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Saturday, February 9, 2019

NATIONAL QUILTER'S CIRCLE MYSTERY PAPER PIECE BLOCK 1

NATIONAL QUILTER'S CIRCLE

MYSTERY PAPER PIECED

BLOCK 1


I just love quilters! What makes life so interesting is that everyone has different tastes in fabrics and colors and we are all so versatile. Seeing block 1 come to life with all the wonderful variations is so fun! Also some quilters put their blocks together differently (I don't think on purpose) but the end results are fantastic! Need the instructions you can click on BLOCK 1 and the link will take you there. If you haven't signed up for it yet, please do so you don't miss any of the instructions!

What I want to demonstrate today is how I paper piece with freezer paper. (Can't find freezer paper, I have it on my website: Freezer paper.) I have heard many comments that there is so much waste in paper piecing that quilters don't like to do it but when I show you how I use the templates to cut out my pieces you will see that there is very little waste.

If you have not done the block yet, you need to downloaded the updated corrected block 1 templates and foundation sections. If you have already made it, then you don't need to bother doing that. You can find the file under Links on the Facebook page or get it here.

First make your templates out of heavy weight plastic. It just lasts longer than the thin stuff and you can purchase it at JoAnn's or Michaels. You can also use heavy cardboard. If you use cardboard I suggest you line up your ruler along the edges so you don't cut into them. To make the templates, just cut slightly around the outside edges of them and tape them to your template material. Then cut out along the outside edge exactly making sure you trim all the little corners.

Lay your fabrics wrong sides together. I have in the instructions which fabric should be on top when cutting out so that you have the correct A or Ar (B or Br and C or Cr). The r just stands for the reverse of the original. Since I have batiks there is no really visible right or wrong sides so I can cut them with the same fabric on top. If you are not using batiks be SURE to put the correct fabric on top before cutting out. I left some space between each of the templates so I can add a 1/4" all the way around them.



Now I take my Add-a-quarter ruler and add 1/4" around the entire template as I cut the pieces out. You end up with a piece that is 1/2" bigger than the original. That gives you plenty of "play" room to cover the area that you are paper piecing. (If you want to cut the sections even larger than that, go ahead. Do what you feel comfortable doing to get it to work for you.)




Now you are ready to start sewing. I have a little mantra (a phrase that I repeat over and over) when I am paper piecing. It goes like this (this is also in the pattern): PRESS, FOLD, TRIM, SEW. It helps me get into a rhythm when I am paper piecing.

My first printing of the freezer paper did not include the shading so I made sure I wrote dark or light on my sections so I would not get confused. Instructions for printing on the freezer paper are in the pattern. (Be sure to check your printout with the 1" box on the page so that your scale is correct.) Cut out the left and right sections close to the outside line. I do not cut right on the line. 



Following the color placement (dark or light):

1. PRESS the WRONG side of the fabric (template A) to the SHINY side of the freezer paper. Your iron needs to be hot enough to slightly melt the wax but not too hot to make it difficult to remove. Test your iron to get the right setting. You should only need to leave it on the paper for a few seconds. Just press to the line between 1 and 2.

You should be able to see the fabric all the way around the outside edges and your inside edge is overlapping the seam line (solid line) by more than 1/4". The outside edges will be trimmed at the end. Be sure to always start with #1 on each section as #1 is on the bottom on one section and on the top on the other so that the seams are pressed in opposite directions.



2. I usually use a business card, but these are long stitching lines so I just use one of the templates and line it up along the line between 1 and 2. I want to see the line. The section with the fabric should be on your left (well for right handed people it is) and FOLD back the paper along that line. Make sure that it is folded exactly on that line.



3. TRIM your seam to 1/4" using the Add-a-quarter or a small ruler with a 1/4" line. The Add-a-quarter ruler has a little ledge on it and it stops at the fold of the paper so you can get an accurate cut. Can't find one in your area, you can purchase one on my website. I also carry Add-an-Eighth. Add-a-Quarter. Don't worry that the pointed edge does not go all the way down. It will be covered by the next fabric. 





4. Place your next fabric (template B) right sides together, first checking to make sure that you have the template B section in the right direction. You can see through the freezer paper and can see the direction of the point of the triangle. 



