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English paper piecing for a Grandmothers flower garden quilt.

 Each piece in the quilt is pinned to its own paper pattern piece. The paper serves as a guide for sewing and a support for the pieces.Freezer paper can be used for this, but if you iron it on then you will have to make a pattern for each block. I like to reuse the patterns so I try to use a heavy paper that will hold up.

Years ago women would use newspaper for patterns and leave the papers in the block. This was to add extra warmth. If you find a vintage quilt that makes a rustling sound then it might have papers left in the quilt. I will not leave the papers in my quilt, this way the quilt can be washed if needed.

To paper piece a hexagon pattern, a paper hexagon is placed on the wrong side of a fabric hexagon and held with a pin. The fabric has been cut 1/4 inch larger than the paper hexagon to allow for seam allowance which is turned down over the edge of the paper and basted in place.

 Next the edges of two pieces are lined up with their front sides together and whipstitched.Remove the papers after the hexagons are sewn together.

These are very simple to do and make great 'take-along' work. I have done many of these blocks,but have not completed a quilt with them yet. Someday I will:)

Just for fun, try to make one or two hexagons, you can make them any size. Be careful though.......these can be very addicting:)

         maa's mom

Quilting

I have found a wonderful blog that is dedicated to quilting. This woman is a very talented quilter and has shared many pictures of her quilts. Go here to see them. http://lucyquilting.blogspot.com/2008/03/purple-quilt-i.html    

                  maa's mom