in a magazine when I was a teenager and successfully made a small mat and four little coasters and put them away in my hope chest. They were easy to do and I took care to match as close as possible to the gingham pattern. I thought they were beautiful. Of course, pink gingham never went with any decor I had and I never had an opportunity to use them but I am sure if I dig hard enough, I probably could come up with them still in my possession.
—Linda E on September 13, 2012just love making the pieces. haven’t done anything with them yet so I would love to have Vicki’s book
—Judy Christopher on September 13, 2012I very interested in paper piecing…started a small projuect and really getting into doing more. I find that is very relaxing and can do this while I am on my lunch break ro deting in front the tv. This is very easy to put in a bag and take it where ever you go and have few mintes to work on something.
—Jeri Kennedy on September 13, 2012I LOVE paper piecing and it is so addicting. I always need something portable and this is a great project. It also takes so little fabric that I like to pick up the scrap bags that designers sell at shows and perfect for little purses or decorating a shirt.
—Nana B on September 13, 2012i absolutely love the blue, brown and white quilt! i’ve never done this type of thing, but would love to try it sometime soon.
—Lynette on September 13, 2012I have done lots of regular ol’ paper piecing, but, have never done any English paper piecing. Would love to give it a go & this giveaway seems like it would really be a great way to start. Thanks for the chance. These little hex’s look like could turn into my new quilter’s candy!
—Janet Frank on September 13, 2012I’ve just started making hexies to use in smaller projects. One of these days I may get ambitious and make a whole quilt of hexies.
—MoeWest on September 13, 2012I’ve always been afraid of trying EPP, but this actually looks do-able and fun! I have a couple of projects from the book on my to-do list.
—Stephanie on September 13, 2012Thanks!
I enrolled this year in the Craftsy sampler quilt. One months blocks were the hexie EPP’s. You are right – they are a lot of fun! Very portable and relatively quick to make and sew together. The book has some great variations I love the Starflower design. It will definitly be an ongoing project.
—Pam L on September 13, 2012I love English Paper Piecing. Sitting and sewing the hexagons is so relaxing. Plus it’s an easy project to take with me.
—lindawwww on September 13, 2012I really enjoy hand piecing but haven’t tried EPP. I would love to make the "Black and Red and Gold Allover" quilt. It is beautiful as are the hexagon quilt designs. Thank you for the sweet giveaway. I would love to win that book!
—Loris Mills on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried English paper piecing yet, but I would love to start making some of those beautiful hexagons that I’m seeing all over blog land. I have the plastic templates, just need to cut the fabric and get going. They seem like the perfect take along project. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway, the fabric looks fabulous.
—Heartsdesire on September 13, 2012My one and only attempt at English paper piecing was many years ago … I probably shouldn’t have started with a 1″ grandmothers flower garden! However, I never thought about using it as an accent on a garment or traditional pieced quilt.
I may have to revisit this technique … but larger than 1″! LOL
—Peggy Forbes on September 13, 2012I have yet to try EPP, even though I have always wanted to. I could not find anyone locally that could show me and have been afraid to attempt it on my own. It appears that it is quite doable with the proper instructions. My friends and I have a quilting session every Friday, (and sometimes Mon Tues Wed Thur and Sat!)and I would love to share a new project with them.
—Donna on September 13, 2012I have one minature quilt which I made using english paper piecing. It was a grandmother’s flower quilt with each hexagons measuring 1/2 inch. It was a minature version of a full size quilt which I had made and when done it measurer about 12″ x 15″. This was a great method to use to make such a small minature quilt.
—Judy on September 13, 2012My first EPP was a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt. I used the plastic templates for it. That was 10 years ago. Two years ago I saw the pattern for Under the Southern Stars made with EPP and the paper patterns. I made the quilt and loved the paper patterns. I always had a kit ready to go and pieced in hospital rooms, waiting rooms, vacation and while watching TV. I am ready to start another EPP project!
—Donna Rae Hays on September 13, 2012I recently did some epp for the first time and loved it! It WAS easy! I plan to do more of it.
—Sharon on September 13, 2012Not yet tried this but it sure looks interesting and quite portable! This is a project that I can even work on the sailboat I would think. Love it.
—Terry SailingKnitter on September 13, 2012I am currently, and have been on-and-off for years, piecing hexagons by hand, measuring the 1/4″, carefully sewing between the dots and not getting much accomplished……picture UFO’s on my shelf. I am ready to try EPP. It looks like so much fun!
—Nancy on September 13, 2012I am doing the Grandmother’s Flower Garden in English Paper Piecing with purchased templates. I inherited a quilt that my grandmother pieced so I am now going to leave one to my granddaughter. They are mobile so I can carry them with me when I go to the doctor’s office and know that I will be waiting.
—Kaye Morgan on September 13, 2012I have been paper piecing for years. I discovered how easy it is to make intricate patterns perfectly when paper piecing and have delighted in the results. I make my blocks through the day and tear the paper from the back while watching TV at night. Friends and family are always amazed at the beautiful quilts, pillows, table runners, etc. I make.
—Patricia Turner on September 13, 2012I have tried it and used hexagons to make some lovely Christmass ornaments. I taught my niece how to do it and she caught on quickly and was amazed at the results. I love the examples above of how to use the hexagons. As always, I really hope I win. Thanks
—Judy Allen on September 13, 2012I am currently working on my first EPP project. I’m using left over scraps from my daughter’s first quilt. I am planning on surprising her with some pillows. It is soooo easy to take my small plastic box with scraps and supplies anywhere I go! I can’t wait to see her face when she gets her new pillows!!
—Debora Carreno on September 13, 2012I love to paper piece, never tryed english paper piecing. Would love to try. I babysit my grandson and his bed is in my sewing room, so i can’t do any sewing when he is sleeping. English paper piecing i could do while i watch t.v.
—Julie Hallquist on September 13, 2012I have just started to learn English paper piecing. I have done some small pieces and wow! I love it!
—Rene Bolton on September 13, 2012I have not tried it yet, but really want to and just yesterday I ordered some hexagon templates. Actually from the site that you linked here. I cant wait to get them and start. Im flying at the end of the month and am hoping they will let me take a needle so can work on them during my 5 hr flight. Thanks for the chance to win.
—michelle on September 13, 2012I have never tried english paper piecing but would most definitely try it if I won Vicki’s book and one of the fat-quarter bundles. It looks easy and fun and something that I would share with the ladies that I quilt with.
—Patti on September 13, 2012I have never tried paper piecing, but have seen others who have done it and love how beautiful the pieces look.
I make hexagons by sewing them together by hand, so paper piecing is something I would like to explore and learn.
Debbie
—Debbie St. Germain on September 13, 2012I’ve never done EPP, but I recently completed a full-size bed quilt that was hand-pieced – the entire thing! It’s very relaxing to sit in front of the TV, and have hand-work to work on. It seems to go together much faster that way. I was surprised at how quickly the whole thing went together. I’d love to try EPP, and the beautiful fabric you’re giving away would be just the ticket!! Thanks for giving us a chance to win!
—Vivian Oaks on September 13, 2012I’ve always wanted to try it. One day I downloaded a pattern of a paper pieced heart with a spot for a written name. I drafted one of those and one block of a friendship quilt I found. The person who I was making the quilt for wanted the pieced square. I still have the heart block and am planning on making more.
—janene on September 13, 2012I have been doing EPP(English Paper Piecing) for quite some time and love it. I taught my quilt guild how to do it and I recently gave a demo at our Corn Festival in Wilmington, Ohio. I have made all sorts of things with the technique. It is great to work on while watching TV. I have even put the flowers on stationary cards. pinkeepers, pillow cases, and many other items. I would love to win the book and fat quarters. Thank you for giving me the chance to win.
—Patricia D. Roberts on September 13, 2012I have to admit I’ve been a yellow-feathered chicken about paper piecing, although I have truly admired the results. You and Vicky have given me a little (OK, giant) push toward spreading my wings 🙂 and trying something new. Thanks!
—Karen on September 13, 2012My guild had a row robin this summer and one of the rows was hexagons. I didn’t like any of the foundation paper piecing patterns I found so I thought I’d try my hand at EPP. I got the hang of it pretty quick and soon I was off. I normally don’t care for hand work, but this little row had me on the couch hand-working away! Definitely something to keep in mind for future projects :o)
—Megan @ AnnieOak Designs on September 13, 2012I have not yet tried paper piecing. I bought some pre-cut hexie papers during our last local shop hop, just haven’t tried them out yet. I still feel a bit intimidated 🙁 Your projects are beautiful and really make me want to step up to the plate and get started. Thanks for sharing and for the great giveaway! Good luck, Everyone 🙂
—Dawn Hollingsworth on September 13, 2012How fun is this? I have approx. 42 hexagon flowers made, but I used a stamp method from a long time ago. LOVE the papers and can see how this would become addicting. Hm….better get out those flowers and get them made up into a quilt so I can start EPPing! Fingers crossed.
—Polly Hada on September 13, 2012I have not tried EPP yet,but I am taking a class Oct. 8 and lookingforward to it.It would be great to win thanks
—Sandra Conklin on September 13, 2012No, I haven’t tried it yet, but I would love to!
—Debbie H on September 13, 2012I love EPP! I can actually get most of my points to match. I’ve wanted this book since forever, and would love to win a copy of it.
—Ruth on September 13, 2012A few years ago I saw a beautiful 1930s hand made yo yo coverlet and decided to make one. So last year I went out and bought some reproduction ’30s fabric and started making yo yos. Then I decided I’d better figure out how many yo yos I needed. Over 1300! for a double size bed. So, needless to say one year later I’m still making yo yos. I’m about half way there. I carry this project everywhere with me and make a few here and there. I love that part about hand sewing. Maybe next year I’ll have all the yo yos finished. Wonder how long it will take me to put them together????
—Maryjo on September 13, 2012I did EPP appliqué once with a larger project, but did not think of it as a way to have a portable project. I’m going to rethink EPP as we will be making a long car trip in the near future. What a great way to pass the time and still work on my sewing hobby.
—Sandra Saprks on September 13, 2012I’ve Never done English paper piecing-hand pieced and am interested in the technique. . I did quilt a double Irish chain quilt several years ago and have made other smaller hand-pieced and hand-quilted projects.
—Mary Ludy on September 13, 2012Whoa! Gorgeous quilts! The brown/blue/white one and the red & white one are knock-down beauties but I’m enthralled with every one I see. I’ve done some paper-piecing but not the hand-stitched kind. The hexies are totally darling, though. This is a technique I do want to try. Thanks for the chance at winning.
—LJ on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried paper piecing yet. I would like to try the paper piecing hexagons.
—Phyllis on September 13, 2012I found some precut fabric hexagons on the clearance rack. I picked them up ordered the paper pieces and have been hooked! I had done a small wallhanging with diamond shapes which took a couple of years to finish, but the hexagons for some reason have gone much quicker. I’ve got a stack of flowers ready for joining and more hexagons cut and ready. So easy, so fun!
—Susan K on September 13, 2012I have been looking at english paper piecing methods on line recently….how funny you are making this offer. English paper piecing is my next project!
—Susan on September 13, 2012When my mom called to tell me my dad had fallen & his hip was probably broken, I started packing to head their way, knowing that this was not good for a frail 84 year old man with Alzheimers. While I waited for her call back, I went in my sewing room, grabbed some 30’s repros and quickly cut two inch squares, put them in a box with basic sewing supplies and the copies of hexagons I had printed out earlier. Beginning that October afternoon and until he died last summer, I took my hexies with me every time I went. He loved watching my hands working with the thread and fabric even when he wasn’t sure who I was exactly. And having the comfort of the familiar–pin, clip, stitch, clip–was an anchor during the hard days and nights. The flower blocks became what is usually called a Grandmother’s Flower Garden, but my little quilt is different–it’s My Daddy’s Garden,a memory of the best dad anyone ever had.
—Joana on September 13, 2012I learned about English Paper Piecing sometime during the 1980’s. I was so fascinated that I made tons of them. Dye cut papers were not available. I cut my own papers using a plastic hexagon template with the center cut out. Using the outside of the template, I cut out the fabric. Fussy cutting was easy.
Not only did I use cotton fabrics, but I also used neckties. It was easy to then machine stitch them together with a feather stitch.
I spent many happy hours of peace and pleasure doing EPP.
—Alvina Nelson on September 13, 2012I am just getting started in quilting. This technique looks like it is something that a beginner could do! I would love to give it a try.
—Pat K on September 13, 2012Yes, I have done a bit of EPP. It wasn’t hexagons though. It involved four houses made with different fabrics. I started it a long time ago and still have not finished. A friend showed me how to do it.
—Karen L. on September 13, 2012I saw a paper piecing demo using the small octogon papers three years ago and decided to give it a try. I needed a portable project to take with me in waiting rooms, on the plane and during meetings. Got a small pair of scissors, a thimble, needles and a little pincusion to keep in a small plastic storage container. I got started with some left-over pieces of tiny pink florals and since then have collect over 50 different ones, a quarter of a yard at a time, as my husband and I have traveled. I now have a large stack of double-row hexagons sewn together into assorted pink flowers with yellow centers that will someday be a quilt for a great granddaughter. Fortunately none of my grandkids are married or ready to be parents so I do have time to finish it. I really like the projects the staff came up with and the ones in the book are fabulous!
—Marelu Greco on September 13, 2012I have a friend that would love that "Dresdens on the Vine". I have been bitten by the hand-piecing bug too. Mine is a hexagon-in-progress. Done in red, white and blue and 1″ (on a side) hex papers, it is intended to become a 4th of July "fireworks" quilt. It is my drag-around project so it hasn’t seen much work lately as I haven’t needed to spend any time waiting for anyone as I was when I started it. (Not that I’m wishing) Which reminds me…I need to get back to the wall hanging I need have finished by Saturday.
—Claudia on September 13, 2012I LOVE ENGLISH PIECING, I HAVE QUITE A FEW PEOPLE INTERESTED IN MY QUILT GUILD. I AM GOING TO MAKE SOME HEXES INTO PLACE MATS, THEY ARE LOVELY AND SO DIFFERENT. I MADE SOME APPROX. 5 INCH AND HAND STITCHED THEM TOGETHER, THEY TRAVEL WELL, I ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO DO, WHEATHER HERE OR TRAVELING. SO I AM NEVER BORED. I HAVE MADE ALL SIZES FOR DIFFERENT PROJECTS, U CAN BUY THE HEXAGONS OR U CAN MAKE THEM OUT OF FREEZER PAPER AND USE THEM OVER AND OVER. THANK U FOR ALL THIS INFORMATION AND THE BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLES THAT U HAVE SHOWN TO USE. I AM A HAPPY CRAFTER. SINCERELY, PEGGY
—PEGGY on September 13, 2012I have one that I started years ago but have never finished. It was to be a flower garden, with a hexagon center and pointed ends surrounding, like a seven sister design. I made several I just need to piece it together. Maybe it would be doable if I made it a throw size or a tablerunner. English paper piecing is great to do in front of TV or a take along project!
—Sue Perry-Potts on September 13, 2012Several of my friends are EPPer’s & with the information & video on your site, I am motivated to give it a try. The patterns in Vicki’s book are very inspiring!
—Nerissa on September 13, 2012I’d never done EPP before; wasn’t sure I would like it. But I recently made a quilt featuring barn blocks. Each barn had a different quilt block featured on it – resembling the country barns with block paintings on them. One was a cluster of hexagons and once I saw how easy and gorgeous it was, I was converted. I’ve not made a big project yet but I look forward to it.
—Carol Vickers on September 13, 2012Tried EPP when I first started quilting, and enjoyed it, but got sidetracked once I saw so many different styles of piecing – and of course I wanted to try them all! But seeing some of these projects is making me want to give it a whirl again. I’d love to win the book to get me started with a little extra guidance.
—Sue on September 13, 2012I have just learned how to make hexies using English paper piecing. I am loving it. I haven’t decided, yet, what I am going to make with them. I am doing some Christmas ones, and some various colored ones. I’ve seen several different patterns that I would love to make. This is something I take with me to doctor’s visits, while riding in the car, etc. So portable.
—Teresa on September 13, 2012English paper piecing is GREAT for a go to project, especially when I am on the go and when I am winding down from a very long day. There is a small project bag in my car – 3/4″ hexagons – and another project by my chair at home – 1″ hexagons. When I am stuck waiting somewhere, I have something to do. When I am ready to sit in the quiet and do a little hand work, I have a project to work on.
—Mary Jane Cardwell on September 13, 2012I tried English paper piecing a few years ago and want to try it again, having noticed a resurgence in the quilting world. I love Vicki’s book and would love to try this again! The fabrics are definitely drool worthy, awesome for this type of quilt!
—Vicki Sprain on September 13, 2012My first quilt (a sampler class) is queen-sized and hand pieced/hand quilted. Have just started with hexies using epp and am addicted. Easy to sit with and stitch some in limited time and ever so portable –am anxious to see the book and tackle more.
—Patti Wiggs on September 13, 2012I did one very small project of EPP once a few years ago, but found it a bit frustrtaing as I had hand cut all my own paper pieces and fabric – it seemed to take a loooooong time to get organizedand set up for the project. I am feeling far more adventurous now and will definitley purchase some pre-cut papers before I start another project, but i think that I am ready to try again. thanks for the opportunity
—Bonnie L on September 13, 2012Make lots of quilts but have yet to try english paper piecing. The book looks tempting and for fabric holidayee.
—Sharyn D on September 13, 2012I was with my sister at a hospital watching over our mom who we thought was dying. I haven’t lived in the same town as my mom and sister all of my adult life and they are the quilters and I am the knitter. So my sister pulls out Engligh paper piecing. She has found material that is from the curtains that hung in the house my mom grew up in the 1930’s. Of course my sister also has scissors, thread, needles, paper and more fabric. Well she shows me how to start the project of a coaster. Little did we know that God wanted our mom to live longer and she "wakes" up a few days later and wants to piece one too. My sister has made coasters for all the cousins and is putting a note on the back of each one telling of finding the great material from the family farm in Guthrie Oklahoma…it is still lived in…but we have the curtains!
—Susan on September 13, 2012I love EPP, I don’t do any other hand quilting or piecing so it is my time I share with my family.
—OHSue on September 13, 2012Of course my favorite hand piecing experience was with my Grandmother, making 9 patches when I was 9YO. I spent the summer with my Grandparents that year, I was a real tom boy so it must have taken a lot of coercion to get me to sew, or likely more boredom. But that summer something in me was awakened and I have been drawn to fiberarts of one kind ever since.
I’ve never tried it myself but watched many grandmother piece in the evenings in front of the for place. She didn’t have electricity or indoor plumbing in her old farmhouse but she’d sit and sew by lantern light every evening while she hummed and rocked in her chair. I’ve been thinking about giving it a try for a while now but on a small scale. That would sure bring back memories of slower days gone by and what a what to honor her memory.
—Sheila Craft on September 13, 2012I have a GO so bought a hexie die, it makes life so much easier and I absolutely love making hexie flowers, at the moment I am using up all my scraps and eventually will make a quilt with them.
—Sunnybec on September 13, 2012I’m addicted to watching You Tube videos about quilting. I saw one on English Paper piecing and thought I can do that. I bought some hexie papers from my LQS and was hooked. I actually have 2 projects going. One with Hexies with reproduction prints and one with 6 pointed stars out of batiks. Love it!
—Debbie on September 13, 2012HKaren,
—Barbara on September 13, 2012I remember you from your time at Connecting Threads and that’s where I encountered Vicki Bellino abd EPP as well. I did one of the totebgs they offered and alway get compliments for them. I never wanted to tackle a whole quilt wth EPP so this new book seems to be just the ticket. I absolutely love the red and white quilt with the toile print.
Thank you for the inspiration,
Barbara
i’m working on my first hexagon quilt as we speak and I think I’m in love… the question is "What’s next"?
Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
—michele on September 13, 2012I’ve never tried it myself but watched my grandmother piece in the evenings in front of the fire place. She didn’t have electricity or indoor plumbing in her old farmhouse but she’d sit and sew by lantern light every evening while she hummed and rocked in her chair. I’ve been thinking about giving it a try for a while now but on a small scale. That would sure bring back memories of slower days gone by and what a what to honor her memory.
