Learning English Paper Piecing

I have started to teach myself English Paper Piecing patchwork ( EPP). I have made 2 quilts the modern way, using a sewing machine to sew the pieces together but decided the bit I enjoyed the most was the hand sewing. So I thought I would give this a try, it's the old fashion way to patchwork using paper pieces to shape your fabric and then hand stitch the pieces together.

  I treated myself to 2 wonderful books that I really recommend

This book takes you through every shape you will need to EPP with and how to stitch with them.

This book also explains very clearly how to EPP and also gives you projects to try too with instructions and patterns.

They both have wonderful instructions, photos and ideas. They have both been my constant companions.

For my first project I made the little pouch from the Quilting on the go book.

I love it it is so sweet and useful too and it was very easy to make. 

A few things I have found from a papercrafters point of view that has really helped.

1. I used my dies and die cutting machine to cut the paper pieces for my project. You could also cut the fabric but I only had a cheaper set of dies which was fine for paper and card but not fabric. I have now upgraded my hexes set.

2. Great way to use up all those off cuts of card we all have too.

3. I also used my Silhouette Cameo to cut my pieces for my latest project. You can import Jpeg and size and cut extremely accurately in large numbers quickly.

This is such a nice hobby to sit and do out and about or in front of the TV. So far I have stitched on the bus, in parks in Vienna ( I made a cushion cover while on holiday, more about that in another post) at my parents house, in the garden sat in the sun and in the evening in front of the TV.

I think I have found another love! Why not try it too?