Indeed I had been warned, but little did I know ... English Paper Piecing (EPP) is super addictive! And I cannot stop. As soon as the Daisy Chain Quilt top was complete I started planning my next EPP quilt. After much indecision - for there are so many shapes, designs, and layout options - and inspired by a vintage quilt, I decided that this English Paper Pieced "wagon wheel" design would be my next big project.
This design uses three different shapes - hexagons, equilateral triangles and rectangles. I am using custom cut papers by Imprezzio (ordered by my local quilt store and delivered overnight). I love the quality of the paper used by Imprezzio! It is firm and sturdy paper with a smooth (almost shiny) surface so that the basting glue stick glides over the paper rather than dabs on, leaving only the thinnest line of glue. Whilst I am all for glue basting, less is better when it comes to glue, and it also ensures that the papers can easily be removed and reused.
I have spent a lot of time preparing ... preparing to sew by cutting fabric and basting papers. Endlessly. Of course, just when you think you have basted enough pieces you need more. And more. I have been processing the tasks involved in batches; varying the work involved by spending periods of time cutting fabric with templates, basting papers, preparing part units (sewing rectangles to triangles), and sewing wheel blocks together.
To tell you the truth, it has been a paper piecing frenzy in the RPQ sewing room for I have completed all of the 72 Wheel Blocks required for my quilt top. Many hours of preparation and whip stitching, most at the expense of sleep! I have now moved on to piecing the units that join the Wheel Blocks together. My initial calculations suggest I will need to make 64 of these joining units:
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QUILT DETAILS:
Wagon Wheel Quilt consists of the following 3 shapes:
1.25" Hexagons
2" Equilateral Triangles
1.25" x 2" Rectangles
Notions/Tools Used:
Acrylic templates with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
Water Soluble Basting Glue - both Sewline and Sue Daley brand glue refills.
60wt Bottom Line thread.
The anticipation of seeing the quilt unfold as I sew the individual Wagon Wheel Blocks and then sew these blocks into rows is keeping me motivated. I am mindful of the slow stitching process and thoroughly enjoy my long slow sewing evenings on the couch, but admit that I have been driven to distraction by this project!
I ordered my paper pieces sight unseen and recall feeling a little bit sick when I first saw how small the pieces actually were! I am however so very glad that I pushed on, for it is all coming together so neatly. My EPP skills have continued to improve and I am pleasantly surprised that this newfound (to me) slow sewing technique is making me feel so energized. I didn't think I could feel anymore passionate about patchwork and quilting than what I already did prior to discovering EPP!
One stitch at a time. I will get there.
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
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Oh My.....
ReplyDeleteyou are addicted for sure! Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. EEP was my first foray into sewing with an EEP dresden block to go on to a bag. I have never looked back, no matter what else I make it has easily become my first love. x
ReplyDeleteI love this - I am just migrating from hexagons to plus quilts, this takes it up to another level, beautiful xx
ReplyDeleteI too am totally epp addicted currently! Alas, I am not as fast as you with a dang shoulder injury I have to be a bit wary of, but this
ReplyDeletebeautiful quilt in progress is making me want to add yet another to-do to my list!! Wonderful stuff Rita!
What can I say......holy cow......good grief! This gorgeous, labour of love has to be kept in your family. Just toooooo gorgeous to sell.
ReplyDeleteWOW - you amaze me with every quilt you make - I so love seeing everything you turn your hand(s) to :)
ReplyDeleteI am so scared to go down that rabbit hole!
ReplyDeleteAdorable! I love paper piecing because it travels so well. No where near the scale you are at, but I still like the simplicity and calmness it brings to me when I hand stitch. Thank you for including the name of the papers you use, I will look for them.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to learn paper-piecing!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Have you thought of doing a lapasacaglia? I'd love to see your signature fabric stash and colour combos in that design.
ReplyDeleteoh my - another adorable quilt to add to my list !!! I think I might like this even more than your daisy quilt :)
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