—Sheila Craft on September 13, 2012I always admire the projects, but have never tried English Paper Piecing, because I don’t know anyone who does it. I’d love to learn, though!
—Kathleen Graas on September 13, 2012I bought the book Civil War Sewing Circle and when I saw the little hexagon quilt I knew I had to try it. I downloaded the paper pieces and I was off and running. I changed the size from 12 to 9 hexagons because I wanted a square. It turned out soooooo cute, I just love it!! I also love civil war fabrics, so I really hope that I win!!!
—Renee Welton on September 13, 2012I tried English Paper Piecing for the first time last year while I deployed to Afghanistan. I knew that I could not possibly survive an entire year without being able to to some type of quilting or hand work. Since hauling a sewing machine around Afghanistan was not exactly possible, EPP was just the ticket. I was able to put some jelly roll strips, some pre-cut papers, thread and needle and a small pair of snips into a small bag that fit quite neatly into one of the leg pockets in my uniform. I sure got more than a few quizical looks, but it sure helped me pass the time. Now that I am back, I need to find the time to put all those cute little hexagons into a quilt.
—Dawn on September 13, 2012I have never done any paper piecing before, and I so want to try it, but I need to find a class to learn how to do it. I have seen so many gorgeous things made using paper piecing.
—Gina Koston on September 13, 2012I have never tried it but have really been interested in it but I just dont know where to start! The video makes it look easy and the book would be perfect!
—Kate Brown on September 13, 2012My sister(we are twins)took papers and fabric with her to her Army duty assignment in Iraq a few years ago and completed a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt top while she was there. I inherited her leftovers and am challenging myself to complete one the same size. I like how the blocks work up quickly.
—Janice on September 13, 2012I would love to learn EPP. I love everything that has to do with sewing, quilting, embroidering!! This would be perfect to take with me and do while family is watching the games on TV (am not a fan of football) Please pick me!!!
—maria elena on September 13, 2012Strange as this may sound, I started English paper piecing a few years ago when I was assigned guard duty for an inmate who had to be hospitalized. Realizing that I was either going to have to spend hours upon hours watching the inmate and what ever was on the television in the hospital room, or put my time to good use. I paper pieced many blocks of grandma’s flowers while there; I almost thanked the inmate for giving me the time to try English paper piecing. When the inmate recovered, he went back to jail and I had a great start on a new passion and quilt!!
—Kari on September 13, 2012IIt all started with the group "One flower wednesday" as we made at least one hexagon flower per week. Now more then one year later I have my quilt ready to quilt. During this time I really started to love english paper piecing and i made several smaller projects. The book sounds so great and the Quilts are wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Now I know which book is next on my wishlist!
—Martina on September 13, 2012Ah yes, EPP, I have tried it. I inherited some Grandmother’s Flower Garden blocks that were works in progress from my grandmother. They were started back in the 30’s or 40’s without using any foundations to piece around. Well, I started using the foundations, but much to my dismay they did not match the size she had used for the hexi’s. (or it could be that my stitching made them too small). Anyway, it is still a work in progress, but I have made significant progress on it. Maybe one day it will finally be assembled. One can hope.
—Cindy R. on September 13, 2012I decided to try EPP this past Spring as something I could do while travelling. I was hooked! I even got one of my daughters (who had never sewed a stitch in her life) working on my project and then starting a project of her own 🙂 I’m making lots of flowers with plans of doing something of a GFG…just not sure yet how big it’s going to end up. For some reason I can’t seem to stop making new hexes!
—Cindy M on September 13, 2012I have never done English paper piecing but I love learning new techniques. I love hexagons and would really like to make something with them.
—Pat Barnes on September 13, 2012About 3 years ago I heard about EPP and decided to try a full blown king sise quilt made up of tumbling blocks, an over achiever, yah!!! At this time I had moved into my daughter’s house and was living with them, as I was basting my papers my youngest granddaughter, 12 at the time, wanted to help me. So I showed her how to baste the blocks, she was completely intrigued and I was completely addicted. I quickly finished all the blocks of sets of three and I am now hand stitching these blocks together and I have enough to finish a king sise quilt. I would love to see this book and learn EPP methods. thanks for the giveaway.
—Janet Crossman on September 13, 2012My first quilting lesson was EPP. It is still in the sewing basket waiting to be finished, but I don’t remember how to do it. 🙁
—Mary on September 13, 2012I just broke 2 bones in my left wrist and am typing with one finger…ugh. All my projects are too large for me to handle at the moment. English paper piecing would be perfect for me while I am healing! So many small projects I could work on! I would so love to win this book. I was afraid of learning a new quilting method before and now I would cherish it!
—Jane Knoll-Tenney on September 13, 2012I am going to try it next month when I visit my granddaughter…she’s almost 9. I thought it might be a fun way to inspire her into the sewing world. She love soccer, so I am thinking pentagons. I would love to have a book she could look at for inspiration. Thanks for the give-away.
—Judith on September 13, 2012I made a hexagon quilt in about 5 months using 2.5″ squares cut from scraps. I am currently working on a second one making diamonds out of the hexagons. I have an almost 2 year old and this allows me to keep working on quilts while he plays. Can’t always sit at the sewing machine anymore!
—Kelly Grace on September 13, 2012I love paper piecing and hand piecing – it is calming to do, and so portable. I also enjoy the accuracy. Some day I am going to try the l/4″ hexigons…..pray for my eyes when that starts:). Beautiful quilts your shared as well as beautiful book and fabric.
—Dee on September 13, 2012English paper piecing was my 1st quilting class to take-about 12 yrs ago. It’s a lot of fun & great take along project !
—Sandra Perkins on September 13, 2012I’ve always admired EPP and have tried it in the past on small projects. Now that I’m retired I believe I’ll have more time to do a proper job of it. It would be great to do in front of the TV in the evenings while I keep my husband company or to carry along when I take him to his doctor appointments. These fabrics are so lovely and warm I know I could put together a really beautiful project.
—Linda Horton on September 13, 2012I did EPP as part of a Quilting 101 class at our local quilt show and I really liked this. I thought the flower I pieced together was great and easy to do. I’d like to do more and try to make it into a quilt once I gain more experience. Having a book like this would help me to make sure I’m on the right track and since I’m just starting out the material would be great to help me build a stash. Thank you.
—Debbie on September 13, 2012Sou tão viciada e apaixonada quanto você.Aprendi com minha avó Elvira quando 11/12 de idade,fizemos algumas peças juntas(que sumiram por encanto,ninguém tem notícia).Fiquei alguns anos sem fazer e quando minha primeira filha nasceu,eu recomecei aparentemente para preencher o tempo vago,que nada…são trinta anos que faço todos os dias,nunca comprei papel pré-cortado,faço os cortes com tesoura,uso tudo que aparece,de revistas velhas a propaganda de políticos,já tive em estoque 23000 hexágonos em estoque,não é muito,pois foram embora em 4 colchas king.Tenho (contei ontem)150 flores prontas,59 estrelas e 26 borboletas.Estou fazendo uma paisagem de natal,com servos e pinheiros que estou copiando de um gráfico de ponto-cruz,aliás,essa sempre foi minha praia,então tenho feito peças lindas.Mas,mesmo tendo experiência eu quero ganhar este livro,faço aniversário no próximo dia 26 e quem sabe,o Sr aleatório não me escolhe?Bem,depois deste post só posso agradecer,muito obrigada por chance,ainda que pequena de ganhar.Beijos e Bençãos.Sou brasileira e não desisto nunca!!!
Maria’s comment, translated by Google Translate:
—Maria do Carmo Pezzuto on September 13, 2012I am so addicted and in love with my grandmother as você.Aprendi Elvira when 11/12 age, we did some pieces together (which disappeared by magic, nobody has news). Few years I do not and when my first daughter was born, I restarted apparently to fill the vacant time, nothing … is thirty years that I do every day, never bought pre-cut paper, make cuts with scissors, use everything that comes from old magazines of political propaganda, already had in stock 23 000 hexagons in stock, it is not surprising, then left at 4 quilts king.Tenho (yesterday told) 150 flowers ready, 59 stars and 26 borboletas.Estou doing a landscape of native pines with servants and I am copying a chart point-cross indeed, this has always been my thing, so I have done pieces lindas.Mas, even though experience I want to win this book, my birthday on June 26 and who knows, Mr random not pick me? Well, after this post only I thank you, thank you for chance, albeit small and ganhar.Beijos Bençãos.Sou Brazilian and never give up!!
Here’s the translation for Maria’s comment:
—Cornelia on September 13, 2012I am so addicted and passionate as you.I learned from my grandmother Elvira when 11/12 of age, did some pieces together (which disappeared by magic, no one has news).I was a few years without making and when my first daughter was born, I restarted apparently to fill the vacant time, that nothing … are thirty years that I do every day, never bought pre-cut paper, do the cuts with scissors, use everything that appears in old magazines the political propaganda, already had in stock stock, 23000 hexagons is not greatly, because were gone in 4 king bedspreads.I have (I counted yesterday) 150 flowers ready .59 stars and 26 butterflies.I’m doing a Christmas landscape, with servos and pine trees that I am copying a cross-stitch chart, incidentally, this has always been my Beach, then I have done beautiful pieces.But even having experience I want to win this book, do birthday next day 26 and who knows, Mr random pick me?Well, after this post I can only say thank you, thank you for the chance, however small to win.Kisses and Blessings. I’m Brazilian and never give up!
I have been paper piecing hexies for about a year now. It is the greatest project to travel with and show any interested person that you catch looking while you work. I like to make small parts and then join to larger units when I return home. Always fun to see a project grow! Thanks for sharing.
—Cheryl on September 13, 2012My guild gave us kits to make a pincushion using hexagons paper pieces. I did finish the project which isn’t always the case with me so that tells that I enjoyed the process. After seeing all the great projects from the book and the others, I know that will be doing more. I really like the idea of using the EPP as a part of the project not the entire project. The Marcus Fabric looks wonderful!
—Laura Little on September 13, 2012I love the look of EPP but I always thought it would be way too much work to make an entire quilt. But using it here and there in a pieced quilt makes it possible to get the beauty without quite so many hours of hand piecing. Great idea!
—Connie Tessier on September 13, 2012I have yet to try EPP although I am now willing because I just learned foundation paper piecing and absolutely love it! This paper stuff is astounding!
—Sheila on September 13, 2012I have done paper piecing before, but this looks even easier! I will definately add to my list of things to do! I can see some beautiful Christmas projects coming to life!
—Debra Waldrop on September 13, 2012I have never paper pieced but have always wanted to learn. This fabric is beautiful to learn on!
—Deb on September 13, 2012I’ve done both paper piecing and EPP. Made bookmarks and tree ornaments for my grandkids with EPP. Loved it and would love the inspirtion of both the book and the fabric to do more.
—JoAnna on September 13, 2012I love your emails and the offers of giveaways! I entered the last time the EPP book was an offer but sadly didn’t win so I’m trying again. I was bitten by the EPP bug as soon as I saw the book and have been making shapes like crazy especially hexagons. I always save scraps but not always "tiny" pieces..now I know to save everything because you can use tiny scraps for tiny shapes. Love, love, love your website and giveaway options!!
Ann
—Ann Boehm on September 13, 2012I have not tried EPP yet but would like to try it sometime. I love hand embroidery so think I would like to piece this by hand.
—Kathy Matchett on September 13, 2012I have tried EPP – thought I wouldn’t like it, but found it very enjoyale. I made these fabric bowls as gifts using hexagon pieces – one of the recipients used it as a hat for her cat – whatever floats your boat, I guess. Great way to use up small pieces of fabric. I’d love to venture further, and try something more than a hat bowl!
—Deb on September 13, 2012I have tried English Paper Piecing at a quilt expo, and really enjoyed the process. Found it very relaxing!
—Debbie on September 13, 2012I tried paper pieceing for the first time last winter. I pieced a hexigon queen sized quilt top. I think I now enjoy hand work to sewing on the sewing machine. It is so relaxing.
—Lourdes Fay on September 13, 2012Last year I made a tablerunner with the applecore pattern, it turned out very beautiful and what ,I think, is so great about EPP I can do it while I’m in bed.Frequently Iam in hospital and in bed when I’m home too and the EPP works wonderwell in bed. Thats why I love it so much and if I can win fabrics with it, well that would be so great!!! Can I join in living in Belgium? Hope so !!!
—Cristel on September 13, 2012I have not tried English Paper Piecing but since I enjoy had work – I need to try it!
—Sharon B on September 13, 2012Okay, now I’m inspired. I have downloaded the paper shapes, found some fabrics and I’m now ready to play. Thanks for your post.
—Judy on September 13, 2012Oh how do I love EPP! It is a soothingly simple handwork to do the basting of fabric to paper. Then arranging and joining the hexies goes so quickly! It’s all in the fabric, too though. As with any quilting project, if you love the fabric, you will most likely love the whole process. My first hexy project was started while my mom was in emergency brain surgery for an aneurysm hemorrhage. Keeping my hands and mind busy was key to me not going nuts waiting for news from the MD. I appliqued the flowers onto the background while Mom was in PT, OT, speech therapy, etc. I now have a big tin full of hexies to make pillow covers or maybe a bed scarf. I’m glad that there has been a resurgence in popularity of EPP so that more sewers can enjoy them, too.
—Betsy Pratt on September 13, 2012Betsy in the sunny and crisp Seattle suburbs.
For years I always said "I hate hand sewing" then last August a friend taught me hand applique and I am now hooked. I have never tried EPP but I think I would love to learn. And who doesn’t love free fabric!!!
—Elizabeth Lee on September 13, 2012I started an EPP project this summer as my travel project when we went on vacation, but once we got back home, it got set aside. It is definitely time to pull those hexagons back out again and finish up.
—Julie in GA on September 13, 2012I love hand-piecing and am always looking for ways to improve. Some time ago I purchased hexagon papers online and at nearby quilt shops. As yet, I haven’t made any hexagons because I’m still trying to decide which quilt to make. I think the e-book will simplify my decision–I won’t have to make a gazillion hexagons to actually make a hexagon quilt. Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
—Bertha Mallard on September 13, 2012I discovered EPP a few months ago. I’m working on a jewel flower quilt – took a drive from Maryland to Fla with the family and EPP’d all the way – it made the time go much quicker and I felt like I really accomplished something other than just sitting, lol.
—MaryBeth on September 13, 2012I have bought a little kit of plasctic to make some hexies and have not done so … yet – but with all this inspiration I see that i need to!! thank you!
—Lee on September 13, 2012I love those colors and the hexies on the jean jacket is so wonderful! i am motivated to try this! thank you !
—Chris on September 13, 2012A friend of mine got me hooked on English Paper Piecing. Love it!! Would love to learn more about it. Am making myself a quilt out of my grandfather’s old shirts. All I have left is a bunch of scraps. Thought English Paper-Piecing would be the way to go.
—Kathy on September 13, 2012sI have only tried it a couple of times on ornaments, I really didn’t have good instructions and would love to try again, pretty fabric and instructions might be just what I need to get me started…thanks
—Rebecca on September 13, 2012Welllllll…When I first got into quilting I SWORN up and down that I was NEVER going to do paper piecing! No hand work for me. I swear I am never swearing I will never do something again because I always end up doing it. LOL Those little hexie flowers just suck you in!!! The first one I made I was hooked!!! Now I do them in bed watching TV, at the computer watching youtube, traveling, listening to music. The best part is all those scraps of my favorite fabrics are now darling little flowers and I don’t feel guilty about doing nothing when I’m in front of the tv…etc. Look out for the hexie virus!!The germs are all over that new book you have " english paper piecing"
—Jeanne on September 13, 2012Happy quilting,
Jeanne 🙂
I have started learning Paper Piecing by taking a class at my local quilt shop. I am really enjoying working on projects at home while I watch TV. The quilts pictured in English Paper Piecing are beautiful. I have never tried a project that large but I am thinking about it now. I would love to win that book and also the fat quarter bundle to make a lap quilt or larger.
—Bonnie on September 13, 2012I have not tried English Paper Piecing yet; but did the quilting on a wallhanging for a friend that was beautiful. I’d love to give it a try. I have done lots of cross-stitch though.
—Diane V on September 13, 2012EPP is fun! I like to collect charm packs and they work really well for EPP. This book is one that I’m hoping to win 🙂 but if I don’t I’ll certainly be purchasing it.
—Jane S. on September 13, 2012I really like English Paper piecing. I have only worked with hex’s and would like to venture out to other shapes. I have made a larger quilt and some small pieces. It is very relaxing. It can be done while watching TV and traveling. Or while you are just waiting for something to happen. lol
—Judy McMaster on September 13, 2012I have been working off and on for several years peicing 1 1/2 inch hexagonals to make a small version of the flower garden quilt my greatgrandmother made with my father’s baby clothes. My sister got the larger one. I got the hand appliqued lady with the umbrella which is ick compared to the other one. Such is life. I inheirited the rest of the family quilts so I am spoiled. I would love to have a newer book and newer fabric to work with.
—Laurel Whitlock on September 13, 2012EPP fever swept through my quilting bee about a year ago. I have a large project using my Daiwabo stash.
—Joanne on September 13, 2012After years of fear I am just now learning to english paper piece all I can say is Thank-you for the books,sites and blogs for the tutorials and help.and thank-you for the great give away
—becky derry on September 13, 2012Learned to English Paper Piece in the 70’s. The first quilt I made has a block of grandmother’s garden. Sewing on the machine is more like work
—Judy Looker on September 13, 2012(don’t get me wrong, I am in love with my Bernia) but sitting and hand sewing is a dream for me! I am working on a English Paper Pieced Grandmother’s garden in yellow, black, gray and white right now. The yellow is a beautiful sunny yellow and makes me smile and feel warm all over…love it! My hexagons are cut out of freezer paper on my oh-so-helpful daughter’s cutting machine! Makes for an accurate hexagon when you are done. This particular yellow quilt I bought the precut fabric hexagons with a coupon and then they went on clearance!!! Can’t wait for dinner and dishes to be done and head up stairs for some tea, telly, and English Paper Pieced Hexagons! Oh what a night!
I love to English paper piece!! My first project was a set of 6 drink coasters. I made the hexagon flower and hand appliqued on a 5″ circle. I used flannel for the batting. I learned to hand quilt on each coaster, I knew the project was small enough to learn on! and I learned to make a bias binding too! The project was fun and easy, everyone and anyone can do it and your points are always perfect!! I love Vicki’s book. She has great ideas for a traditional quilter who loves applique.Thanks tor the inspiration!
—carol on September 13, 2012My Uncle Lon was a tailor and he taught me to English Paper Piece about 50 years ago. My son Lance was a foreign exchange student to Germany and I used this method to make a 12 inch star block in red, white and blue silk fabrics for him to give to his host family. My Uncle used this techique and made all of us blocks using the star pattern, whenever we had a special event for a member of our family. He learned it from his boss when he worked in New York for Ray Diffen Stage Clothes. I love the way it gives such wonderful accurate, and crisp lines. It says love to all who have these treasures hanging in our homes.
—Judi Hansen on September 13, 2012Whenever I try hand work I happily go back to the speed of machine piecing. But I still like to get out of my comfort zone now and then.
—Dixie on September 13, 2012My hand piecing experience was several years ago when I was homeschooling my nieces. We started each day reading from the Little House on the Prairie books. One day we came to a chapter where LIW wrote about learning to piece a quilt. So we got out fabric, needles and thread, cut squares and proceeded to start hand piecing 4 patches and 9 patches. We all enjoyed it and were able to get a good feel for what our ancestors went through to make their quilts. I am loving what I see these days with the English paper piecing and would love to give it a try.
—Laurie on September 13, 2012I love English paper piecing – though many friends think I’m nuts! I am working on a very long term project. A queen quilt made from 4 inch tumbler blocks. I’m doing it as a charm quilt – no piece repeated. I would LOVE to add your giveaway to my quilt and stitch it with the rest of the memories!
—Dianne Bondaroff on September 13, 2012About 10 years ago, I learned about English Paper Piecing and started making hexagons. I had a vision of a throw on the back of an inherited couch, and the plan was to make baskets from browns and tans in small prints, and bouquets of flowers in the baskets from small floral prints. I loved the process and the portability—I could stitch my little hexagons all evening and still follow the conversation with my friends! Stitch, stitch, stitch, what could be easier or more productive? Many hexagons later, I stitched some flowers into baskets, pinned the baskets onto a design board, and stepped back. Not the effect I had hoped for at all, and there they hang to this day. Maybe I just need new inspiration, because I do remember how satisfying the technique was.
