The paper-piecing bug has bitten. I've been on planes and after that too sick to do much more than sit in front of the tv - I haven't even felt like turning on the sewing machine - so paper-piecing has been my panacea, so I've been working on what I'm calling my Vietnam Star project.
Carol left me a lovely comment when I showed this first star asking what it was called, but Carol is a no-reply blogger with no contact details at all on her profile, so I can only hope she's reading this. The answer is, I don't know, but I first saw it on Kerry's blog here.
When I travel, I like to have a paper piecing project and to tie it in with my trip somehow. One way I make that link is by using a palette generator to 'draw' the colours out of a photo and match them to a set of fabrics.
There are a couple of different apps/sites I use for palette creation. I made this one using Playcraft's Palette Builder which is one of the easiest. If I'm feeling fussy / not lazy, I use Adobe Ideas for iPad.
I didn't KNOW Ho Chi Minh city would be so beige and brown and grey, but I had a whole heap of fabrics that I was itching to use and luckily, they fit right in.
So here is my second, nearly finished star. I thought the French theme would work well with the 'Paris of the East' and ties in well with Vietnam's colonial history.
And a third star is cut and started.
My 'kit' for paper piecing consists of:
- a needle and thread (Aurifil for handpiecing if possible)
- fabric (of course)
- pre-cut paper pieces from paperpieces.com (because a) they are accurate and b) I am lazy). (I have just heard of a local - Aussie local - supplier but have not tried them yet - PossumBlossumPatch)
- thread snipper
- a sew-line glue pen.
So here are my three stars - all ready to keep growing!
Do your projects just GROW or are they carefully planned right from the start?
Linking up!
That's so pretty, Laura! I love paper-piecing, too, but I have found that I like basting the templates much more than actually sewing the pieces together!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link to the palette builder, I was wondering how everyone did that :) It's such a good way to remember your trips. Your EPP looks so neat ... too clever for me!
ReplyDeleteIt's coming along nicely. Paper piecing is perfect for those times you can't /don't want to use your machine as you mentioned. Hope you are feeling well now.
ReplyDeleteWhat I remember of Ho Chi Minh City was how markedly differently it was from Hanoi, in terms of western influence. This may have changed, it's been 13 years since I was there.
ReplyDeleteWell such neat stitching belies your protest of "ill health" I dont see a wonky stitch anywhere!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful blocks! I made a few sets of similar (but simpler) "round" EPP blocks recently, and I loved them. And, yes, even though I try to start quilts with a plan, my projects often "grow" (and sometimes take on a life of their own!).
ReplyDeleteOk, these stars are turning out pretty awesome. Keep going! (any idea how you'll join them?) And thanks for the links, I had no idea so many other bloggers were doing EPP (I don't follow them all).
ReplyDeleteholy barnacles that looks intimidating! What a beautiful job you are doing, I love the monochromatic look on it as well!
ReplyDeleteI am stopping by from the WIP hop, hop on by if you can http://domesticdeficitdisorder.blogspot.com/2013/07/wip-wednesday-july-3rd-edition.html
Wow, must look at that palette generator! I'm like you, sometimes I like to hand stitch (usually when waiting for kids at various activities).
ReplyDeletei have all those paper shapes! i might have to give this star a try. it's looking lovely with that vietnam color palette!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely fabrics, and I love how they reflect your travels.
ReplyDeleteLovely work. I love the pattern and the fabrics you have chosen.
ReplyDeleteLove these, Laura. Please tell me more about sizing of pieces, if you don't mind!! Maybe I will try the Oz co.
ReplyDeleteBe home Monday!
Hugs - Lurline.
You make it sound so easy , I am still stuck on your last EPP challenge I have the blocks but dont know what do do with them..
ReplyDeleteThis looks awesome! I have been looking for a new EPP project and this might be it! :)
ReplyDeleteThese look great. Love the taupes.
ReplyDeleteI think these want to grow into a queen size quilt :)
Thank you so much for answering my question about the pattern info. I didn't know that I was a non-reply person, I'll try and figure this out, and change it. I love your blog and look to new updates. I also love that you were so new where I live in Arizona last year, when you went to Monument Valley! Keep blogging and I will keep reading!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is so interesting to look at. Nice job. Each block is really unique.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Jessica's
Lisa
Well it's a hexie-squarey-diamondy thing obviously...
ReplyDeleteI love this star and your fabric choices!
ReplyDeleteWhere can I find the pattern?
Just found your blog! Way cool!