Saturday, March 27, 2010

First block completed!  I've never done English paper piecing before -- one of the appeals to doing this BOM was the chance to learn it.  At first, the going was very slow and I started thinking maybe this technique wasn't for me.  But I really like hand piecing and applique, so I kept at it, hoping that it was just a matter of getting a rhythm going.  And by the end of the block, I felt much more comfortable -- I think I'm really going to like it.

Is there anything to do with the 'tails' of the outer triangles other than to tuck them under as you applique the completed piece?  I felt mine were a bit bulky and you can see in the photo that there are a few ripples in the lower left hand corner.  I'd appreciate any tips!

4 comments:

  1. Your block is beautiful and I can't see the ripples you mentioned. I too am having problems with the "tails". I've only appliqued about half of the block to the background hoping I can find a solution to the thickness at the points. It's been quite a while since I've done any English paper piecing and it has taken a while to ge the rhythm down. But I have to say I am enjoying it immensely so far. My first block fabrics are a little different from yours. Thanks for starting this blog.

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  2. Meg, it looks terrific! I had problems too with tails...too bulky or it frayed when I tried to trim them. Doesn't take long to do when you get the hang of it. Picked up the second block...great colours! Interested to see Gretchen's block if she got different colours. Susan

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  3. Instead of the lavender mirage stripe I received blue mirage for the diamonds and the yellow outside triangles are a different fabric but same color family. The overall effect is pretty much the same, just a minor variation. Can't post a picture in a comment unfortunately.

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  4. Thank you for posting. Your block is beautiful.

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