—Beverly Oeltjen on September 13, 2012I have always loved the grandmothers flower garden design. Recently I took the plunge to start a small project with the 3/4 inch hexies. Haven’t gotten to far yet but, I like it.
—Wendy P on September 13, 2012I have not tried English Paper Piecing yet, but have wanted to learn so that I can sit and do hand piecing. The fabrics are just beautiful and the patterns are great! Thanks for the opportunity!
—Nancy on September 13, 2012I love hand piecing and English Paper Piecing! And hexagons! It’s really relaxing! This book is beautiful! Thanks so much for this giveaway
—Plume de Chat on September 13, 2012I tried my hand at hexies, and am so impressed at how fast they multiply! I have piles just waiting for some inspiration. Thank you for the great giveaway
—Judy Bowes on September 13, 2012My local quilt store has had a large section of paper piecing projects and pre-cut papers for a while. I would walk by mildy interested but not wanting to get another thing started, lol. Once I read more about the technique, on blogs and at quilt shows I finally saw the potential and picked up a pack of 1″ hexagons. I went a little crazy! I have yet to finish anything, but have several flowers made and a table mat planned and basted. Thanks for the giveaway and confirmation I’m not alone I’m my obsession 🙂
—Heather on September 13, 2012I loved doing English paper piecing when I was at my two son’s high school basketball games, swim meets, tennis matches or any other sporting event. It was fun and a great conversation starter. My first project was a stunning blue, jewel-toned wall hanging made with diamonds in a tumbling block pattern. My sons are grown now and every time I look at it in our family room it brings me back to those wonderful times. It is the only project I’ve ever done that was completely hand-pieced and hand-quilted. At the time, I didn’t realize you could mix hand and machine. HA! I still paper piece when on the road, but definitely machine applique them down now.
—Sandi Makowski on September 13, 2012I have done one quilt made out of large hexagons. It was a baby quilt for my neices daughter. English paper piecing can be so relaxing to sit and do. I would love to do a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt someday. I have always thought they were so beautiful!
—Jennifer Kinney on September 13, 2012I love paper piecing. I bought an innocent package of hexagons at the AQS Paducah Quilt Show years ago. I made Christmas flowers into a tablecloth and was hooked. Each quilt show I added more and more different pre-cut shapes and worked down to the 1/4″ hexagon pieces. I made 9 tiny flowers for a minature wall hanging which everyone thinks it was something very difficult and time consuming.
—Sue Williams on September 13, 2012The diamonds make perfect stars and I’ve also made the dresden plates. It’s great to have a small hand sewing project to carry with you when you know you’ll be waiting somewhere.
I was called for jury duty and while waiting to serve, I taught all the ladies around me how to do it. They found it very easy and can be done by anyone that can hold a needle.
Absolutely beautiful describes the quilts in Vicki’s book. It also gets the creative juices flowing. I’ve ventured into EPP a little with 1″ hexies and then appliqued them on 6″ squares. In the Vignette magazine by Leanne Beasley, I learned to glue the fabric to the paper hexies, whip stitch the hexies together, carefully remove the papers, starch and carefully press the hexie. The key is not to over do the glue and try to keep it away from the edge for ease in whip stitching and removing the paper. Seemed to work pretty darn good. Thanks for sponsoring the wonderful EPP book and fabulous fabric giveaway!
—Janet on September 13, 2012would love to learn more about it thanks
—barbara woods on September 13, 2012I want to win!!!!
—Tamara Stringhma on September 13, 2012I have made lots of hexie flowers so far and I am now in a EPP bee where I have ventured further than hexagons. Thanks for the giveaway.
—Celine on September 13, 2012I’ve done very little English Paper Piecing but have done hand piecing and just love it. Would love to try out some of the patterns int he book as they all look great!
—Jean B on September 13, 2012i don’t have an english paper piecing story because i’ve never tried it. but i’m enchanted by it and intend to start soon with a small project. i love the hexagon shape and can’t wait to design a project using it. i hand quilt so i believe that this shape will not be too difficult for me to start with.
—irene on September 13, 2012I am taking a Crafty class with Blocks of the months and one month we did 2 blocks with hexies. I also did a contest "make ugly fabric beautiful" which I did with hexies. They are so much fun and portable – can’t wait to do more since I can do them most anywhere like on the bus on the way home from work. Thanks for the inspiration to do more and working with the lovely fabric would be great!!
—Cindy Wienstroer on September 13, 2012I think this is just what I was looking for. I have a very old Grandmothers Flower Garden quilt that’s need mending. I just took it out last weekend and bought fabric to try and mend it. So I would be delighted to get the pattern & fabric bundle, to see how to do English Paper Piecing.I have been quilting for a very long time, but never paper piecing.
—Jan on September 13, 2012Thanks so much!
I have had an English paper piecing project going for almost 10 yearss but i am beginning to see he light at the end of the tunnel! Maybe only another 2 years to go on it! I’m so crazy I have bought 1/4″ hexagons! I do like to have hand work for in the car or at meetings instead of just sitting there wasting time.
—Debbie on September 13, 2012English paper piecing looks like fun. I have never tried it and would love to give it a whirl. Thank-you for the fun giveaway.
—Julie A. B. on September 13, 2012I have two grandmothers flower garden quilts from my great grandmothers and I have always loved them. When my daughter-in-law was expecting our first grandchild, I made a tumbling blocks baby quilt by EPP. That was seven years ago and I was hooked on EPP after that! I love the fact that you can take it with you anywhere, so you always have a project available to work on. Also, the softness and "cudle factor" of this quilt is unbelievable, since there is no machine stitching. I have just recently finished a beautiful table runner with five rows of hexagons in shades of blues and cream. It turned out lovely and looks charming on the table. I sewed small buttons on the points of each hexagon down the sides, which adds a cute embellishment. Can’t wait to pick up the English Paper Piecing book, the quilts are stunning! Thank you for the fabric give away!
—Caryl Schultz on September 13, 2012Caryl Schultz on September 13, 2012
I haven’t tried English paper piecing yet, but I have made a queen sized grandmothers flower garden, hand pieced. It is not quilted yet but it is everything I thought it would be. I am very eager to try many of the patterns shown here today. They are soooo beautiful. Who could resist making something like these beautiful treasures.
—Diane on September 13, 2012I love to do hand work and would really like to try English paper piecing.
—Maryl Willard on September 13, 2012I LOVE hexies and have done a few simple projects with them. I would love to win the book and fat quarters to start a project this winter. Thanks for putting me in the drawing.
—Synthia Noble on September 13, 2012As a child I had a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt on my bed that had been English paper pieced by my great-grandmother … I’ve always wanted to try it myself and – recently retired! – now seems to be a great time to start!
—Lynn on September 13, 2012I am addicted to EPP, and am on to my third EPP project. I find it so portable that I can take it any where with me. This is a book I have looked at and have on my wish list when funds become available
—Jeannette on September 13, 2012My husband treated me with a trip to Paducah for the fabulous AQS show this year. One of the things I happened along was a vendor who sold die cut papers for English paper piecing. I’m always looking for some way to further contribute to my quilting addiction. So I picked up a few various sizes of diamond papers. I am hooked. It is so much fun. Construction of some blocks is so much easier in the paper pieced format rather than their machine pieced coutnterparts. It is the best for a take along project or if you have a hankering to sew but after a long day at work are to tired to dive into a more complicated project.
If you give it a try, I’m sure you will be hooked too 🙂
—Paula on September 13, 2012I have quilted off and on for over 40 years but recently became serious. A friend passed and left me a couple of quilts to finish. I did and joined the Muskogee, OK Quilt Guild. I am the only male but that is no nevermind to me. My cousin from OKC told me about a friend who had tubs of material left after her mother passed. So I went to see her with my friend Phyllis. She had a quilt her mother had started=====yes, it was the flower garden paper piece. We agreed to finish it for the tubs. At first it was a pain but it gets contagious. I recently spent four days in hospital where I got a lot done. I may do one in diamonds next.
—Roger W Morris on September 13, 2012One of my first quilts was Grandmother’s Flower Garden. I used a plastic template and hand pieces hundreds may even a thousand hexagons. It would have been so very nice to have known about paper piecing which I just learned this year. My quilt is about 25 years old and the fabric was purchased when Kmart still carried fabric back in the 80’s. This summer I finished a wallhanging kit with two sides of paper pieced hexagons. So much fun.
—Maxine Funk on September 13, 2012I must admit that EPP can be quite addictive. I love Vicki’s newest book – such great and different uses for the hexies. Thanks for offering the giveaway. Nice projects by all of the staff.
—Kim on September 13, 2012i’m working a hexie flower top … i love these little pieces and epp! i’m addicted! would love this book for all the different projects i could work up! thanx for the chance to win it!
—ritainalaska on September 13, 2012My story about English paper piecing has not yet begun; altho after checking out this email and seeing the beautiful completed projects I can see it is something I’d love to try. Loved the jean jacket, and particularly the quilts with the red, black and gold. Thanks for the giveaway.
—Bette on September 13, 2012Thought i would like to try EPP, someday when all the other PHDs are done.
—Barbara on September 13, 2012Years ago, when I was still working, I took the ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle to the Federal Building. I carried a small box with my paper piecing supplies with me each day and worked on the flowers while on the ferry ride. I ended up making a beautiful Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt and several smaller quilts and runners. I LOVED working on these quilts.
—Cheri Searles on September 13, 2012My first attempt at English paper piecing was 12 1/2″ Grandmother’s Garden to be used as my center block for a round robin. After 8 other quilters added rounds of various designs/fabrics, much to my delight, the last quilter used the same pattern in the four corners of the last round. So perhaps there is another convert to EPP. It tied everything together nicely. I use the back of my checkbook cardboard to make more forms when I have an idle moment watching TV.
—Dorothy I. Dishman on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried English paper piecing yet. My quilting life won’t be complete until I give it a go, and I love love the look of the finished quilts.
—Joanna on September 13, 2012I have never tried English Paper Piecing, but I would love to learn. I have just never had anyone to teach me how. I am so in awe of the beautiful paper pieced blocks that I see, and am impatient to learn.
—Nita on September 13, 2012I have English paper pieced two table runners. So additive and I really enjoy hand quilting them too. I would love to win the book and fat quarters. Love all the cute projects – hard to decide which to do first. Thanks for the opportunity to win. 🙂
—Sheila F. on September 13, 2012I have made and taught students how to EPP and love it 🙂
—Maria on September 13, 2012I am just beginning to do the English paper piecing and would love to find out more about it and try new patterns. It is something I can put in my purse and carry with me and just pick up whenever I have a minute.
—Rose on September 13, 2012Wow! English paper piecing looks like fun! I’ve never tried it, since I’m generally hand-work averse, and prefer to do most everything by machine. But looking at the beautiful examples, watching the demonstration video, and reading the enthusiasm in everyone else’s comments, I do believe I’m going to have to give this technique a try. Bring it on, Martingale Publishing and Marcus Fabrics! I’m ready to forge ahead and try something new! Who knows, maybe I’ll become an EPP addict too.
—Robin on September 13, 2012This is one thing I have not tried when it comes to quilting. I would love to wind the fabric to try this technique. I am always on the lookout for something new to do. The portability of this technique is amazing.
—Sue Winnie on September 13, 2012Karen, thanks for passing on such a time honored obsession! When I was working, I drove an 18-wheeler! While I was being loaded or unloading I would work on a quilting project. The last one to be started was a Queen size Grandmother’s Flower Garden! It wasn’t finished by the time I retired in March, so now it is my evening TV project. I know I’ll have left-over hex’s when I finish it, now I just need some ideas for them! The book would be perfect for inspiration. P.S. I only have 8 flowers & 1/4 of the border left to finish it, it’s been ongoing since April of 2011.
—Cindy Stowe on September 13, 2012I have never EPP but after watching the video with Vicki I am going to give it a try. It seems to be the rage right now and I think it would be great to watch TV and hand stitch the Hexagons.Amazing patterns I am liking Just Judie,Cabin Flowers and the Dresden Quilt Heck I like them all.
—Sandy D on September 13, 2012Oh WOW! I recently tried EPP with the Craftsy BOM and was most surprised at how much I enjoyed it. But this beautiful book has shown me its so much more than just hexies so thanks heaps for the opportunity to win the book or fabric!
—Pam W on September 13, 2012I have wanted to try EPP for a long time and always seemed busy with other projects. I am now determined to do it. I have a pattern for a doll quilt with 8 small flowers, have all the supplies and am wondering why I don’t just pick it up and do it! I love the book too and your encouragement has really helped. I am 75 and hope to prove you CAN teach and old dog new tricks!
—Helen Cheney on September 13, 2012I just bought this book and some pre-cut hexies at our quilt show. The fabric pack would be great to get started. I haven’t done any EPP since I took my first sampler class 20 years ago. I loved it, but hated cutting all the papers, LOVE that they are sold in packs!
—Barbara on September 13, 2012I seriously began EPP on some GFG blocks while sitting next to my husband who was in the hospital after having a stroke. Most of the time I was there, all he did was sleep. But still he wanted me there. EPP was one of the things I could grab and go, pick up and put down, and pack away quickly. I still have not finished making anything with those blocks. The bag that I set up is still ready to go anytime I need a take-along project. I will say I am now putting the outer leaves and path hexagons on the flowers. I figure when I get to the point of sewing them together, I will probably have enough to make two queen-sized quilts. Of course by then it will not be a travel project.
—Nancy (Cat Lady) on September 13, 2012I have not tried English paper piecing yet. I like to do things on a machine, but maybe I should put together something to take along when I’m waiting for something.
—Marilyn Snow on September 13, 2012I have never tried it but you have really made it look like fun! Thanks!
—Connie Campbell on September 13, 2012I thought I would hate EPP because I am not a fan of hand sewing, but I tried it and I am hooked. EPP is great for small take-along travel projects or for keeping my hands busy while I am waiting somewhere or other. Great giveaway, thanks!
—mo on September 13, 2012How great this is, I just got the book and I am sooo excited. The quilts are so beautiful and I am all for tiring something new !! The right fabric is next !
—Linda Janovitz on September 13, 2012My paper piecing story is not strictly mine.
—Anne on September 13, 2012My daughter Kelly wanted to make some money to buy Christmas
presents,she was about 10 years old at the time,so she decided to sew little make-up bags and sell them,she always did have big ideas, had never sewn anything before.I was afraid to let her use my sewing machine so instead showed her how to paper piece.Wow this child was good,had so many orders for these that she recruited both my sister and myself to help with the finishing.We had hexagons and litle squares all over the house and yes she made lots of money. When Christmas was over she announced that she was never going to sew again,but I still have little bits of her work.After reading your article I have decided to frame them.Oh,she will be 42 next month and sadly she leaves all the sewing to me.
I do most of my patchwork in english paper piecing. It’s perfect to take with you everywhere, you can easy watch the television while you sew, there is no problem to chat with friends when sewing.It is perfect :-). Then I havn’t learn from home to use a sewingmachine as both my mom and grandmother only used the machine to repair the clothe and linen. I do use the sewing machine and still learning it.
—Anne-Marie on September 13, 2012I love EPP! My first quilt was a tied quilt. My second is a Hexagon quilt, and I am still working on it. I am hand quilting it as well, and I am looking for MORE projects to hand piece in the EPP format. I need patterns, pieces and more ideas. So bring them on!! I have to go check out this book, because I have been searching for more EPP designs. I have pattern pieces, I just can’t seem to come up with design ideas by myself. So exciting!!
—Marcia Kosturock on September 13, 2012yes , I have tried EPP and the real star in our family is 8 year old Emi, who asked "Can I try it?" Of course; so I handed her some basted hexies and she "whipped through" learning the whip stitch and just kept on going!! I would love to win the pretty fabrics to share with her. Thanks for the chance!
—carol denning on September 13, 2012I have tried EPP recently for one of the quilters in my modern block party group. She requested a hexagon block from each of us and to my surprise, it was easy, fast and fun to make. Now I want to make my own hexagon quilt.
—Carol Y on September 13, 2012My grandmother had a diamond quilt that her mother-in-law had made in the 1930s. It was EPP, and making a replica of it was a feel-good passion of mine. I, too, used the 1930s prints, but where her fabrics were the originals, mine were reproducions. I have always wanted to do a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt. That is going to be my next EPP project. Thank you for the chance to win a great book and some wonderful fabrics!
—cindy on September 13, 2012I tried paper piecing quite a long while ago, before I began piecing. I finished one block that went in a larger group quilt. Now, tonight, I am learning how to do it in "miniature", and I might enjoy it even more. I liked the idea of using the paper piecing units as flowers for applique, especially since I don’t really like to do applique. This could certainly make the applique more precise. Thanks for sharing with us!
—Tammy J on September 13, 2012I made one hexagon flower many years ago and haven’t done any since. Looking at all the hexagons around blog land has me thinking I should give it another go.
—Christine M on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried EPP yet. But after seeing so many gorgeous projects in this post and many others online I’m motivated to give it a try. I would like to have a portable project.
—Lisa Marie on September 13, 2012I’ve never been much of a hand piecer/quilter. I like to stick to a machine. Then my boss (I work at a quilt store) asked me if I’d do a sample for the store – a grandmother’s flower garden quilt in bright colors. I hesitated… but she said she’d give me a quick lesson and that I get to keep the quilt! So I dived in and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!! 🙂 It is the most addictive thing! Now I sew on my hexies on the subway on my way to work. And I want to work on other designs too. LOVE English Paper Piecing! 🙂
—Carol Richard on September 13, 2012I really enjoy EPP and am working on a project with Moda’s Salt Air line. It’s my "I’m waiting for my son at gymnastics" project and "another trip in the car" project. I love it.
—Heather on September 13, 2012I’m already addicted to EPP, I’ve finished two small projects (doll quilt size), and have two other projects started. I just bought this amazing book – so fun!
—Mary on September 13, 2012My story – I have been learning hand piecing with Jinny Byers’ instructions. I bought, at an antique show, a Grandmothers Flower Garden work in progress from the 1930’s. It is already in rows and was not done the EPP way, so I needed to learn regular hand piecing. When I’m finished with my practice work I will have 12 small traditional blocks done and ready to finish into a small quilt – then I will begin work on this antique top. I’m so excited to finish it up.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some fabric. I have enjoyed your blog.
Emglish paper piecing is not something I had thought I would ever want to try, but I have been seeing so many pretty things online that I had been thinking about it. Seeing the pictures from this book has really inspired me to take that first step. Looks like fun!
—Mary on September 13, 2012I love English Paper Piecing. I started out with 2″ size and now do 1/2 inch flower petals. I took a wall hanging applique pattern and everywhere it called for a flower I substituted a hexagon paper piece for each petal. I have also appliqued the flowers on teeshirts. Lots of fun. Note for easier removal of the paper I punch a hole in the middle of the paper before I get started so after they are sewed to each other and ironed I can stick a wooden stick in the hole and pop out the paper. Works great. Hope I win . Thanks for reading my comment.
—Liz Brigham on September 13, 2012Liz Brigham
I love to English paper piece! I always have some papers and cut squares in a baggy to carry along in the car. Have started to use a glue pen for the initial basting.
—Jeanne on September 13, 2012I’m already addicted to EPP, I’ve finished two small projects (doll quilt size), and have two other projects started. I just bought this amazing book – so fun!
—Mary on September 13, 2012My story – I have been learning hand piecing with Jinny Byers’ instructions. I bought, at an antique show, a Grandmothers Flower Garden work in progress from the 1930′s. It is already in rows and was not done the EPP way, so I needed to learn regular hand piecing. When I’m finished with my practice work I will have 12 small traditional blocks done and ready to finish into a small quilt – then I will begin work on this antique top. I’m so excited to finish it up.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some fabric. I have enjoyed your blog.
I made a crib quilt in a baby blocks pattern (diamonds) by English Paper piecing before my son was born. He is now 33! It was my first quilt and is still the biggest EPP project I have done, although I have done a few hexagons since.
—Maureen on September 13, 2012The pictures in this article are certainly enough to inspire anyone —- even me, who has done two small flowers and thinks anyone who makes a Grandmothers Garden quilt is a Candidate for Sainthood.