5. Line up the edge of B with the cut edge of A. Make sure that you can see your B fabric sticking out from the top and bottom of the paper. Now you are ready to SEW. I like to use an open toe foot and move my needle all the way to the right. That way the inside edge of my foot lines up with the fold of the paper. You do not have to change the length of your stitch because you are not sewing on the paper. You will sew as close to the paper as you can, starting at the top edge of the paper and sewing all the way to the bottom edge. If you accidentally sew a little on the paper don't worry. It comes out.



6. Finger press your seam then PRESS section B to the freezer paper only to the line between 2 and 3 with the iron. I always press on the paper side. Now repeat the process. You just pressed, so FOLD the paper along the line between 2 and 3 with your template edge. TRIM your seam to 1/4". Line up the edges of B and C right sides together, making sure you have fabric sticking out on the top and bottom and that it is facing in the correct direction and SEW along the fold.



Here is a little tip. If you have light and dark fabrics and don't want the dark to show through your seam on the front, place the light fabric slightly beyond the dark edge. This way the dark is hiding behind the light and won't show through the front of your block.



I give it one last press to the freezer paper and then trim my section. I don't use the outside lines. I line up the 1/4" line of my ruler on the seam line on the freezer paper. That way if the outside line is off just a little I know I will have an exact 1/4" seam. (Here are both sections done. You can see that the fabric sticks out all the way around the paper.)






Now you can remove the freezer paper. Be careful and slowly peel it off in the direction the seams are going in so you don't pull on the seams. If it is a little difficult to get off, use your iron to warm it up just a little. Now you can reuse the freezer paper. Since you have already folded it along the lines you do not need to use the template to line it up on the lines anymore. I have found that I can reuse my freezer paper up to 6 to 8 times if my fabric isn't too linty or my iron wasn't too hot. Now they are ready to sew together.



I particularly like this method because I do not like to tear paper off at the end, especially when it is a large quilt. I know some quilters have told me that they find it relaxing to tear off the paper. To each his own!!!

LIKE TO FUSSY CUT?

If you know me, you know I love to fussy cut so I had to play with this block and some of my new Paula Nadelstern fabrics I carry in my store. This one is called Rabbit Hole from her More is More collection and the pink and blue are her blenders. You see I laid out the fabrics a little different. Not on purpose, but I like the way it came out (and I didn't want to recut anything! To do this I had to use the templates and not paper piece it. You can see Paula's fabrics on my website here: Nadelstern fabrics. If you purchase any of her fabrics and mention you saw it on my blog in the comment section when checking out I will give you 10% off your fabric purchase (on the Nadelstern fabrics)!




FABRIC DRAWING


Well I know the NQC quilters are anxious to read my blog so I will get this posted. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Leave a comment and I will put your name in a drawing for some of the Timeless Treasures batiks I am using for this quilt! Be sure to give me some way to contact you if you won.

Remember: Always do what you love and love what you do. 

HAVE FUN AND SEE YOU ON THE NATIONAL QUILTER'S CIRCLE FACEBOOK PAGE. All of these blocks were designed in EQ8.

56 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you, Toby!! I have already completed one version... and yes, I managed to lay my blocks out differently than prescribed, but I really like it! :) At any rate, I am going to give it another try.. really want to see if I can do the freezer paper method!

Alison Foley said...

I am new to paper piecing. I have been quilting for a long time and I’m excited to learn a new skill. Thank you so much for doing this challenge. I’m excited to start. I am in the group and if I win I can pm you my info. Thank you again.

Alison Foley

Alison Foley said...

I am very excited about this mystery quilt. I have been quilting for years now and have never done paper piecing. I am exited to learn a new skill. Thank you so much for creating this challenge. I’m excited to start.

Thank you,
Alison Foley

Theresa said...

I am so excited about this paper piecing challenge. I did the last mystery quilt and you and Ashley taught me so much.
Thank you,
Theresa Reed.

Unknown said...

Thank You Toby for you detailed instructions on using templates to paper piece. I have made several paper pieced quilts and have never used this method. I am excited to try this new method with my blocks.

Sincerely
Joan Amling

Barbara Ferguson said...

Thank you for the very simple instructions on freezer paper piecing! I do have one question though .... when you are finished sewing the individual block pieces together and trim, am I using the solid line on the outside to measure out my 1/4" seam? I want to say yes because that will trim off all the excess fabrics, but double checking.

Can't wait to get started!