—Dottie on September 13, 2012I started with two sample packs from Paper Pieces that I picked up at a quilt show. Now I buy hexies in two sizes to work on two projects. They are SO addictive! This book looks like so much fun. I love seeing all the possibilities.
—Kris on September 13, 2012I bought a kit one day many years ago while visiting a quilt shop on vacation. I was hooked! I have done several projects since then, mostly hexies. They travel so well and are a great pastime while waiting – at the doctor’s office, for the grandchildren to get out of school, or while watching TV. I’m doing diamond stars right now and plan to teach my ladies’ group how to EPP soon!
—Candy Soehren on September 13, 2012I would be interested in trying it, but so far I haven’t tried English paper piecing.
—Diann Cornell on September 13, 2012I have been storing a box of Hex’s my Grandmother cut out in the 1930’s. My Dad was a little boy and he remembers her cutting them out. Well a year ago or so, I ran across the box, got it out, and started making flowers. She had cut 12 hexi so I think she was going to do a 2 row flower, But I chose to do 6 hexi flowers with a solid middle. I have so enjoyed the handwork, both of covering the hexi and sewing them together. My goal to to do a wall hanging with a picture of My grandma in her "garden". Grandma’s yard had little grass as it was almost all flowers! I also enjoyed making a hexs that now I am making one with every piece of fabric I can get my hands on to do a charm quilt. So far I have around 200 hex’s! Thank you for the chance to win the beautiful fabric and book, with all her great projects!
—Marsha on September 13, 2012I have tried English paper piecing and have made several small bits with sample kits, but have not actually made them into anything yet. It really is fun. I should start again.
—Jill Hicks on September 13, 2012I love to do redwork embroidery & sew bindings on quilts, so I think I would really like EPP. I did see the display in Paducah, but didn’t but the paper. I think I should have tried it.
—Chris Archer on September 13, 2012My only bout with hand-piecing has been set-in Y seams for the large squares framing the corners of a Blazing Star quilt. At first I dreaded the idea of hand-piecing, but I really enjoyed it! And these squares were decidely not going into the Star’s angles by machine.
Shh, don’t tell anyone, but doing the hand-sewing part of a quilt’s binding is one of my favorite parts of quilt making. Also, I’m currently finishing an ancient UFO, a Hawaiian-quilt (applique, with echo quilting), that I’ve hand-quilted.
So, given that I seem to love hand-sewing, I sure hope I win this beautiful book and the very cool fat-quarter pack!
By the way, I’m a writer and edited magazines for years as my main career. What does it take to be one of your "remote" editors?
Thanks, and cheers,
from Tina in San Diego
_____
Hi Tina–we’ve emailed you privately about the information you requested.
Jenny, content editor
—Tina Rathbone on September 13, 2012OOPS!! Typo….I didn’t buy the paper but should have!!!
—Chris Archer on September 13, 2012I love EPP – I have made thousands of the small Dresden Plate pieces from the 30’s reproduction fabrics.I had my granddaughters form ‘flowers’ out of the pieces. I am piecing the ‘flowers’ together to applique onto background squares with all the ‘flowers’ having the same yellow center. My oldest granddaughter made her first flowers when she was 3-4 years old and I loved her color sense. (She has since made her own quilt size bed quilt. All the girls will get quilts made with their flowers. I have 4 granddaughters so it will take a while, but I enjoy working on them. I know the girls will love the quilts because they helped with the design and it’s something Grandma made for them with lots of love!
—Pat Marquardt on September 13, 2012My sister, her daughter (my niece) and I belong to a monthy "Quilt Club" each month we would have a new type of sewing to work on. The 3 of us would work together each month to take our blocks back to the Quilt Club for a drawing. Well the month we had the hexagons to work on all 3 of us really enjoyed doing them. Guess what when we turned ours in that month at the Quilt Club my niece won all of them. That was sew much fun. Thanks for the tutorial and for the chance to win the fabric.
—Jenelle Boxberger on September 13, 2012My first project with EPP was a traditional floral Grandmothers Flower Garden. Since then I have done a table runner using fussy cut prints and I am currently making large alphabet letters. I find EPP very relaxing and love the myriad projects people are doing! So inspiring!
—Corky on September 13, 2012I’ve tried standard hand piecing but not English paper piecing. It is on my very long list of furture projects. I enjoy handwork and English paper piecing looks easier than what I’ve done before. I like that it is so portable because I travel a lot.
—Theresa Nicholas on September 13, 2012I found a hexagon flower kit recently in my stash and gave it a try. It was a lot of fun and I’d like to do more. One was not enough. It would be fun to try some fabrics not from my stash. Thanks for sharing.
—Susan on September 13, 2012I have wanted to start an English Paper Piecing project but just haven’t gotten around to it….I even have papers….somewhere. The book has beautiful projects. It is on my list of "must haves".
—Pat Limburg on September 13, 2012I started a Grandmother’s Flower Garden Quilt about twenty years ago, got about a dozen flowers done, put them in a shoebox in my sewing room and forgot about them! A year ago I discovered them, so I took them to our boat for the summer and managed to complete enough additional flowers that I am now ready to sew them all together… yippee!
—Alice Johnson on September 13, 2012When I first learned to quilt (30 years ago), our teacher taught us EPP. We cut our papers from old magazines! After making a couple of table mats I didn’t do EPP again until a month ago. I’ve made a couple of luncheon mats and a small wall hanging using hexagons as flowers in a vase. Such a relaxing and portable project. Love the designs in this book.
—Diana DeWitt on September 13, 2012I learned to EPP a couple years ago at a quilt camp. It is fun and very easy to do – great project to take in the car (if you’re not the driver of course!), to kids sporting events etc. It would be wonderful to win these fabrics and a cool book.
—Pat T. on September 13, 2012I was just picked for jury duty earlier this week. I "knew" I would be picked so I prepared by pre-cutting my hexagons and brought them along to baste. There is a lot of sitting time so I have actually gotten many hexagons basted. I am on a jury along side of 7 men. Amazing how these men were interested in what I was doing. This project of mine is very portable, I can’t believe I started it before I realized there is now a new interest in a very old quilting technique. Great portable technique for ‘Moms-on-the-go’ while waiting for practices, car-pools, etc….
—Connie on September 13, 2012i tried EPP at a retreat and made a flower….then i needed something to take with me and started a table runner. my husband just shakes his head and sighs at the fact that i now can take my quilting with me wherever i go, all those hexagons so little time 🙂
—Marybeth P on September 13, 2012I tried EEP once before and it didn’t do anything for me. Recently, I tried again and it "clicked". Now it has become one of my obsessions. I love it.
—Gloria Sanders on September 13, 2012I have been piecing by hand forever and EPP for about a year – LOVE IT!!! Anything done quietly contemplating and portable is for me – don’t want to be trapped in my sewing room though I love it in there!
—Andrea T. on September 13, 2012Really appreciatethe chance to win more fabric! Thank you much!
I have tried English paper piecing at a "quilt college" I attended quite a few years ago. I was so new to quilting that I didn’t stay with paper piecing but I think I will take it up again. A great take along when I go to my daughter’s home in Washington.
—Mary Ann on September 13, 2012My method is slightly different – my friend die-cut a bunch of hexagons for me out of manila file folders. Instead of basting the fabric to the hexagon, I use masking tape. I’ve been working on a quilt for over 10 years – from American Patchwork and Quilting, October 1995 issue – Garden Mosaic. I was going to make just a lap-size version of it, but my daughter said I should make it large enough to go on a bed – so I’m making the entire quilt. I like this for travelling – I fill my car’s dashboard up with pieces of masking tape, and wrap the hexies as we travel. I have finally finished all of the main blocks, and am now working on the border blocks and sashing – then I’ll be ready to assemble (in another year or two!) I love the precision of the piecing.
—Nancy G on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried it yet, it’s on my list of things to try along with tatting and weaving
—Rachelle on September 13, 2012I started an EPP project after a friend gave me a quick "tutorial" – I was really interested but became discouraged because as I was piecing them together I could see my stitches on the front 🙁 I told another friend who suggested I try silk thread but I haven’t done that yet. I’d love to win the book for more instruction/tips and the fabric would also be an incentive. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
—Kelli H. on September 13, 2012The Red/Black/Gold quilt is amazing. I have just started making a small Hexagon pieced quilt from the Civil War Sewing Circle Book, using Marcus fabrics…my absolute favorites. Would love to win!
—Joyce on September 13, 2012I actually have not tried EPP yet. I love foundation piecing, and now that I see the work on your site, I am definitely going to try it! The book and some fabric would help (hint, hint).
—Michele on September 13, 2012I have hand-pieced what seems like all my life. My granny had me making 9 patches when I was 5 yrs. old. (I know, sounds like an exaggeration, but it is the truth – I have the quilt to prove it!) I’ve never tried paper piecing, but would love to try. I love hand piecing and quilting because it is so relaxing. Thanks for the chance to win!
—Brenda Sanders on September 13, 2012I have had so much failure at paper piecing that I just stopped trying to do it. I am left handed and am dislexic so I have tons of trouble with the flip and sew stuff. I completely understand the concept but when my hands and eyes get involved I get lost and give up and waste alot of expensive material. sigh….
—diane on September 13, 2012I first tried paper piecing while working on a block-of-the-month project with my granddaughters. Now I am totally hooked with the portability & fast results of EPP. I recently brought a handful of papers & fabric scraps to keep busy during long hours spent waiting after a car accident hospitalized a family member. Now that he is home again, my father-in-law is making a very detailed victorian dollhouse & my current project is for a mini-hex quilt to put on the antique doll bed. I’m sure EPP will remain a favorite method of quilting while traveling as well as at home.
—Sandy B on September 13, 2012This looks so easy. I am going to have to try. I tried to do hexagons once before with a different technique and it didn’t turn out well.
—Jennet on September 13, 2012I work for an airline as a flight attendant and have quilted for years. I just found English paper piecing in the last year and I have been caring around a project in my flight bag working on a king size quilt. I know it may take awhile, but it will definitely be worth the final results.The pattern is a reproduction of a civil war medallion quilt.(from Fons and Porter) It has hexagons, I have altered it to include 4 patch and 9 patch as well and mariners compasses. I would love to win just as I am sure everyone would! Happy Piecing!!!
—Sandy on September 13, 2012The first time I paper pieced I made a jacket out of a sweatshirt and made all kinds of sewing notions out of fabric and paper piecing. People knew exactly what my passion was when I wore my jacket. Thank you for the giveaway and I hope I win
—kelly on September 13, 2012Kelly
I can’t say that I love EPP however, I do have a project going that I carry around with me to the doctor, appointments, etc so that my hands are never idle. Not sure if it will ever be done but it is definitely a work in progress. Maybe some day I’ll have a small lap quilt if I’m lucky!! I would love to win some free fabric, it’s beautiful!
—Lynn on September 13, 2012I love EPP. Whenever I have left over fabric , I cut it into hexagons and add it to my charm hexagon quilt. One day it will be king size but now it is more like a baby blanket. Thanks so much for the chance to win both the book and fabric.
—Four dogs and one quilter on September 13, 2012I did an English paper piece challenge block in my quilt group and I really like it. Needless to say, I didn’t wind the blocks.
—Leann Williams on September 13, 2012This is a really timely email for me. Yesterday, I took a class in English Paper Piecing from Vicky at the Stitchin Post in Sisters Oregon. The room was filled with quilters who were each as amazed as I was how easy this truly is. We realized at once that this would be an easy ‘airplane’ project as it is truly portable and small. (It only grows bigger when you sew all the pieces together.) Anyway, I’m now a huge fan!
—Connie Marshall on September 13, 2012I made my first Grandmother’s Flower Garden 15 years ago for my daughter. My next one was started when she was in the hospital to have her first child, I brought papers fabric needles and thread to help her while we waited for Addy to be born. It was finished a couple of years ago. I now have 2 in the works one if for Christmas and the other is to use up scraps. I love having stuff ready to grab and go. It is very portable and easy to do. Thanks for the contest.
—LeAnn on September 13, 2012THIS DIE-HARD MACHINE STITCHER GOT HOOKED ON EPP! I swore that I would NEVER use a needle and thread when a sewing machine could do it better and faster. BUT, I tried a free mini kit from a show, and it was SO EASY – AND REALLY QUICK! – AND RELAXING – AND FUN! The fact that I could take my project anywhere sealed the deal. I got "English Paper Piecing" a year or so ago – and LOVE the combination of geometrical and applique designs. BTW – EPP makes ABSOLUTE matching of fabrics a cinch! and my new EPP pillow in a 5-point star, made from a LARGE print, has seams that matched beautifully!
—Linda G. on September 13, 2012I love paper piecing. I have done one top. I have this book and have been making the hexagons for one of the quilt patterns. I love the portableness of the hexagons.
—Mary Russell on September 13, 2012I have never tried EPP but have always wanted to. I love to take projects everywhere I go. I HAVE to keep my hands busy so this would be a wonderful process to learn. I have been very crafty for most of my life and love to learn new things. I have 13 grandchildren that I am starting to make wedding quilts for and I think some of the quilts in the book would be wonderful projects for some of them.
—Sherie Christiansen on September 13, 2012The hardest part of EPP is prethinking. Once I sit down and start it goes fast and easy. My mom taught me to EPP over 50 years ago and we are still doing it.
—Claudia on September 13, 2012I just love paper piecing of this kind! I just completed a king size quilt which I called ‘Canadian Birds" into the EZ Dresden Challenge with Salt Lake City Modern Quilt Guild.
—Carli Heinrichs on September 13, 2012I did alternate blocks in Grandmother’s Garden to the Dresden Plate blocks done using the very popular and handy to make Stack and Whack methods. I’d love to have an e-book and the fat quarters too! Thanks for the chance!
I just this summer tried EPP. I misunderstood the basting directions my first time out. I was trying to baste each side to itself without piercing the paper. I was very fustrated. At my favorite quilt shop i was lamenting my displeasure with this method, and how difficult it was. I was lucky because one of the girls is an avid EPP. She set me straight and now i am on my way to making my first project with this method. Thank you for the chance to win. May you have a wonderfully quilty day.
—Sharon Meyer on September 13, 2012Paper pieces came to our guild meeting – and I was hooked! I really love working with the hexagons. I have made a lap quilt with the 1/2″ ones using up fabric pieces. I also made a king size quilt with the 1″ ones. I am now working on two projects – one with 1/4″ hexagons using up 1″ fabric strips left over from a log cabin project, my other project is using 6 point diamonds working them into a hexagon shape of course! The projects are so portable!
—Deb on September 13, 2012I just tried paper piecing with Craftsy’s BOM. I did the project then I made a tabletop mini quilt for a friend that required me to fussy cut the fabric. I was pleased the way it turned out and she was really surprised. I want to do more, but I’ve got other projects lined up to complete first. "So many projects, so little time!" Thanks for the opportunity for the giveaway.
—Rosemary on September 13, 2012I Love EPP! I have started a grandmother’s Flower Garden project, using very specific floral fabrics. I’m picky about what I include, which means it’s taking a long time to gather the fabric, but that’s okay. I do a few at a time, often when I’m riding in the car, and I love the idea that this is a quilt I’ll work on for years, always making progress.
I think the samples from the book you shared with us are great. I may make up a small block and frame it, just to have a bit of EPP goodness in our house.
—Beth T. on September 13, 2012Have not gotten around to learning English Paper Piecing but have wanted to learn. If I win, this would be great , a book and Marcus fabric .(a brand that I always look for when starting a new project) What could be better. No more reasons to put it off. LOL Thank you for the chance to win.
—Sharon H of Tenn on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried EPP yet but I like the idea of having a "take-along" project. You all look like you had a good time, now I’m going to have to try it!
—Terri E on September 13, 2012I just tried EPP a two months ago and I am completely obsessed! I am 70% finished with a queen-sized hexagon flower quilt. I am also collecting a 3/4-inch hexagon of every fabric I use. It will be a very long-term project, but I want that to be at least a lap-sized quilt. Thanks for the chance to win!
—Becky Greene on September 13, 2012I’ve tried to EPP but don’t feel I’m doing it right and would love to learn the right way to do it and I’m sure the book would be of great help
—Gramma on September 13, 2012I love EPP! I have a pattern for a very fun Fall table topper that is a mix of Hexys with embrodered pumpkins and leaves on it- I am very addicted! I love the Black and Red and Gold all over- what a striking combination. I have 26 flowers pieced and waiting to grow up into a quilt. I think I need to get Vicki’s Book if I don’t win it so I can expand my project scope! I am inspired to try her Starflowers, I have to have a framed concoction for my Guild winter project to come up with and I think it would be perfect!
—Jaisha on September 13, 2012I love English paper piecing. I am working on two paper piecing projects right now. One is a miniature Christmas Tree using 3/8 hexagons, and the other one is 1″ hexagons with assorted solid black fabrics with a few white hexagons. I was in the ladies restroom at a restaurant, and I took a picture of the tile they had on the wall. It is all black hexagons with a few white hexagons. I have no idea how big this will be. It will depend on when I am tired of black and white hexagons. I love the idea of having something else besides embroidery to do while I am on a trip. It is very portable.
—Sherry Starr on September 13, 2012I haven’t done any EPP as yet, but would like to try it. When I first was taught to quilt by an elderly lady that just wanted to pass on a dieing art at that time, about 32 years ago, I learned to piece by hand. I made lots of 6 pointed stars and carried a small box with all my star pieces, thread and scissors so I would grab and go to the doctors office with my kids or any where that I had to sit and wait. It would be nice to have a hand project to do while I am watching TV or on the go.
—Sharon L. on September 13, 2012I learned how to quilt, 28 yrs ago, from a "purist"! She taught us how to do everything by hand….cut templates, cut, piece and, of course, quilt! I loved the process but realized that, at that pace, I’d get maybe 1 quilt done every few years!! I was hooked with machine bc I could make so many more quilts and now I even send my quilts out to get quilted so I can enjoy the piecing process more. A friend is hooked on EPP….even bought me a cute "starter" hexagon set. I am now inspired to try it……your pictures and products look amazing and I love the idea of not always needing to find time to sit at my machine–always a challenge! Thanks for the encouragement and the give-away!
—Linda verburg on September 13, 2012I received a small EPP kit for a pincushion during a shophop. I was doubtful that I could be successful hand piecing the hexagons. When I finished my first hexagon, I was so surprised at how nice and exact it looked. I was sold on this technique! It is so easy and portable.
—mandy laseter on September 13, 2012My only experience with EPP is a grandmother’s flower garden pattern I did. When I had it all together I added an origami flower to the centers and then added antique jet buttons to the center of them. It is one of the few quilts that I also hand quilted.
—arlene ritz on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried EPP as yet but I do enjoy hand sewing especially when watching tv. I don’t feel that I’m wasting time if my hands are busy. Handling beautiful fabric is a bonus.
—Darlene on September 13, 2012Our guild just bought this book for our library.
—Carrie P. on September 13, 2012I am working on a grandmothers flower garden quilt which is also a charm quilt. thanks for the giveaway.
Oh, I’ve been obsessed with EPP for years!! It’s so nice to know that there are others out there – most of my friends think I’m a lunatic, Lol!
It started with a quilt of diamonds (making up stars) and hexagons (that went in between and around). All my friends watched me source fabric, a different one for each star but the same one for the hexagons so the stars would ‘float’. They watched me obsess over one particular fabric, which had been discontinued but that I had to have for the hexagons and borders – made more difficult beccause I’d enlarged the pattern from a double to a king size!
—Kayt on September 13, 2012I emailed just about every shop on the internet, USA, Canada, England, and finally found just the right amount at a shop in Australia’s capital city, Canberra.
I remember the lady telling me she had almost cut 1/2 a metre of it for herself that morning!!! Yikes! "Please don’t," I begged, "I need every bit of it!!" She knew a fellow quilter in desperation when she heard one 😀
My friends all said I must be mad, so I named that quilt, "Proof of Insanity" and it’s on my bed right now. Quilted by hand, with a 2″ circle within a 4″ circle, within a 6″ circle, within an 8″ circle – like rain drops on a pond reflecting the stars at night.
I’m currently working on another ‘Hexie’ quilt, but this time the paper peices are 1/2″ hexagons. I think I’ll name this one, "Throw away the key."
I have a friend who attends college and teaches at the university in Grand Forks,ND. She asked me to help with her MDF (think that’s right)project. She sent me the precut hexagons and fabric and I made a gazillion hex flowers. It was fun! Carol
—Carol Deiber on September 13, 2012I’m currently working on a small EPP project from another author but have already bought Vicki’s book. I’m planning to make Starflower my next project. I love the fabrics and could certainly plan something wonderful with them!
—Robin on September 13, 2012NEVER EVER tried it, I’m a little affraid to try, maybe with a step by step book to hold my hand thur it…. and the really pretty fabric I’d get there!
—Shelley on September 13, 2012I’ve never tried English paper piecing. One one attempt at hand piecing ended up in a beautiful block that I made into a pillow and sold at a yard sale for a few dollars. What was I thinking? Save me from myself.
—Patricia Hersl on September 13, 2012I love english paper piecing! I’ve been working on a small lap quilt for a few years, I like to sit in front of the TV when my hubby has control of the remote and work on it. I have found a new way to finish it with Inklingo, you print the hexagons on the wrong side of the fabric and you don’t have to worry about all the whip stitching because there are no paper templates. EPP is one of the most relaxing take-along projects you will ever have!
—Wendy Hausauer on September 13, 2012I LOVE it! I keep my most portable EPPProject close at hand in case I anticipate long waits at the doctor’s or whatever. I am making a 3/4 inch hexi and I have no idea how big it will end up being! I am using s reproductions and the Grandmother’s Flower Garden pattern as inspiration.
—Michelle Harrison on September 13, 2012I have bought everything to start my English paper piecing project…whatever that may be! LOL
—Karen G on September 13, 2012I have done just a little bit of paper piecing and would enjoy working with these fabrics to expand my experience.
—Fammie Peter on September 13, 2012I tried paper piecing while participating in Craftsy’s Block of the Month and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.
—Rita Jackson on September 13, 2012My Mother started a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt using feed sack scraps from dresses she made for me. She dated each center with the year she made the outfit – the earliest is 1937 – 1945! However, she never finished it. When she died I found it and wanted to do something with it. So I used it as the top of a tree – added a trunk and sewed it onto a blue background. It makes a lovely wall hanging in my sewing room – a tribute to my Mother’s handiwork and an inspiration to try English Paper Piecing myself.
—Ruth Hall on September 13, 2012I’ve been EPP since the last century – 1998 to be exact! It took me 8 years to finish my first Grandmother’s Flower Garden. I love that quilt!!
We lived in Iowa, and I picked up more EPP, this time for a tumbling block quilt…over Christmas, 2008, I bought fabric for the quilt while we were visiting my parents in New Hampshire. By the time we started home after the first of the year, I had the pieces cut out and basted…
The trip home was shorter than we thought – there was a blizzard headed for Iowa, due to hit about 8 hours before we planned to get there. So, we drove straight through and got home about 2 hours before the blizzard hit.
Unfortunately, our weather didn’t improve, and we ended up with the blizzard, and the an ice storm. We lost power at our house for five days. We had the power back for 2 days, and then had another blizzard that closed the roads. Our town was on a generator, and it ran out of diesel. Another day without power.
I finished that tumbling blocks quilt, and another star quilt (which I call Ice Storm Stars) during that week!! I was never so glad to have something to keep my hands busy!!!
Since then, I’ve made another Grandmother’s Flower Garden (queen/king) and am working on a Chrismtas Dresden Plate quilt… Yes, I’m addicted to EPP!!!
—CindyB on September 13, 2012I have some paper pieces and a pattern that I got as part of a quilt shop hop, but have not attempted a project yet. I just have so many projects I would like to do and this will be one of those. I have some great scraps that my sister and niece have sent me for just this kind quilt.
—Julie on September 13, 2012Thanks for the chance to win.
Wow! What beautiful patterns and would I ever like to make them all and you make it look so easy with EPP. Please pick my name from the pot.
—Ginny Hill on September 13, 2012I’ve never done any English paper piecing. However, this looks like a great project to take along on the next trip we are going to take. 20+ hours of driving time gets long unless you have something to occupy your hands. Great give away. Thanks for being so good to us.
—Di on September 13, 2012I have never tried EPP but after watching the tutorial I can hardly wait to give it a go! Thank you for the chance to win 😀
—candace on September 13, 2012In 1995, someone gave me a bag of hexagons already basted to cardboard. I dug out my scrap bag and made some more and eventually made a lap quilt for my Mom who was in a wheelchair at the time. I gave it to her on her on her 85th birthday (2001). Mom had a bit of dementia and often didn’t recognize people that she knew. When she opened the package she said "Oh Connie should be here to see this". She used the quilt right up until she passed on a few years later. The quilt was returned to me by my siblings. I now have it hanging in my bedroom. It’s a wonderful reminder of my Mom. I later did an English Paper Pieced sampler quilt for my nephews wedding. It’s a great project to take along just about anywhere.
—Connie B on September 13, 2012I have been doing English paper piecing since Vicki organized an exchange at Connecting Threads. I love her newest book so much that I have 2 of them. One is going to a special friend that I am teaching EPP to.The precut papers make it so much easier.I am making a queen size quilt now and am using soft reds and creams fabric. It will take a lot of EPP to finish but it is the journey.[right!]
Diane, I’m still working on the EPP stars from our 30s exchange with Vicki – that was so much fun!
—Diane Gunter on September 13, 2012Karen
As for my handpiecing, I have yet to complete a piece but it does not look like what you ladies are doing. LOL I have tried paper piecing and didn’t have any luck so maybe with this FQ bundle and a bit of Vicki’s help, I might be able to do a few of these things. That is a beautiful Log Cabin quilt.
—Lynda Lott on September 13, 2012Thanks
I got involved in a hexagon swap. I have made hundreds of hexagons but haven’t used them yet. I want to do a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt.
—Deb H. on September 13, 2012I LOVE this book, purchased it at beginning of the year. I have been EPP now for 4 years, made 2 large hexy quilts and now doing a miniature and Lucy Boston. I show all my students how to do EPP and get as many making them as possible. I have put hexies on some of my designs and future projects will have more. I love hexagons for the reason they are portable easy and pretty and I LOVE to fussy cut. It is the most addictive thing i know. Have fun too, Janelle.
—Janelle Noack on September 13, 2012I am soooo hooked on english paper piecing. At our quilt show, one of the vendors was giving away sample kits of english paper piecing and was so nice to give me personalized instructions right at the show. I went home that night and did the sample she gave me. I made paper templates on my computer the next night and have cut out at least 2000 squares of asian fabric to make a quilt. I take it with me everywhere as it is a great project to do "on the go". I find I really enjoy doing hand work as my previous experience has always been on the sewing machine. I even made sample kits for my quilt group so they can get hooked as well. It may take me years to get enough pieces done for a quilt but I am hoping to eventually have two quilts done for my daughter-in-laws. It was fun to read your article and see other things which can be done with english paper piecing. Thank you so much.
—Georgia Williams on September 13, 2012I have done very ;ittle english paper piecing. In fact until i looked at teh video, i never realized i had done paper piecing. I did a block for the Crafsy Block of the month and thoroughly enjoyed the process and the portablity of the project. I would love to do more. Having the piecing already cut is a real blessing.
—Sue Bialorucki on September 13, 2012I only started sewing 1.5 years. This past year doing a BOM there was EPP. Boy did I whine! I don’t care to hand see and since being a novice- I rot lol! Well I plunged right in and did the block! And the rest is history :). Any scaps a hexi is made. I find it relaxing as machine sewing and news flash I’m getting better! I’ve signed up at my local shop for hand quilting lesson ;). Can’t wait. Ok I’ll cross my fingers to win but fear I’ll be purchasing this book! Thanks to you and Marcus fabric on a fabulous giveaway!
—Nancy W on September 13, 2012Hi. All of the projects are so pretty -esp the table runner. I have done hand appliqué and cross stitch but have never tried to EPP. I have contemplated it but never got to it. After seeing how doable it looks I think it would be a great thing to learn and be able to take to appointments or wherever you may have to wait.
—Anne Mcclenaghan on September 13, 2012Plus it’s really lovely. Thank you for showing us what were missing and the chance to win fabric.
Anne
kittymom7@aol.com
I love EPP. I started out years ago with "Quilt Paties" and made a hexagon quilt. Now I use the papers. Hand work is so relaxing and it keeps your hands busy and not eating!
—Bonnie L on September 13, 2012Everybody’s projects look great! I love all the projects shown from the book and I’ve got it on my "must have" list. I’ve done a little EPP, but not a big project yet. I like how the projects incorporate machine piecing and embellishments with the paper piecing.
—Karen in Breezy Point on September 13, 2012I have only tried a few hexagons and enjoyed having handwork since I machine quilt otherwise. This would be perfect for traveling or during meetings or trainings for work. I would love to learn more about it.
—Gina on September 13, 2012I first tried EPP years ago on a tumbling blocks pillow and I didn’t realize that’s what it was called until I read this article and saw the video. The pillow lasted for years and it was one of my first quilts. Thanks for bringing back memories of my first quilting experience!
—David Walrath on September 13, 2012I love paper piecing; it is one of the most relaxing types of quilting.
—Paddy Eastman on September 13, 2012I have made several projects and they all turned out quite good.
Really love the pictures of all the projects in the book. Am ready to
start a new project now.
I’ve been doing some recently as part of the Craftsy free Block-a-month Quilt class. Very addicting. I’m already planning more projects with hexies–including some Christmas ornaments.
—E. Engman on September 13, 2012Love doing EPP, so easy and portable. I can get a few done while waiting in the doctor’s office, waiting for grandkids, and traveling in the car.
—Marilyn on September 13, 2012English paper piecing is just great to take along while waiting at doctor’s office when I take my mother to her many appointments…it amazing how much you can get done and at the end of the day have your waiting produce something
—connie kapralos on September 13, 2012I learned EPP last summer through a guild class and LOVE it! I made a needle case and a key ring but had to put it away to work on something else. I will pull it out again this winter when it is too cold to work in my sewing room.
Thanks for the great give away!
—Sandy A in St. Louis on September 13, 2012I’ve got half of the the "Suitable for Framing" done!
—Alicia Key on September 13, 2012Love EPP – I have just completed a GFG quilt which I have been working on for 12 years. Loved the video you posted.
—Joy V on September 13, 2012I have not tried English paper piecing. Grandmother’s Flower Garden is my ultimate favorite quilt! I would love to make one and I’m hoping I win the fabric and book so I can get started.
—Ann on September 13, 2012I got hooked on EPP 5 years ago and started a grandmother’s flower garden! Of course it will be finished when I have to put blue rinse in my hair… but it will be gorgeous. Of course if I had vicki’s ideas sooner I might have had a quilt by now! I would love to win a fabric bundle or a copy of her book! have an awesome day!
—doreen gabriellini on September 13, 2012I love EPP…have several hexi projects "in the works". Thanks for a chance to win – laurie
—Laurie on September 13, 2012I love EEP! It is so easy and fun, but I did get bogged down in the "big quilt syndrome"! I think I may have to re-purpose what I have done so far into a smaller project…I would love to win the book for ideas, but would take fabric also!
Thanks for the review!
—Bari on September 13, 2012Hmmm, we may need a ‘comments’ thread on this website 🙂 Diane wrote that she’s left handed and dyslexic and can’t get the hang of paper piecing, but I think she’s referring to Foundation piecing.
Diane – you would LOVE the English Paper Piecing technique. It’s a paper shape with a slightly larger piece of fabric wrapped over and tacked down, then the pieces are whip stitched together. Practically no instructions to follow and it doesn’t matter if you’re left handed!
Wish I could invite you over for coffee and show you!! But I’m in Australia so it might be a bit of a trek for you 😀
—Kayt on September 13, 2012I never have tryed paper piecing it looks like something I could take to the hospital while my husband is there. Always trying to find something to do with my hand to keep busy.
—Brenda on September 13, 2012I have not done paper piecing but am anxious to learn.
—Colette Wilson on September 13, 2012I have not tried EPP yet, but did buy some hexagon cutouts last month to give it a try. Would love to have the book to show me how to actually use those cutouts! The fabric is gorgeous too. Thanks for the chance to win such a lovely prize!
—Janine on September 13, 2012I have been working on some hexagons since last spring and enjoy having a portable project to carry around. I think we’re blessed to have precut papers available to us; I’ve seen some older quilts with the hexagons cut from newspaper! I love the idea of appliqueing "flower" hexies onto quilts. This book is very timely.
—Fran on September 13, 2012I would love to learn paper piecing if it’s as easy as they are making it sound. I have to admit the patterns are just beautiful, and the quilts /table runner, or what ever you’ve chosen to make.. will add a lot to your home.
—ester nelson on September 13, 2012I have not tried EPP, but it is on my list of will give it a try one of these days. I love the looks of many of the projects in the book. The fabric is really pretty.
—Micki on September 13, 2012Hi,
—Monica Appelkvist on September 13, 2012I got bitten by the EPP-bugg this summer. I was on vacation and visited a quiltshop, I bought some tiny paper hexagon paper pieces and a wonderful thread, bottom line by superior threads. Then i found some tutorials and started
Here is a picture of my progress. (the blogg is in swedish)
http://minsyblogg.blogspot.no/2012/08/vad-heter-den-har-muminfiguren.html
I am not sure what it will be but I hope to stop when I have finished next round.
kind regards Monica (in Sweden)
I tried to make one of these hexagon type quilts back in the 70’s, no directions, no pre printed paper pieces, it was a disaster even though I enjoyed doing, naturally I gave up and never finished it! Would love to really learn how to do it properly and with this book and fabrics how could I go wrong?
—Sonja Barrie on September 13, 2012I have tried regular paper piecing, but not english. It sounds fun!
—Carol Born on September 13, 2012I have Hexagons that are being paper pieced and this is such a great portable project. They have traveled to two different provinces this summer.
—Kathy MacKie on September 13, 2012I started a basket when I was on shop hop bus trip but have not finished it yet. Any hints are appreciated.
—diane i on September 13, 2012So awesome! I’ve tried once and plan on doing more when I retire! Beautiful quilt at the beginning! Love the colors and the pattern!
—Danette R on September 13, 2012One of my first quilts was a tumbling block pattern. I cut my own paper pieces and enjoyed every moment of the process. Even though this quilt is always in the family room if it isn’t on a car trip with us, in the backyard or on the floor for an infant, covering a sleeping grandchild, or in the laundry, it is still all in one piece.
—Judy P on September 13, 2012Oh, I must win these and I have such a good reason. I am having hand reconstructive surgery on Sept 28th. They are putting in a new tendon, replacing a joint in the middle finger and removing a bone that is rubbing bone on bone at my wrist. I have been told by the Dr. 3 1/2 to 4 months recovery time. I could read and read and read and dream at night about it and be fully educated (maybe) by the end of recovery. This is really very true! I am really worried about my sanity during the sewing withdrawal period. Thank you for the chance~~~
—Peg Gilham on September 13, 2012I would love to try this paper piecing method. I have been afraid to try before now. This method seems do-able. 🙂
—Jeannie Murphy on September 13, 2012This is the perfect travel project. I usually have something on the go. Especially when my children were younger and we were doing the lesson thing. Thanks for the memories
—Jayne on September 13, 2012I’ve not yet done any paper peicing but am very interested in learning. Winning this just might be the "jump start" I need. Pick me! Pick me!
—jane denny on September 13, 2012I have not done EPP yet. I am currently starting the Aunt Millie’s Garden quilt and am nervous and excited about learning something new.
—Wanda Heath on September 13, 2012Sounds like the perfect project for "watching" football with my husband.
—Karen on September 13, 2012I love english piecing even though I did not know what I was doing was English piecing until I saw your video
I make a hexagon for my oldest grandaughter and now I have started a triangle one for the second, three more quilts hopefully with different pattern but still english piecing, one for a boy !!1 Beautiful fabric would love to use this fabric for one of the quilts
Thank you
—Mrs Nancy Bonnette on September 13, 2012I just bought Vicki’s English Paper Piecing book and the papers. I was SOOOOOO excited to get a lesson from this blog. Thank you so much and as soon as I submit my comment I will be learing from the best.
—Loretta Swan on September 13, 2012I have been doing EPP for several years. I piece when we travel and it is always my "go to project" to take along on road trips. Someday I do hope to finish a quilt. It is such a charming and precise method of piecing.
—Carol W. in Minnesota on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried EPP yet. I have gone so far as buying some pre-cut
hexies at Paducah last April. This book would be a great help.
Thanks for the chance to win!!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
—Rhonda Desgranges on September 13, 2012Love EEPs, they are my new go-to when I only have 5 minutes, I can still make some progress.
—Carol De Jong on September 13, 2012Learned from a friend and got hooked. I stopped, but then I got rejuvinated with Sue Daley. So coo and great to do.
—Liz Isam on September 13, 2012Love the colors in the sample projects.
—Linda on September 13, 2012I’m working on an English paper pieced project. my plan is to do a wall hanging with granmother flower garden type block, plus applique in the borders. I’m enjoying it, though it is slow go for me.
enjoyed your article.
I had a bunch of very small scraps that were just the right size for 1″ hexies so I made a few…….and a few more……then I discovered that jelly roll strips were just right so I made a few more…..I don’t have a specific project yet in mind , but I do know that I will need to make just a "few more" for whatever it will be! LOL
—lorna holley on September 13, 2012I haven’t done EPP, eventually I hope to try. I love that denim jacket!!!
—Jennie P. on September 13, 2012I belong to a local quilt guild and last month we had a demonstration of EPP. I was immediately hooked!! I was able to purchase hexagon paper pieces at the meeting and began piecing the next day. So far I have over 300 hexagons and still piecing. I’m not quite sure what I am going to make, but am leaning toward a Grandmother’s Garden quilt. I have choosen different shades of purple, green and yellow in different patterns and floral designs. I especially like pansies!! This is such a wonderful way to quilt since I can carry everything in a small tote. So far I have done these at the eye doctors’, regular family physician office and in the car with others driving, of course!! Love it!!!!!!!!!!
—Ellen Nickle on September 13, 2012I learned EPP with the Craftsy BOM class. I made flowers, and a sun, and had so much fun doing it. I think I want to make a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt sometime soon. It’s so easy and relaxing, sewing all those hexagons together.
—Robin Maguire on September 13, 2012I first learned English Paper Piecing from Craftsy’s Block of the Month taught by Amy Gibson. Prior to that, I had no interest whatsoever in EPP. I had no intention of hand-piecing anything – ever, even though I have hand-quilted several quilts. Once I tried it, though, I was completely hooked. I’ve made hexies of all sizes and I am currently working on a bed-size mosaic hexagon quilt. My sister has asked me to repair my grandmother’s antique Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt. I work on my hexies anywhere and everywhere – in the car, in bed, at the doctor’s office, even in class (I’m a college student)! I can’t wait to finish this project, so I can start an EPP project using a different shape – I’m thinking diamonds!
—Nicole St. John on September 13, 2012I had never tried EPP until this year when a "retiring" quilter offered me some precut hexagons, some of which were basted onto the paper hexes. I said I would be happy to finish the quilt. Well after a few weeks (I think I became obsessed with the procedure) I had a completed GFG and I love it. Then I did an I Spy with over 600 different hexagons for a future niece or nephew. Such a cool technique. I love the fact that it is so portable and can go anywhere. Some crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Mary II last fall.
—gloria courtney on September 13, 2012I tried English paper-piecing once, at a "Christmas in July" quilt guild meeting. The UFO is somewhere in my sewing room! After viewing the attached video, and using the book and fabrics, I may actually be inspired to do some ornaments or decorate my jean jacket like the one shown above. It certainly seems easier now that I’ve gotten some ‘close-up’ instruction.
—Barbara H. on September 13, 2012I love the Cabin Flowers quilt. It is too cute. I tried paper piecing at a guild workshop. I made a 7 hexie flower which I framed. I think paper piecing will be my "in front of the tv" activity this winter.
—JanetB on September 13, 2012I just started making hexagons, and I’m obsessed!
—Linda Nelson on September 13, 2012I haven’t tried English paper piecing. I saw it a couple years ago and was interested than. Now I’m seeing more and more projects for EPP and it is something I definitly on my to do list.