Beach Quilter said...

Thanks so much for a great post and what I anticipate will be a gorgeous pattern. I'm looking forward to the seeing all the other blocks!

Beach Quilter said...

Thanks so much for a great post and also the first beautiful block. I am looking forward to seeing all the blocks to come!

Janifer said...

I have never PP before excited to learn something new. Ashley and you explain it to where I can understand it. Thank you both. Janifer Carpenter

Idgie said...

Toby,Thank you so much! I just got my first block done and its beautiful. I did use the freezer paper method but think I will make another use the foundation paper piecing. I also did your Medallion challenge and its so beautiful as well, I get lots of compliments on it all thanks to you and Ashley. Loving what we do.
Dodi

Unknown said...

Thank you Toby! This is my first paper piecing - I've torn it out a few times! But I'm determined to do it and I really like it! I think I will continue with paper piecing for this one, and perhaps another I'll do with the freezer paper method. Thanks so much for these challenges - I'm learning SO much!

Thank you,
Jan Merkley

Lynda Sherman said...

Thank you for designing and sharing the mystery quilt pattern.
Lynda Sherman

AnneGee said...

This is my first attempt at paper piecing and am excited to learn and see what the finished quilt looks like! Thanks for designing it for us, Toby!

Ramona Becker said...

Excited to try the freezer paper piecing. I am always up for a challenge to try a new block or method. Thank you for great step-by-step instructions and pictures. Looking forward to another finished mystery quilt.

Ramona Becker said...

I am excited to try a new method. Paper piecing sounds fun and I cannot wait to see the overall finished project. Thank you for the step-by-step instructions and pictures.

Ramona Becker said...

I am excited to try this method of paper piecing. This first block looks amazing and cannot wait to see the finished project. Thank you for the design and the great step-by-step instructions and photos. Should be a fun 6 weeks.

Theresa said...

Thank you for the detailed information and the pictures. This is my first time PaperPiecing. I was very nervous at first, but I did a practice block and all went well. I think I will try the freezer paper method next week. Can I use regular freezer paper and just cut it to fit my printer?

srlerma said...

This one was a humdinger for me but only because the correction was posted after I started. I’ll wait from now on and go read the files before I start the next block. I’m enjoying this adventure anyway, thank you.
Stella

JMOT said...

Thanks, Toby!

My first time paper piecing. I love batiks and I'm using them, too.

Unknown said...

This will be my first attempt at paper piecing & will also be my first mystery quilt. I'm looking forward to learning this new skill and anxious to see what the finished quilt will look like. This is going to be a very fun adventure!

Thank you,
Debbie Pike

Unknown said...

I have printed out the templates and am ready to try the first block. Fingers crossed.
ndrobniak4@hotmail.com

Valerie Koepnick said...

Thanks for the blog post on using freezer paper, it was a great explanation that I think I can do. That is what I wanted to do but went ahead and used regular paper piecing and my block came out pretty good. I think I will try one with the freezer paper now:)

Kelli Powell said...

I am enjoying this mystery challenge already. It is great learning something new. Thank you so much for your time in doing this for e erroneous.
Powell.kelli@rocketmail.com

Maria said...

I love learning new techniques and uour Mystery Quilt paper pieced is going to be so much fun!
My daughter asked me to do tjis with her so it will also be time together for us!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with all!
Maria McGilloway
Savysewer2@hotmail.com

MaryH said...

Toby, Thank you for designing this mystery quilt challenge. I am rediscovering my sewing machine and loving the time I get to create with it. Paper piecing is totally new to me. I feel proud of my self for venturing out of my comfort zone and trying something new. I'm excited to see the next block and what the finished quilt will look like.
Mary Hense

Sheree A. said...

So beautiful . . . Thank you for your time and talent. I haven't tried this yet but I am looking forward to doing a practice block to see how I do.
sh_adair@yahoo.com

Sherryl Jackson said...

Thanks Toby! Loving this mystery pp quilt!
Sherryl.jackson@hotmail.com

Turid said...

Thank you Toby. I have done some paper piecing before, but mostly EPP. I will "visit" a copy machine tonight, and make this block tomorrow.

Gpteach said...

Can't wait for the next block! Thank you "sew" much!

Gpteach said...

Thank you"sew" much! Can't wait to get started on the next block!

Sherryl Jackson said...