—Marilyn R on September 13, 2012I have taken a mini class on hexies and didn’t like sewing through the paper. But I have since found a different way to baste them so am anxious to try again. They look like so much fun.
—Kathy h on September 13, 2012I’m addicted! I started with some simple hexagon flowers that I appliqued to squares and now I am making diamonds with 3/8 inch hexagons which I plan to combine and then frame. EPP is so portable. You can put a baggie in your purse and work on them while you are waiting at the doctor’s office, riding in the car or sitting in front of the tv. A great project for someone who wants to learn to do some hand work!
—Maureen Klebe on September 13, 2012I have started EPP with hexagons, not quite sure what it’s gonna be yet. I just love that it’s so portable. I have fabric and paper pieces with scissors, needle and thread in one of those plastic pencil boxes kids use. I can pop it in my bag and get a few done while waiting or traveling. Love it!!! Great projects from the book, saw a few I might have use my hexagons for!
—Kathy on September 13, 2012I have been tempted many times to start an EPP project – particularly with colours like these rather than the traditional… these fabrics are perfect to make a bed-runner. I am looking for something to take with me on holiday, maybe this is the time to give in to temptation!
—Cathy on September 13, 2012Paper piecing is one of the things on my list to do, I just haven’t got to it yet! I did see in the comments that these can be done with jelly rolls, so I could give that a try from my fabric stash.
—Mary Scarborough on September 13, 2012I have not tried EPP yet, but I did make a hexagon table topper for my mom’s table…it has a round Lazy Susan built into the middle, and she needed something that would fit and not get caught in the wheels of the Lazy Susan. Thank you for the giveaway.
—Marie P on September 13, 2012Both my sister and a cousin have quilts put together by my grandmother, but contributed to by all of us. I remember sitting with Nanny sewing the hexagon flowers and now, 40 odd years later, it’s fun to look at the quilts and remember the source of each hexagon….some were specifically purchased patchwork fabrics but most were remnants from the making of clothes. All of our school summer dress fabrics went in. I’ve done very little EPP since I was a child, other than to teach it to my own daughters, but recent ill health has rekindled my interest in hand sewing and I think it’s time I made a grandmothers garden quilt of my own!
—Emma Richards on September 13, 2012I learned how to EPP and made two blocks so far. I like that you can take it when you go out to the doc’s etc.
—Regina on September 13, 2012Never tried English paper piecing. Have appliqued many quilts. Would love to win the Moda fabric and try English paper piecing………thank you.
—Darlene on September 13, 2012I first was introduced to English paper piecing in a beginning Quilt class in Everett Wa in the early 1980’s We pieced 7 hexegons then appliqued then to a square of fabric for one block in our sampler quilt. I then went on to piece a baby quilt using the spools pattern cut from 3×5 index cards. I loved the technique, hated cutting all the paper templates. Now that issue has been solved with pre cut paper pieces putting the joy back in the process.
—Susan K on September 13, 2012Love EPP. Created a border on a lap quilt. Used hex’s to create Grandma’s Flower Garden and hearts to creat butterflies
—Joanne on September 13, 2012Someone has demonstrated the technique at our guild meeting, but I have never done more than a few for the demo. I have many friends that do this. I must admit I covet ther little containers of EPP handwork they bring with them to any get togethers.
—Julia Stavran on September 13, 2012Sorry…correction it was Marcus fabric….knew started with a "M"…
—Darlene on September 13, 2012.
I would love to try EPP but have never had the time or money. To jump right in. But I do however love to work with my hands. Tatting ( the ole fashion way)with a shuttle. An embroidery, small quilting block for the small quilts for the grandbabies. Maybe some day I will get to try the English Paper Piecing.
—Emma J. McConnell on September 13, 2012I was introduced to EPP at a quilt club meeting and immediately decided on a project I carried with me every where I went. Finished it was a red-white-blue table runner that still receives compliments. My next project was a wall hanging using music-note-themed wall hanging for my oldest son who is an operatic basso profundo. I love EPP!
—Janey Cook on September 13, 2012I started quilting in the early eighties and one of the first projects I did was English Paper Pieced. It was a pillow and I even used some old letters as the paper templates and left them in the pieces. It was great fun.
—Connie Tschillard on September 13, 2012I needed a take-a-long project and started making hexies. I got a bunch made and decided on a pattern for the flowers, so went out and bought a layer cake. It is very addicting and I’ve been online looking at different patterns using hexies, there are so many beautiful creations. I love the book shown above and will look for it in my local quilt shop. Thanks for the article.
—Mona Collins on September 13, 2012I have done EPP and loved it. It was a God send during the three times we had cancer in our family and it really helped keep my sanity during those times at the hospital. Two of my wall hangings are bittersweet memories when my mom was really ill. I made a grandmothers flower garden when my daughter was in the hospital and my flutterbies when my mom was so ill. Love both my wall hangings and the simplicity of my paper piecing that kept me sane in both instances even though my mom passed away. Will continue to do EPP always.
—regina on September 13, 2012I have tried to do English Paper piecing & realised I cut the hexies out too small, therefore I need to win those beautiful fabrics to re-stock the fabric I made the mistakes on. Thank you for showing that EPP can be configured into beautiful quilts.
—Marion Bryant-Parsons on September 13, 2012Marion BP
I have never tried paper piecing, but after watching these excellent videos,I’m not so scared anymore…..maybe I’ll try this! At least it doesn’t worry me as much anymore.
—Judy S on September 13, 2012I am also totally obcessed with EPP. I cannot stop making them….I never like hand piecing but now I love it….I really love it
—Judi Cabanaw on September 13, 2012Paper Pieces is one of my favorite folks. I have been using their precuts for many years. I love to try something from everyone of the differnet shapes they make. The new book seems to have some terrific new twists with those super fabric choices. One of the best things about them is they are such great traveling projects!
—Kathy Gaines on September 13, 2012I am getting ready to try my first EPP project using a pattern from a magazine. I’m excited I don’t usually like hand sewing but this interests me.
—Ginger on September 13, 2012A few years ago my mom gave me some bright calicos from the early 80s that she had cut into pieces to hand stitch tracing with red pen. Well the red pen bled through so I trimmed down the pieces and bought some 1 1/4 inch paper hexagons and started making hexie flowers. My goal is to give my mom the quilt, however many flowers I end up with will determine the size, the fun part is it will be from the fabric she already chose herself, made into something she loves!! I just wonder if she will even recognize it! 🙂 I love the precut paper shapes and I also watched a teaching video, maybe hers, to learn to do it. I love it and how portable it is!! I just bought more hexies at a quilt show in Madison, WI this past weekend!!
—Jacqueline Traun on September 13, 2012I have never tried English Paper Piecing before but would love to try it after seeing the video tutorial. It would be great to have a portable quilting project to work on.
—Dani on September 13, 2012Thank you so much for showing this video again. It shows how to paper piece without frustration. I tried this technique several years ago and gave up. I think my papers were too thin so I ended stitching them in and couldn’t remove some of them. Most of the pieces buckled and wouldn’t lay flat. It was a disappointing process. Now that I’ve seen "how it’s done" I’m ready to give it another try because the results are so beautiful.
—Alice on September 13, 2012I made a mug mat with a single hex flower! I’m working on a hexie pattern from Quiltmania called ‘Flying Bananas’. It seems that EPp is everywhere right now. I’d love to have the book! Or the fabric!
—Jean Blythe on September 13, 2012I have not yet tried EPP, but it looks interesting and easy with the video. I love the interesting, complex-looking designs you can make with this kind of piecing. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book and fabric.
—Kathy on September 13, 2012I have very little experience with hand stitching in quilting. I did enjoy needlepoint in my 20’s.
—Celeste on September 13, 2012In the Prairie Woman quilt club in which I am a member, the project for 6 months was to make a small English paper pieced quilt. I needed 250 hexagons in Civil War fabrics. I wanted the scrappy look so I made no more than 2 out of the same fabric. I enjoyed making the hexagons so much I ended up with enough for another project. We all agreed making the hexagons was addicting.
—Kristie forrey on September 13, 2012I have been English paper piecing together a grandmothers garden. It was actually my first foray into quilting, and I’m not finished yet, but I am loving every step of the way. I just used scraps of what I had, and it will definitely be scrappy, but I love it. Thanks for the giveaway, would love to win it.
—Janet P on September 13, 2012I LOVE EPP! I found I could do more complicated blocks much more accurately than machine piecing. The precut papers are wonderful. That book looks like one I’d love to have– if I don’t win it I need to order it!
—Brenda J on September 13, 2012I love EPP . It is one of my on the go project. I’ve been playing with it for making bags and mug rug. My current project using EPP is a flower garden quilt, this will be my first big project… Thanks for the chance to win!!
—hafza on September 13, 2012I adore EPP! During my highschool years (many many moons ago)~ my mom was the manager of a fabric shop in New Hampshire. One of her customers came in the shop and asked my mom if she knew of anyone that would like to do some piecework at home (this gal was a member of the League of NH Craftsmen) – so @ 15yrs old, I became her ‘apprentice’. One of the very first things she taught me was EPP – we made just simple single flowers and appliqued them to circles of fabric and turned them into potholders. I treasure the memories and was so blessed to have learned so many quilting techniques through this wonderful lady.
—Lynn on September 13, 2012I have tried it many years ago. My sister borrowed my paper pieces and have done nothing since. I guess I could go buy some more if I won. I would like to try again and what a great opportunity.
—Avon Bingham on September 13, 2012The very first quilt I made (a Sampler) was entirely hand pieced – that’s how I learned. One of the blocks was a hex flower using the EPP technique. I haven’t done any since this first quilt and would love to try it again.
—Lynn D in NC on September 13, 2012I’m just getting started w English paper piecing, taking a class in just a couple weeks. Very exciting!
—Cynthia M. on September 13, 2012I saw a quilt made by Lucy Boston called "Patchwork of the Crosses" and that inspirited me to make a quilt using that pattern. Of course it wasn’t a small quilt, but instead fits on a queen size bed. It took me a couple of years to do, but it looks absolutely beautiful. I love doing English Paper Piecing and always have an English Paper Piecing project on the go.
—Ronelle on September 13, 2012I loooove EPP! I made an EPP grandmothers flower garden quilt for my daughter and it turned out gorgeous. (All modesty aside…it is easy to make hexies with EPP.) I would love to make some of the projects in this book. They are stunning!
—Ruth B on September 13, 2012What beautiful quilts and like everyone else the book and packs could be just the thing to kick start me on another project. Many years ago I made a red and white hexagon cushion and its still going strong. I have recently started making quilts and thoroughly enjoying it – not enough time in the day whilst holding down a full-time job.
—Michelle Collings on September 13, 2012I am blown away. I have heard about EPP but never saw a demo before. I am truly hooked. The talent of the quilting I saw in the email is just awesome. thanks for the chance to see something so wonderful
—Ginny D on September 13, 2012I’ve always loved the look of hexagons. I saw a demo and was hooked! I’ve been working on a GFG for a while now, and I love it! 🙂
—Tiffany on September 13, 2012I’ve joined a hexagon block of the week club… Of course I’m hooked. Thanks.
—Betty on September 13, 2012I have hand tremors constantly so EPP isn’t for me as I tend to grip anything I pick up, and have bent the English papers beyond recognition. However as an alternative, I use the Mylar plastic reuseable templates from http://www.brandysquiltpatterns.com. I cut the hexagon shape fabric 1/2 inch larger than my template and starting at one corner, using single width thread, I fold the fabric over the back, miter the corner edge, make a knot, and continue around the hexagon. Once, its finished, it goes into a bag for later creativity. EPP templates can be found at http://www.paperpieces.com. Both of these web sites have free patterns.
During my cancer surgery recovery, then later another 11 days stay at the hospital of complications from the same surgery, I finished a poor man’s quilt, aka Joseph’s Coat, and started another. My doctor informed me, I was a troublemaker and they were sending me home. When asked why, the doctor said I had taught every nurse, on that floor, the concept of how to do EPP.
My husband and I have both made quilts from the Mylar templates and he made a Grandma’s Flower Garden Quilt during his layovers. I’m currently working on a rather large hexagon basket of flowers
.
_Diane on September 13. Mylar templates might help you to do the concept of EPP.
Keep smiling,
—Lynnita Shipman on September 13, 2012I saw some beautiful bags and purses made using the EPP hexagons at a quilt shop and I was so attracted that immediately I bought the precut paper hexagons (about 100). Got home and cut fabric (i used scraps) using the hexagon tamplate that came together with the paper hexagons. Then I basted and stitch the hexagons. Managed to get a bunch of hexagons done but have not gotten around to piecing them together. Vicki’s book is an inspiration for me.
Sandra
—Sandra on September 13, 2012I’m a children’s librarian and I did a "kids come make a quilt with me program" . I had them hand stitch rail fence blocks and/or nine patches by hand. We made 3quilts for a Woman’s Shelter And they got to keep a photo of themselves holding their block and one pointing to their block in the finished quilt. My funny memory is that I cut the blocks to square them and didn’t realize I cut off their knots (machine quilter that I am). The blocks started to come apart and I had to machine stitch the first half inch of all the seams in the blocks. Ha! I learned an important lesson. Smile.
—Meg Cupman on September 13, 2012I have avoided paper piecing as I always thought it created extra steps. After your posting, I am now planning on my next project being paper pieced. You made it look so simple and once I actually saw your pictures, it even made sense to me. Thanks for the posting, consider me a new convert.
—Louise Price on September 13, 2012It’s always interesting to see crazes sweep through the quilting community and I’m not surprised at all that paper piecing is so popular. It is somehow stimulating and relaxing at the same time. It’s almost effortless and yet, as the pieces accumulate, they represent an amazing amount of work. Thanks so much for the chance to win such an exciting prize!!
—Glenda Penner on September 13, 2012Thank you for posting this article about English Paper Piecing. I tried my hand at it years ago, and as you say, it IS easy! We just began a new year at our homeschool co-op, and as I sit in my kid’s classes, this would make a great project to work on. Small, portable, and rewarding. (I must be honest; with my father being from England, I love the fact that is ENGLISH Paper Piecing. The English are so clever!) I would love to make the table runner that is pictured from the book.
—Kathy Ulrich on September 13, 2012I learned to quilt about 10 years ago and the first thing my sister mailed me was a packet of quarter size hexagons. I did not know you could use larger hexagons because I was so green! At any rate I had tons of fun and then when I was more experienced I started another set, this time in 30’s fabrics. But, still I do the tiny quarter size and they are so addicting. No telling when I will finish this queen sized quilt. This sister fussy cuts small individual flowers, birds, or bees for each tiny hexagon and places them in the shapes of bushes etc. in little gardens with hex shaped gravel pathways surrounding little island planters. They are truly breathtaking little English gardens.
—Loretta Thomason on September 13, 2012Whilst recently on a holiday in the UK I took some needle turn applique with me thinking that I would get so much done on all my flights (20 hours each way from Australia) and the bus tour I had booked. I was just kidding myself – way too bumpy for the accuracy required. So frustrating until I went into the Liberty Store in London and they had little packets of precut papers and hexagons. Now I have over 100 hexagons tacked and ready to be joined and lots of fabric ready to turn into hexagons. This was my saving grace for the rest of the holiday as I sew everyday and really felt the pain of not being able to sew to my usual standard. I think in the future I will take EEP with me to start with and avoid the frustration!!
—Cassandra Collins on September 13, 2012I own this book and love it, I would love to also have a bundle to work up a project. It is on my list of things to try and make in the future.
—Cindy Newell on September 13, 2012I took an EPP class several years ago. I still haven’t done anything with the one little hexagon flower I made, but now I’m thinking I should try to find them & maybe make some more!
—Judy Forkner on September 13, 2012Many, many, years ago my son’s Great-grand mother made the boys quilts with the GrandMothers FlowerGarden blocks–That is the only pattern she used….So, I had to try them. Made my own templet cardboards- Ugh!!! Didn’t come out even. The new pre-cut pieces should be a lot easer. Think I will try some Mug Rugs..
—Shirley on September 13, 2012fixed my e-mail address..
—Shirley on September 13, 2012My first hand sewn quilt was a lap quilt and we did some EPP in it. I loved doing that. Sounds like a good way to spend the winter evenings.
—Pearl on September 14, 2012I’m an English paper piecing addict, I have completed a Grandmothers Flower Garden Quilt and have several projects on the go at the moment
—Denise on September 14, 2012I love EPP, the first patch work I make was a EPP hexagon flower pincushion. Now I’m sewing a grandmother’s flower garden and a inner city with half hexagons.
—Dispersa on September 14, 2012I made one Grandmother’s Garden with mixed results. I enjoyed parts of it, the making of the blocks but not the final assembly.
—Chris on September 14, 2012I like EPP and started making dollshouse quilts from them.
At this time I make bigger flowers for a hexagonquilt from Kathleen Tracy’s book ‘Civil war sewing circle’
I had never thought of sewing the hexi’s on fabrik. I always made complete quilts with hexagons.
Joke L.
—Joke L. on September 14, 2012I did English paper piecing with the Crafty BOM class.Was not sure if I would do it again until I saw Mickey Dupree’s new book. That looks intriguing!
—Mary Ann Harpe on September 14, 2012I absolutely love hexagons!I need to get started on a "Just Judie" quilt very soon. The excitement has already begun in just looking at the pictures!I want to someday make a grandmothers flower garden quilt, just part of my bucket list. Hmmmm, My bucket is getting full.I would also like to give the denim jacket a try.
—Patsy on September 14, 2012I recently took a class to learn English Paper Piecing and fell in love. It was so easy to learn and so rewarding seeing the hexagons that we were working with become something. This is a very relaxing and so very portable. I am hooked!!!!!
—Dawn Thompson on September 14, 2012I put together a little paper piecing kit to take with me to Kauai. Thinking I would work on them in my down time. lol
—Sally King on September 14, 2012I looked at the cute little kit twice. Once when I put it my bag and another time when I took it out at home. Who has any "down time" in Hawaii? I do have lots of pictures. I would love to own this book. Thanks for the free download.
Sally@BabyStepsQuilting.com
I absolutely love EPP! My 15 y/o son says I am "addicted" to it! My husband has started singing a little song all about hexies! And my 17 y/o daughter says I am weird…even though she sweetly asks for a book bag made out of hexies! Yes, I love EPP!
I have 4, or 5, or 6…EPP projects going right now. I love Vicki Bellino’s books! She is so very talented! I have several of her projects on my Bucket List of items to make!
Thank you for the fun newsletter on EPP!
—Joy Hinkelman on September 14, 2012~Joy
I don’t have a hand-piecing story. Never tried it, but I love what the ladies did around that conference table and think I better watch the tutorial! Whatever would I do with one more quilting skill? Ha ha ha ahhhh.
—Julie on September 14, 2012While I love EPP designs, I much prefer using Inklingo for my hand piecing. Same accurate results, but pieced with a simple running stitch – much faster!
—Judy Morin on September 14, 2012what a lovely book. I have been working on a hexie quilt for over a year but am doing it with traditional piecing techniques. I would love to begin another one from the book but doing it in the english piecing way.
—Kathee Aitken on September 14, 2012I love EPP. I cut my own paper pieces from those blow-in cards in magazines, using a metal template. The inside of the template is the size of the paper, the outside is the cut size of the fabric. I trace a bunch at a time, looks like chicken wire, but so much faster; you’re not cutting out squares, then trimming them to the paper. Now, what am I going to do with all those hexes?!
—Pam on September 14, 2012I have worked/taught EPP for a long time and have even found an easier way to do it (If it could get any easier). At least these ideas work for me. Instead of sewing the fabric to the paper piece, I use a temporary glue stick (Just a dot in the center). Then I use scotch tape (I prefer 1/2 inch Scotch magic) to fold the edges over to the back side and hold them. It holds and still removes when you’re ready because the glue dries up over time and the tape looses it’s "sticky". If your projects take years to complete, then it may not be for you. I can usually have it hold for 4-6 months before it starts to loosen. By then I’m ready to be done with it anyway. It’s just an idea that I wanted to share. I happen to have arthritis in my hands and poking the needle through the paper piece wasn’t easy for me so I improvised. I hope it works for you as good as it does for me. Thanks and happy paper piecing!
—Beth on September 14, 2012I did actually start a project in a class years ago. The only problem was I let the instructor talk me into very, very small octagons and was truly discouraged with how long it takes to complete even one "flower" with 1/4 inch octagons. Kept those 3 flowers, though, to remind me not to think of that again. However, am now inspired to start something on a more reasonable scale–say 1 1/2 or 2-inchs instead! Thanks for the inspiration. Will go gather some fabrics.
—Johnnie Woolard on September 14, 2012I have fallen in love with EPP this year after trying it in an online BOM class. It is very addicting. You can use all your little scraps, play around with the units and make unique appliques. I enjoyed looking at the gallery of completed projects. Gives me great ideas!
—Laura Graham on September 14, 2012I have been afraid to try the English paper piecing, but your site made it look inviting. I have surgery in the next month & it looks like something to try when I’m not able to sit at my machine for long periods of time.
—Barbara Yoder on September 14, 2012I made a hexagon tote sewed with y seams. To say I struggled would be an understatement. While searching for help I came across an EPP video on YouTube. It looked like fun so I used some of my husband’s old business cards cut into diamonds as my pieces and made a few stars. I instantly fell in love with EPP. The tote that drove me to tears and took forever was made a second time in a day and looked much cleaner (I didn’t have to take my stitches out multiple times to get it right). Currently I’m working on a flower garden quilt using 1″ hexagon pieces from paperpieces.com. Getting my pieces precut from them saves me so much time and I don’t have to worry abou accurately cutting the pieces myself. After seeing the cover of Vicki’s book I had to purchase it. I only hope I can do her beautiful designs justice.
—Amanda on September 14, 2012I have been asking and asking when my local QS will have classes in English Paper Piecing as one of their instructors knows I like handwork and told me about a quilt she did with Christmas material scraps. I would like to do the same. Plus I inherited 2 inch squares I think would also be perfect for EPP. Look forward to getting this book either by winning or purchasing.
—Frank Warthan Jr on September 14, 2012Hi,
—Kathy Lyons on September 14, 2012It ios sooooo beautiful and I have never tried it because I never heard of it till now.
It is something that won’t be put on my to do list–I will start right away making some from scraps of fabric to see if I can do it. Would love to win.
Thanks, Kathy
I was one of those who hated hand sewing. Yo-yos won me over first, and then a local quilt shop owner showed me how to do EPP, followed by a demo at a quilt show. I love it – so relaxing and portable. Thanks for spotlighting English Paper Piecing!
—Janet Miles on September 14, 2012I’ve never done much handwork other than applique. i’ve tried to do hand piecing but I always feel like I have sausages for fingers it just feels very awkward but would love to try again.
—brenda on September 14, 2012I had purchased a bag of 30’s (real, antique 30’s) hexagons from a friend who was a collector of old fabrics. I really had no interest in EPP and had the stuff for several years. Finally I decided to make a flower to try the technique, which I expected to dislike, but then I could at least say I’d tried it. Well, of course I loved it. I have at least 8 EPP projects going at the moment and keep thinking of more. I’ve finished a couple! I already have Vicky’s book but would love to win the fabric!
—Sue Munn on September 14, 2012Sue in Marion, IN
Tried EPP two and half years ago, and have finished 1 large bed quilt and a lap quilt. (Just need to get them quilted.) Enjoy the hand piecing especially when sitting in front of TV or riding in the car. Like to see examples, keep up the production of books. From northern Iowa. . . .
—Robert on September 14, 2012I have never tried this technique, but the results are so cute! I love the fabrics and patterns in the quilts shown. Makes me want to try!
—Penny Huffman on September 14, 2012I love EPP! I have 2 quilts in progress and am planning a third! Love it!
—Diane on September 14, 2012My first quilting class was about learning to hand piece and now after many years of machine piecing and quilting I am back to hand piecing with EPP. I love it!
—Suzanne on September 14, 2012I have a Grandmother’s Flower Garden that uses 1/2″ papers that I have been working on for several years. I used to cut pieces at work when it was quiet and then piece them together while traveling. There are enough "flowers" now to put something together. I am also using the small diamond shaped to put the path between the flowers. Love the calming effect that paper piecing gives me. And yes, I would love the fat quarter bundle, very nice colors….
—Neila on September 14, 2012One of the techniques I always wanted to try. I have read about how to do it, but this book would push me to DO IT1!
—Patricia B. on September 14, 2012I’m only a beginner and so I’m completely new to paper piecing! 😀 I borrowed a book from the library once when just starting out that I looked through but I haven’t tried any yet. I think I shall have some fun trying it out this weekend now with the help of this perfect and very helpful video tutorial (I couldn’t quite manage to figure it out from the book). 🙂
Thank you!
—Miss Rachel P. on September 14, 2012~Miss Rachel~
I Love EPP! Took a class 18 years ago, met someone who joined my small bee and we remained bee-mates until she passed on 2 years ago. I have tried some new shapes along the way, like the Jewel (kind of a hexagon with one side that is a star point). It can be put together with the hexagonal sides in the middle for a 6-pointed star, or with the star points in the center for a pretty flower. I sew these on car trips, then applique them to squares when I get home to make Philanthropy quilts for the Chicago area hospitals and care centers. It is very meditative and calming. As a therapist, I have learned that any activity using both hands has a very real calming effect on the brain. I encourage everyone to try it!
—Linda Y on September 14, 2012What wonderful fabric. I have never tried the English Paper piecing but it looks so interesting. If I had the teacher right there to help me I am sure it would be easier, but a video and book are helpful. heheh! Thank you for the chance to win.
Cyndi
—Cyndi Duffin on September 14, 2012I love the hexies. Always have a pouch ready to go and throw in a tote. I try to buy a fat quarter wherever I go. I also use the patis, so easy and fun. Would like to try other patterns soon.
—Lynn J on September 14, 2012I love English Paper Piecing. It is so relaxing and rewarding at the same time. Taking bits of fabric and turning them into a quilt top is such a joy. The new pieces and patterns are wonderful, they open up a whole new world of EPP.
—Connie on September 14, 2012I have to say I love the English Paper piecing. I started a very large project on this last year, and got off track from it. But it will be finished for sure. It is so relaxing. I love to do handwork while I watch TV. My husband always tells everyone, her hands never stand still. Handwork is the ultimate relaxtion at the end of a busy day for me.
—Mariane Maes on September 14, 2012i have long admired quilts done with paper piecing but have never tried it but the photo’s here make me want to try it
—beverly maples on September 14, 2012My intro to paper piecing was a dresden plate miniature quilt. I fell in love at that point and tackled a larger project, Lythia Park, which was paperpieced diamonds that form a flower. I made yo-yo’s for the flower center. The leaves were also diamonds. It is beautiful and my friend Dianne did a wonderful quilting job on it – using her Bernina tabletop machine. I will treasure it forever.
—Donna Royson on September 14, 2012I have never tried EPP but it’s on my to do list. Thanks for the chance to win the book and fabric!
—Jill of Apple Avenue Quilts on September 14, 2012I love hand-sewing, but have never tried this technique. It looks like so much fun! A book and some fabric to try it with are just the ticket, but even if I don’t win I think I’ll have some EPP in my near future.
—Diane on September 14, 2012This summer I tried EPP with fall fabrics making a few hexies every week. I managed to finish a table mat and gave to my neighbors for their 50th wedding anniversary. It turned out beautiful and they loved the table mat. I’m glad I tried and just a few stitches every now and then turned out a wonderful project. Thanks for the chance to win the fabric, love Judie Rothermel!
—Bev R. on September 14, 2012I bought over a year a go the a kit to learn how to do English paper piecing …I love the thought of a way to quilt on the go. I am sad to say that it is still in my sewing box waiting for me to work on it but I am inspired by your email and pictures to get it out this weekend and start working on a new project. I would love to win a chance at the book or fabrics. Thanks for inspiring me to look at doing English piecing again.
—Drayanna Lambert on September 14, 2012I’ve hand pieced several times and find it very relaxing, but have never tried English paper piecing. Looks like lots of fun!
—Cindy on September 14, 2012I first learned how to do this at a Quilt Guild demo. We made a table topper. Mine was with Snowman material that I fussy cut so the snowman was centered in each flower design. I couldn’t stop there so a friend saw me making mine and wanted one with frogs in it. So that was my second project, still a UFO. I take it anywhere I have to wait on someone or something and stitch while I’m waiting.
—Barbara Clark on September 14, 2012Love this !
I would love a portable project. It tried using the hard plastic hexagons, but I gave up as they were hard to sew together. This seems much easier. I guess I will just have to buy a package and give it a whirl. It is not easy to appliqué neatly while a passenger. I need somthing to keep my hands busy so I don’t become the front seat back seat driver!
—Judii Reiss on September 14, 2012I started a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt in January of 2011. The pattern called for 3658 hexes to be made to complete the quilt. I finished it in June of 2012. It is King size and has yet to be quilted. I purchased the pre-cut hexes from http://www.paperpieces.com. The only difference that I see from how I put my hexes together is that I basted the pieces on the back of the hexes and did not go through the paper. Once I had got portions of the quilt sewn together, I popped the paper hexes out for ease of working with the quilt. I did not take the basting stitches out since they are going to be inside the quilt when completed.
—Sheri Guenther on September 14, 2012I really love sitting and sewing on these! It is SO addicting! During this project I have listened to 20 books on my iPhone! So, not only do I get this great quilt, I also have learned something in the process!
I’m just learning to quilt but have put together purses and pillows for years (that I have knit or crocheted) and had to sew the linings by hand (as I don’t know how to use my machine – that I got for Christmas last year – guess it’s time). Anyway, I piece together little projects all the time and love being able to make gifts for friends that they can’t get anywhere else. Would love the fat quarters – they are the perfect size for the back of a pillow. Thanx!
—Lynda on September 14, 2012My favourite place to baste hexagons the English way is in the car while my hubby drives. I will sew the flowers when at my parents or mother in law, I can’t do those in the car…
—Jantine Urban on September 14, 2012I started a EPP project last September and found that I totally enjoyed it. I had to put it away for several months while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I came back to it this past month and completed it, including the irregular borders. I found it relaxing and I am looking forward to doing another EPP project. It is addicting.
—Betty on September 14, 2012I made a Grandmother’s Flower Garden I started in 2000 when my hubby and I were in a major transition in our lives. I found it to be my "therapy" as we embarked on a new vocation fraught with stress beyond what we ever expected. I made my templates out of plastic lids from discarded food products so I can use them over and over again. I hand quilted every hexagon ans designed a floral quilt border. I love this quilt the most of all I have made and recently began looking at making another one as once again we are looking to make another transition!
—Barbara G on September 14, 2012I have been paper piecing for years and love how simple it is to do and I can work on my quilt anywhere. Great tutorial on how to do it.
—Patricia on September 14, 2012I recently finished a hexagon quilt and now I am addicted!!!! I love sewing them on my commute to work (train) lol. I get funny looks! I blogged about it here: http://amateurquilter.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-hexy-quilt-is-finished.html
—Mike Pearson on September 14, 2012Love the brights in your hexie quilt, Mike–beautiful!
—Jenny on September 14, 2012LOVE TO EPP found the tutorial very clear
—Diane on September 14, 2012I have a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt made by my grandmother and her mother in 1930. I am trying to reproduce it with 1930s repro fabrics. The original has 80 "flowers" and so far I have pieced around 50 after working on them on and off for a little over 2 years. It is nice to have handwork to do when I don’t have time or the desire to machine sew or quilt. I would love the chance to win the e-book and fabric. Thanks!
—Joye on September 14, 2012I have never tried paper piecing but really want to learn. I would love to try the hexagons.
—Karen Anderson on September 14, 2012I first tried paper pieceing after watching Alex Andersen’s TV show about tumbling blocks quilts.She showed how to make it using paper pieceing.I went that day and bought fabric to make a baby quilt for my soon to be borm grandaugther….it took me 7 months to make the whole quilt by hand and I finished the day baby Heather was born. It was just so beautiful,just like baby Heather.Hand pieceing is so relaxing and I can take it with me,it’s so easy to carry.I love it!
—Sandy de'Venau on September 14, 2012There was a period when I could not stand to set down to my sewing machine. I would set down and immediately get back up. I started piecing quilts and quilting quilts by hand. Most of my early quilts were totally hand done. This went on for several years. Now I make most of my quilts by machine and quilt by machine, but still find hand sewing relaxing.,
—M Johnston on September 14, 2012I love English paper piecing. It’s a great take along hand project. I’d love to win!
—Denise Jewell on September 14, 2012I’m in it to win it—I’m just starting out paper-piecing, love to do something with my hands; going on a trip and my EPP stash is coming with me. Nice to see all the finished projects.
—carol on September 14, 2012One of the seminars I took at SewExpo in Puyallup years ago was on epp. I did a few very cute pincushions and then went on to other things. It would be great to pick it up again as it’s so portable for traveling. Thanks for the opportunity and your generosity.
—Janet Spaid on September 14, 2012My very first bed size quilt was a Grandmother’s Flower Garden. I have to confess that I was addicted to those little pieces of fabric and paper and took them everywhere with me for some time, until I finally finished it. I still have that quilt (and the paper pieces) and it is one I am immensely proud of. But how far English paper piecing has come – no more tracing and cutting as you can buy the papers pre-cut (oh joy!) and such new ways to incorporate them into quilts, wearables, etc.
—Colleen on September 14, 2012I have done several small EPP projects … love the process! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
—Garnet on September 14, 2012I would love to win that beautiful fabric. I am a beginner at this and have been collecting scraps so that I can make a table runner. My mother made a beautiful Grandmothers Flower Garden when she was young and we all treasure it. Thanks for the chance to win. Dais
—Daisy Christopherson on September 14, 2012EPP is great when I want to relax and do some hand work. I always wanted to make a Grandmother’s Flower Garden Quilt and couldn’t make up my mind which version to use. I finally decided on one with just 1 ring of petals around the center. I made it into a smaller quilt and absolutely loved making it!
I used to work at a quilt shop that carried lots of Judy Rothermel fabrics. I snatched up a piece of everything that came through the door! Vicki Bellini’s book would be a wonderful addition to my quilt book collection!
—Cindy S on September 14, 2012I started English Paper Piecing 20 years ago and loved it! It is the perfect small project to take on travels. I’m glad it is enjoying a resurgence thanks to talented designers like Vicki and Karen.
—Beth Schmidt on September 14, 2012My very first guild meeting included a hands-on hexie demonstration where we were all given a small starter packet. Years later we still see those hexies turning up in members’ projects. They always make me smile.
—Robin on September 14, 2012About 15 years ago I was part of an informal craft group in Maryland, and all the members besides me were British. At the time, I didn’t quilt, but I still remember the magnificent EPP quilt that one of the women brought each week – in all its tiny pieces. She was doing a bargello-rainbow effect quilt that seemed to grow before our eyes. I remember thinking there was NO way I would ever do that. About 7 years ago, I was in a fabric shop, and my horse-crazy daughter fell in love with some horse fabric. Before I knew it, I was doing a strip pieced Irish Chain quilt. I fell in love. So, when we moved to the UK, I joined a quilt group. About a year ago, I tackled my first EPP blocks – which turned out to be a lot easier than I had anticipated. I still need a lot more practice on getting the points to look neat, but slowly improving! Thanks for the inspiration to try another "easily portable" EPP (especially when travelling) project.
—Linda H on September 14, 2012I have never tried English paper piecing but absolutely love those little hexie flowers. Thanks for such a wonderful post and introduction to Vicki.
—DianeH on September 14, 2012I experimented with paper piecing about 20 years ago. I found it to be quite enjoyable but working full time interfered greatly. Now that I’m retired I am mentoring several 4H’ers in a club where they are learning to do many aspects of sewing. Their next project will be small quilts for them to donate for service projects. Paper piecing would be a great way to teach them simple hand sewing that can end in a beautiful result. Winning these would be a wonderful way to start them on something new.
—Cecilia Desilets on September 14, 2012Funny Just got out my ‘going’ project that I started about 7 years ago it is a Grandmother’s Flower Garden in 1/2 hexagon it is about 18 inches wide now… but what fun I had piecing it on our trips.. some done in Utah, Chicago, Kansas, Arizona, & close to home here in Texas,,,great project to carry with you in a car…. now I got to decide if it is time to finish it or hope for more trips…. Love to do EPP but sure that there is a lot more I could learn….
—LSH on September 14, 2012I have always wanted to learn EPP, but had no confidence in my ability to learn it. After seeing the video, I am excited to try. Thanks for the tutorial.
—Etta Lehmann on September 14, 2012I consider myself a "machine" person but recently have been looking for a portable project. EPP seems like the ideal solution! I love the creative ideas posted on the site and would enjoy trying out this method. Thanks for the consideration.
BTW, I love "Stitch This!" and look forward to receiving it each week. So nice to have an email that informs rather than just sells.
—Evelyn on September 14, 2012Its the perfect "take along",
—Micheline on September 14, 2012I started english paper piecing after I went to a quilt show and received a little packet with 7 little paper hexagons and 7 little squares of fabric. I gave it a shot and fell in love with it! I couldn’t believe how easy or how addicting it was!
—Sherry C on September 14, 2012I’m piecing 10,339 half inch hexagons (white and 30’s repros) into a Queen sized quilt.
It’s appropriately named "Insanity"
—christine on September 14, 2012I bought a package of the paper hexagons in 3 sizes and made 2 blocks using them for a class I am taking at Craftsy. For one of the blocks I used several different greens to make the leaves of a tree, and I love the way it turned out.
—Nancy Angerer on September 14, 2012Two years ago I completed a queen size grandmother’s flower garden using English paper piecing, then I appliqued the border. I had great fun doing it. May I’ll do stars this time.
—Applikaye on September 14, 2012I haven’t tried English Paper Piecing yet, but am anxious to do so!! I have a friend who just started doing it, and she just loves how easy it is, and the wonderful results she gets!! Hope I win!
—Pat on September 14, 2012I love the idea of this! It’s a perfect lap project & could take it along. I’d love to try it. Pairing it with the Sturbridge village fabrics would be wonderful.
—Elizabeth Tallau on September 14, 2012Would you believe my VERY FIRST attempt at patchwork was making a hexagon quilt for my son made from the left over fabrics from his pjamas, shirts and shorts that I made for him as a baby/child. I started it 33 years ago. He is now 34 and still has the quilt and loves remembering all his little clothes!!!!
—Lee on September 14, 2012This is the perfect thing for the obsessive compulsive quilter. It’s a grab and go for me. I always have a bunch of choices ready to go. If I can take my matching thread then I make flowers to join later. If not and I only have room for a smaller bag then I prepare them for a flower and hold matching pieces together with a safety pin, before and after basting until the flower or whatever is complete.(I dumped them on the floor one too many times after sorting my fabric squares for hours.)It looks like I have lots of other little EPP projects in my future!
—Linda Pyke on September 14, 2012My sisters and I (4 of us) have attended the AQS quilt show in Paducah for the last 5 years. The first year, 2007, the lovely ladies at "Paper Pieces" showed us the basics and we all completed the hexagon flower. We have returned to their booth every year since to complete another flower. We have appliqued them and proudly display them on our show bags! They look great and the bag is filling up nicely. My daughter was able to attend one year and is now working on a 1/2″ hexagon quilt.
—Edna L. on September 14, 2012It’s funny but EPP is actually the only way I ever did it. I don’t know any other technique to get the pieces in even shapes.
—Conny M on September 14, 2012Don’t do sewing so much recently.., but your awesome works are a real inspiration! I love your site.
I would love the holiday fabrics, they are so hard to get here in Japan (where I live).
I first did Paper piecing by a Craftsy Course. I super enjoyed it! We also did the Hexagon pieicing for the BOM and it was easier since I had done the "paper" course.
—Dorothy on September 14, 2012The fabric offer is fabulous! I can think of lots of ways to use it.
My mother always took a lot of pre-cut quilt blocks with her to hand stitch together when riding in the car. However, I have always been afraid to try paper piecing because I worry about sewing even stitches and straight lines. But after watching Connecting Threads video, I’m excited to try it!