Thanks Toby! I am so excited for this challenge. Block 1 looks amazing.
Sherryl.jackson@hotmail.com

Christy said...

Thanks for showing the pictures - that is super helpful!

Anonymous said...

Ok. Now I want to try the freezer paper method. Was going to make a second block bc I like the ‘Mariner star’ layout. Will follow your freezer paper instructions. Thanks

Artt Now said...

Thanks for explaining it :) I realized I sewed my fabric to the wrong side of the paper now
Rday@wpi.edu

Artt Now said...

😯 I put all the fabric on the wrong side of the paper
Rday@WPI.edu

Dale said...

Thanks for great directions. However have you a video of this block using freezer paper? I kind of got confused with the reverse templates.

Buckshot said...

Thanks so much for all the time and effort you are putting into this to help people learn how to paper piece!

Gail said...

Thank you for putting together this mystery quilt. I am looking forward to journeying with you.

Debi Joy said...

Thank you for all your hard work and I have really enjoyed learning a new way to quilt I am a first time paper piece!

Debi Joy said...

Loved Making this point block TY so much for all you have done!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Toby for sharing your design and your expertise. I am somewhat patiently awaiting the Week 2 Block design to be released. Is there a certain day of each week they will be released/posted?
#lovePPproject

dln13 said...

I was terrified to start this block until I watched Ashley's video and then read your blog. Thanks for providing us learning opportunities and gorgeous finished quilts!

dln13 said...

I was terrified to start this block until I watched Ashley's video and then read your blog. Thanks for providing us learning opportunities and gorgeous finished quilts!

Dayna N

Unknown said...

Hello Toby, thank you so much for sharing your freezer paper method for PP!
I learned the “tearing method”, but I will certainly have to give this a whirl. I never like tearing the paper because I was so afraid of loosening the stitches in the process. I’m looking forward to making the Crystal quilt...the block is lovely...thank you, again!😁💕

mi'chele said...

I have cut my freezer paper to try your method on the next block. I love this challenge because it is a challenge! But I am determined to do this because the results are so beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Hey Toby, I've been an enthusiastic pp-er since the '90s, but when I tried your freezer paper method, it set me free from the ripping and frustration when having to seam rip. I tried someone else's fp method on the Internet, but it didn't work well for me, so I gave up on the idea. Thanks for making it simple.
Marty Anderson

SharonD said...

This is so much fun, can't wait to learn more.

Unknown said...

I am so thrilled to be participating in this paper piecing quilt. I have learned so very much from just the first block and looking forward to learning a lot more. The people I have interacted with are amazing. I saw a picture of a previous mystery quilt you did and wish I had seen that one. Thank you so very much for all you do.


Unknown said...

Thanks for the interesting designs for these blocks. I've pulled my fabrics but I have 3 bedsize UFO's that have to be finished before I will let myself start something new. Love all your tips and tutorials to keep us on track!

Unknown said...

Thanks for getting me started with paper piecing. I am loving the comraderie of the Mystery Block Challenge. I’m still not sure of when to remove the paper.

Judy U. said...

Thank you for the challenge been a while since I had done paperpiecing. Completed the first block was a challenge needed to start again.

On the block 2&3!

Michelle said...

Thank You for the beautiful design and for sharing. I am enjoying making the mystery quilt and look forward to seeing the final quilt. I am starting to see again after taking some years off. It is nice to learn different techniques and add to the knowledge that I have picked up. Thank you again Toby.

Michelle Fields


Unknown said...

I really enjoyed reading your blogs today on current block one and three . This is my first time finding you blog to read. Instructions very helpful to increase my knowledge for putting these together. I too have fibromyalgia, I have had for over 25 yrs.since diagnosis. Well under control now with meds, Dr's and lifestyle adjustment. I really appreciated the support groups at the beginning of diagnosis, it helped to know I was not alone, even though each person has different symptoms and different treatments work for some and not for others. Prayers going out for you to conquer fatigue and brain fog.

Unknown said...

I just love the mystery quilt. Can't wait to see the end results! Thank you! Terry R

Anonymous said...

Someone posted that there is an error on block #9 template page. Is that true?

Idgie said...

Thank you so much for sharing this challenge Toby. I am excited to see how it comes together. I completely understand the fibromyalgia althoughI am yet to get a diagnosis from a doctor. Hope you find healing.