—Susan E on September 14, 2012My mother-in-law made beautiful quilts with minature one half or one-inch hexagons. The combined shape was more a diamond pattern then a flower. There was so much detail with her choice of fuzzy cutting her fabric. This was one of her favorite hand pieced quilts. I think the paper precuts would be so much easier than I did during the CRAFTY course cutting paper. My paper was too thin and it was difficult keeping the shape. I was surprised that the joining of each hexagon was "hard to see the stitches. The projects in this book are so inviting. Great hexagon project pictures to share with us.
—carol on September 14, 2012I decided to make a grandmother’s (double) flower garden quilt when the Accuquilt GO! arrived on the scene (didn’t buy one) and so many hexie projects appeared. So, I cut my own papers, hunted through blogs for information, and cobbled together my own method. So, have not really learned the proper way to EPP or to applique. It would be wonderful to win this book and the fabric. It takes LOTS of fabric to make a GMFG with variety. This is my "lifetime" project, as that is what it will take to make and handsew about 5000 hexies together, plus some diamonds or halves. Thanks for the chance.
—MarciaW on September 14, 2012I have not tried EPP as yet, but all your beautiful projects inspire me to want to try it. The video definitely makes it look doable.
—Carol Smith on September 14, 2012I have never done English paper piecing, but have always wanted to try. After viewing the how to video I just may. A local quilt store has a late night sew-in once a week and two of the ladies that have come recently have been doing this and it has really motivated me to attempt this. Both were using 30’s fabrics and they were adorable, especially where they had ‘fussy cut’ motifs for the centers. I hand applique, and do regular paper piecing, but not EPP. I have been sewing since a girl when my mother taught me to hand sew doll clothes and then do embroidery. The marvelous Christmas line, Sturbridge village fabrics from Marcus, would make lovely hexagonal flowers for a runner or even a stocking decoration for the holidays. Thanks for all the ideas.
—Marie E on September 14, 2012Thank you for the video. I have been working on my hexagon quilt for 2 years and am at the sewing the rows together stage. I absolutely adore my take along projects. I have a little bit bigger purse in order to hold
—Joni on September 14, 2012my essential hand sewing. I am a huge fan of Vicki Bellino!
I learned to hand piece over fifty years ago with the help of my great-grandmother. She loved all kinds of needlework and passed the love on to me. I am working on a hexie project now and would love the book and the fabric bundles. Such a great giveaway!
—Cheryl Craig on September 14, 2012I have never done English pp, but I know that Bonnie Hunter shows a lot on her blog. Winning a fabric bundle would sure help motivate me to give it a try!!
—Nancy on September 14, 2012I have a photo of my project on my blog. It is a grandmother’s flower garden quilt that I began several years ago using 1″ hexagons. It will take years to finish it, but it has been a fun project. I want to start another one doing different shapes, like a star or something. I would love to win some fabrics to add to my quilt.
—Peggy Hardman on September 14, 2012I was lucky enough to learn EPP from Karen a few years ago … went to her class as I was SURE that I wouldn’t become addicted to EPP … well I was WRONG. I love it … it’s been a great thing to have for road trips or taking with to sit with at the hospital … you can only read so many books!
I would adore a set of fat quarters to go with Vicki’s new book – already have a couple of patterns picked out for my next projects.
Don’t forget to check out Bloomcreek on the web … it’s great for hints and more of Vicki’s patterns.
—Cindy in WA on September 14, 2012I first tried English paper piecing when doing the Craftsy BOM. I had a fun time and made a yellow brick road and the other block I made a scene of cactus since I had just returned from Tucson, Arizona. I like that there are so many designs one can do with this method and I love how portable it is. Edie
—Edie on September 14, 2012No paper piecing for me yet!
—Debra Lee on September 14, 2012The very first class I took was a sampler quilt, in which 6 different piecing techniques were taught to make the blocks. One of the techniques taught was English paper piecing. I created an 8 pointed star using this technique. I so liked the way this star came out that it became the center of my 9 block sampler.
—Darrell Hardenburg on September 14, 2012I love English paper piecing. I have started making hexagon diamonds – need 218 to make a queen sized quilt – have done 20! Love choosing each fabric – every one is a different reproduction fabric and the centre hexagons are one of four yellowish fabrics and a cream between each diamond! I want to try other shapes next. The book looks lovely – one I "need" for my library! Thanks for the chance to win one!
—Eddie on September 14, 2012My friend, Bobbie, had dones some English paper piecing and I saw the results at her house. I enjoy hand sewing (though most of my friends consider it a dirty word) and thought I would give it a whirl. I bought the papers and have made hexies in every size. Now, I just have to figure out how to put them together. The possibilities are endless!
—Andrea Thalmann on September 15, 2012I have a stash of reproduction material that would look absolutely stunning EPP. I as so inspired by the Black Red and Gold all over quilt pic! I have tried EPP before but only on two blocks of a sampler quilt and yes they are addicting! Thanks for the chance to win!
—Ginny on September 15, 2012My very first quilt was paper-pieced, using mariner’s compass designs. What a lesson! It took a year from start to finish, and by the end, I felt like a pro.
—Sandy on September 15, 2012I just started English paper piecing. Our local quilt shop gave away a sample package to try at our monthly Groovy Girls meeting. It became so popular they are trying out a monthly English paper piecing meeting. I bought Vicki’s book already and can’t wait to try some of the larger projects. Thanks for the give away!
—Jan staples on September 15, 2012Back in 1972 (when I was pregnant with my second daughter)I saw a baby’s cot quilt made in hexagons, paper pieced. Trouble was that once I started I got so hooked that the quilt turned out to be queen size – it sat on the floor all round my bed! You can always have a few pieces in a little bag in your handbag for those idle minutes when you are waiting for the dentist or the doctor.
—Lynette Rees on September 15, 2012I hated hand piecing until I was forced to do it in a block of the month club. Now I am finding I love to do the hexigons. You can do so much with them in different sizes.
—bobsie311Jo on September 15, 2012I’ve recently tried EPP after attending our yearly quilt retreat and I’m loving the portability with these little "hexies"…Who knows what it will end up as…Thanks for the chance to WIN!!
—Tiffanee Noack on September 15, 2012I truly love experimenting with different shapes and the endless pattern possilities that EPP allows. It is easy to carry with you, and the ability to finish something while you are waiting for sports practice to end, lunch breaks, etc. makes me feel good…especially when I can finish something and give it to a great friend.
—BeckyVII on September 15, 2012A perfect take along project. Used my learning flower to decorate a denim shirt and have had many compliments on it.
—Bernadette Kresta on September 15, 2012english paper piecing… i "tried" it about two months ago. i have purposely not done anymore because it was FABULOUS!!! i was trying to be good and finish a few other projects before this became my focus – as i’m sure it’s going to be. what a tremendous new way to do quilting – LOVE IT!!
—pam on September 15, 2012I thought I had tried English Paper Piecing but after watching the video apparently I hadn’t. Had all the same supplies my result wasn’t
—Cindy Messick on September 15, 2012anything like that so never tried it again. Maybe after seeing this I’ll give it another shot. Would love to WIN so I can make it happen soon.
The only thing that I have tried the EPP method on is hexagons. When my grandmother passed away, I claimed a huge box of hexagons that she had cut. She just pieced these by hand, but I used EPP to guide me along the way.
—Renee G on September 15, 2012rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
I must confess, paper piecing is something that I have never tried because it looks so intimidating to me. Perhaps if I won this book and fabric I would have the courage to try… I especially love the jacket with the hexis on the back.. I have a black jacket that would look lovely with that… thanks for the giveaway
—Lawana Whaley on September 15, 2012I have about three flowers completed and lots more cut ready to stitch. I am not fond of hand sewing so haven’t been too speedy with this. The video makes it seem so simple that I am going to give this another try. I especially liked the the log cabin quilt.
—Patty Moffitt on September 15, 2012Love,Love EPP. so easy to do in car or anywhere. I would love to get this book and fabric for more ideas and new color waves
—Gwen G on September 15, 2012Pick me. Never done this technique and it’s my BIRTHDAY.
—Sue Winnie on September 15, 2012Happy birthday to you, Sue!
—Jenny on September 15, 2012I have about 12 Grandmother’s Flower Garden blocks that have yet to be put together but I did enjoy stitching the individual blocks. I have also done Cathedral Windows by hand, which is fun too. Hope I win!
—Bonnie on September 15, 2012I was introduced to English paper piecing in the very first quilting class I took when we lived in MN. We had come from a warmer climate and I dreaded the long winters and shorter hours of sunshine. But when I learned how to do this wonderful way to pass the time, I knew winter could not be that long. I made the Grandmother’s Flower Garden block and it was so much fun. I have taught this block to the ladies in the Senior Center quilting class.
—Pamela Zajicek on September 15, 2012My students have fine motor skill difficulties so I have taught them the paper piecing technique to produce small projects that they in turn offer to their family as gifts. The students’ initial fears are with the pins for they associate them with needles they receive at the doctor’s office. I am able to help them overcome their fears – for they will invariably prick themselves – show them how to strengthen their fine motor skills AND recycle. We use the leftover pieces of fabrics from larger projects. I usually link our projects to a value that the school promotes such as pride or altruism. My students have exceptionalities and find it challenging to understand abstract concepts. With these small paper piecing projects the students understand ‘pride’ when they beam showing off their work. ‘Altruism’ is taught when the students join their finished pieces to create a lap quilt that is raffled off for a charitable cause in the community.
—Kathleen Mannion on September 15, 2012I’ve never tried paper piecing, but would love to try.
—Jean Suchanek on September 15, 2012EPP is getting such press and interest. I can see projects that would be fun to try it on. And the stack of FQ might have a wee bit of help getting me to learn sooner
Thanks for the contest.
—Mj Modjeski on September 15, 2012I haven’t tried paper piecing yet… but hope to one day soon. 🙂 Thanks for a chance to win! 🙂
—Carla G on September 15, 2012I started a Grandmothers Flower Garden in batiks. No two flowers will be exactly the same. My favorite flower looks like a sunflower. The center hexagon and the first circle are a medium brown in a zig-zag pattern for the flower center. The outer ring is a golden yellow. I love that I can take this project on road trips or anytime I have to spend time waiting.
—Sue Webb on September 15, 2012I haven’t done any paper piecing; I have, however done some applique.
—Laura Lane on September 15, 2012Last year I came across English Paper Piecing at a show in my town and fell in love with it. I have made a lovely center peice for my table.
—Rosie on September 15, 2012The show is on this coming weekend and can’t wait to go and add to my collection.
My current take-along project for when I travel is a doll size Grandmother’s flower garden of half inch hexies. It’s in my backpack as I sit here in the Bordeaux airport catching up on emails. When I finish online, I’ll pull it out to work on. They have been so fun to fussy cut and fit easily in a ziplock sandwich bag. I am so glad there are now sharp scissors with little half inch blades that are okay to go thru the security checks! Paper piecing is so addicting that I have more shapes at home waiting for the next project!
—Carol C on September 16, 2012I started paper piecing when I was 14 and I loved it. Since then I have done a bit but I would love to do more.
—Mhairi on September 16, 2012Hopefully I will have more time soon to get a set going so that I can have a grab bag sorted again.
I recently made a quilt Called Aurora from an old Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine which is odd enough as I live in Venezuela. I liked the pattern so much I decided to go ahead as I had 3 charm packs to use although I had sworn that I never wanted to do EPP but the design in the border was pretty and there wasn’t much of it so how hard/boring could it be? I loved it and had a great time playing with the colours and making my own arrangement. Also I learned with this to machine stitch it down on the quilt with invisible thread, which was a first for me too. The fact that this is a portable technique is a great plus, now I think I should always have some in my handbag for wherever I go and whenever there is a "waiting" opportunity!
—Juliet Wood on September 16, 2012I’ve only done a little paper piecing but I really hope to get into it more. I’m afraid of little pieces, working to conquer that. Thanks.
—Mom C on September 16, 2012Still doing paper piecing the "old fashioned way". Guess I should get in the swing.
—cindy white on September 16, 2012I saw a friend doing EPP and thought what a project to do in the evening. I have bought papers and am anxious to get started, but am not quite sure what to do as far as patterns. Hope to learn from your website.
—eileen malley on September 16, 2012I haven’t done any EPP yet, but I plan to soon. There’re so many wonderful new patterns now available, I’ve taken another look at EPP and am excited by it now. Thanks for the giveaway, the fabric looks wonderful!
—Susan on September 16, 2012I purchased a kit with the English Paper Piecing papers in it. It was for a Christmas table runner. It turned out so beautiful and was so easy. I gave the runner to my daughter for a Christmas present. I really haven’t done any more English Paper piecing since then and I don’t know why because I enjoyed it so much. I think I will purchase this book and get started again.
—Sharon Lichter on September 16, 2012Something I would love to learn to do. It looks like fun.
—janelle johnston on September 16, 2012I have tried EPP and I love it! It can be addictive and it’s an awesome way to use up those small scraps. Absoulutely LOVE IT! I print off hexagons on the computer and cut them out from cardstock.
—Donna Harry on September 16, 2012I was given some elongated completed (1920’s and 1930’s fabrics), that were put together by my now deceased mother in law, and her mother. They are very special to me, as my favorite quilt pattern is grandmothers flower garden. I have started to put them together with bleached muslin. English paper piecing is fun. Thanks, Patty
—Patty Bretheim on September 16, 2012I took a class many years ago and learned to do paper piecing. Am I ever glad I did. I now have a Grandmother’s flower garden quilt that is partly finished (started by my Grandmother) of 30’s fabric. There is enough fabric to finish it and muslin for the octagons surrounding each "flower" Hope to get it done some day so I can use it and my granddaughter doesn’t have to finish Great, Great Grandma’s Gramdmother’s flower garden quilt.
—Glenda Webb on September 16, 2012I pieced some hexagon squares with yellow predominating, and sewed them onto yellow placemats. They made lovely yellow flowers, and were a gift for my oldest granddaughter, Margarethe Rose.
—Mary Dulany on September 17, 2012I have not done and EPP yet, I have always been afraid to. But just this week I have found two very good tutorials on how to do it and I am very evcited. It is such a beautiful craft and I want to make something and prove to myself that I can do it. I bet it is very addictive!
—Kathleen OGrady on September 17, 2012I don’t believe I have ever paper pieced but the very first quilt that I started was a grandmothers flower garden when I was 12 and I hand pieced the whole quilt and then hand quilted it when I was 18. Paper piecing looks so much easier than my first quilt was. That was over 40 years ago.
—Jeanette Jones on September 17, 2012I love EPP! Tried it and find it soooo relaxing! It almost has a zen-like quality to it. And you can do so much with it – the design possibilities are endless. You are only limited by your own imagination. The book by VP looks like it has some lovely ideas, the color choices are truly inspiring.
—MartyCae Klein on September 17, 2012I’ve not tried Paper Piecing because the idea of it scared me to death! Vicki made it look way too easy! I may hve to give in and try it.
—Mary on September 17, 2012I took an EPP class to learn the process. We made a Christmas Tree Wall Hanging. The reason I wanted to learn more about EPP was that I had purchased 50 feedsack Grandmother’s Flower Garden Flower blocks. I didn’t know how to join them together so I took the class to learn more.
—Sherrie Holland on September 17, 2012I have never tried this yet but after ending up in a wheelchair over 5 years ago I only started quilting about 2 years ago and I have never used a pattern. I sew everything by hand since I cannot use a foot pedal on my machine so this looks like something that may work well for me and I really want to try it to add to what I already do!
—Jody on September 17, 2012I have never tried this technique, but the results are so cute! I love the fabrics and patterns in the quilts shown. Makes me want to try!
—Robin Huss on September 17, 2012I used the hexagon paper piecing to make flowers, I used mainly green inbetween the flowers, I entered the lap quilt in the sandown quilt championship but wasn’t placed, I didn’t mind to much as I enjoyed sewing the quilt and I felt it was worth the time I spend sewing it.
—Lisa Kirk on September 17, 2012I’m working on a king size Grandmother’s Flower Garden and it is about half finished. I’m using plasic hexs that I found at a quilt show. I didn’t have enough for this big a project, so I cut more out of the lids of various containers that would otherwise end up in the recyling bin. Yes it is addictive, and it’s the perfect take along project.
I have to get this book to explore other English Paper Piecing patterns beyond the usual Grandmother’s flower garden.
—Elizabeth P. on September 17, 2012Love to EPP. I have a 75×75 grandmothers flower garden that’s PP. I have a very tiny hex, 1/4 inch little doll quilt I made a few years ago and of course, I have many more patterns in my head!!!! Linda
—Linda Sterle on September 17, 2012My first attempt at EPP was in a quilting magazine giving insructions for a baby quilt. I used reproduction fabrics. Was not quite sure I was doing it correctly, so made enough motifs for a table runner. Still have not put it together. Sure would love to win the book!!!!
—Pat on September 17, 2012I find I like EPP just fine in small doses. I am currently working on the Craftsy BOM’s, and will finish the April blocks. Can you tell I an right on the ball getting these done? Too much life getting in the way, I guess. I have worked on a GFG before, and had to use others components, so they did not work well for me. Later found out that the bag of parts came/were made by a few older women many years ago, and none were the same size when they got stitched together. Not a fun job, so I gave it back undone. I like the ones I am doing now, however.
Thanks for the chance to win lovely fabric.
—Ele Willard on September 17, 2012I am working on an applecore quilt by hand. I think think every quilter should do one hand-pieced/hand-quilted quilt in their lifetime … this is mine. It’s a bit of an homage to those quilters who came before us …
—Paula on September 17, 2012Recently I saw a friend working on a Halloween EPP table runner and was intrigued. She showed me how it is done and got me started. I am person who dislikes hand work however, since EPP is a very portable I am working on two projects now at the same time (a great while your waiting project). I recently was looking for some small print Christmas fabrics for another small project. The Marcus Fabrics that you are giving away would be perfect. Vickie Vellino’s projects are beautiful. Maybe I could try something bigger than a table runner. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
—Nancy on September 17, 2012Our Guild just finished making a grandmother’s garden quilt. I am not one for hand work, but I did like the english paper piecing. It makes a beautiful quilt!
—Robin Fish on September 18, 2012I’ve started on hexagons and made a couple of them. Even bought smaller paper hexagons to try that out. Love grandma’s flowergarden. Love the ones shown here! Have to give it another try!
—Jacqueline on September 18, 2012I have been reading about EPP and looked for websites that offer the cut papers. I know how time-consuming it would be to cut my own, since I am in the process of making a yo-yo quilt and have cut my own fabric circles WITHOUT the use of a rotary cutter!
I’d sure like to win the bundle because I will start an EPP project when I complete my yo-yo quilt (half finished now).
—trillium on September 18, 2012LOVE IT!! Finally, a way to do some paper piercing and get a finished product without having to make hundreds and hundreds of hexagons. I have shied away from paper piercing due to the volume required. I see that even small efforts can be beautiful and that gives me the courage to try!!!
—Diana Nesbitt on September 18, 2012THANKS FOR THE HELP to keep exploring all the fun of quilting…
I don’t do a lot of hand piecing, and have only tried EPP once many years ago. I learned it enough to include a brief "chapter" on it in a beginning quilt class I was teaching …. wanted to show the possibilities and how it is accomplished to my students. That’s been the extent of what I’ve done with it, but I would like to try it again. The work your group has accomplished is amazing.
—Joyce Penney on September 18, 2012IT is piecing that you can do laying down. I like that Thanks for the giveaway!
—Jeanette on September 18, 2012Hand piecing is great fun and very soothing. The last time I did this, I made a leaf shape, and appliqued the leaves along the border of a poinsettia patterened quilt.
—Gail M on September 18, 2012I have never tryed EPP but would love to try it with the book and fabric. I love every kind of quilting that I have tryed
—Anna Wagar on September 18, 2012I would love to win this fabric! Thank you giving me a chance.
—Anne Moore on September 18, 2012The quilts you have shown in the pictures are beautiful and I would love to make one using this technique. I have never tried EPP before but since I like to keep my hands busy while waiting or visiting my 88 year old mom this would be the perfect! Thanks for the chance to win some lovely fabrics!
—Merlyn Brown on September 18, 2012I would love to try EPP! It would be a great take along project for the Doctors office or for idle time. I love the shapes that are used and it also would use up scraps very fast, and we all have scraps. I hope I win the fabrics! Then I could get started right away. I also would love to win the Book! I love learning a new quilt project! Thanks and your sight it great! I tell my friends all about it!
—Irene Rose on September 19, 2012