Hand piecing anyone?

Title: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: tlcquiltnut on February 06, 2008, 08:33:20 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was wondering if there are any hand peicers around this forum. I love to do it. Last spring for my demonstration I taught myself. Real simple just need a ruler(unless your eye for 1/4" is better than mine) a lead pencil, fabric, template(opt), needle thread. All goes in a baggie real easy.
I am doing it this spring too so have to get that army cot quilt done and a couple more that are period knock offs. Oh , and this pioneer may need a new dress! ;D tlcquiltnut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: jennQT1 on February 06, 2008, 08:57:44 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've just started hand piecing a UFO from a class I took with my mom in 2003 on how to Hand Piece. It's the baby block pattern. I'm hoping to finish my mom's project by Mother's day to suprise her as I'm pretty sure she's forgotten about that class.

I'm enjoying it a lot more than I thought...when I took the class I didn't really like it thus the UFO but now I'm better with needle and thread I guess because I think I'll probably do more hand piecing.

Jenn


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: tlcquiltnut on February 06, 2008, 01:02:21 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good for you Jen. She will love it, because you made it for her....
You are right about getting better with needle and thread. We do tend to get better as time goes on.
Put pictures when you get it finished, we would like to see. tlcquiltnut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Merry Bee on February 06, 2008, 01:04:31 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If there ever was a block that needed hand piecing, that is it! Those Y seams are easier to do by hand, IMHO.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: gimpy cat on February 06, 2008, 02:17:26 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sat last night hand pieceing some of those hexagon pieces together. I love hand pieceing, my first bed quilt is hand pieced, a flannel churn dash. Its so peaceful and you can do it anywhere, I have a little clear perspex/plastic thing, its square in shape and about 12" long, its a perfect 1/4", you lay it along hte seam and mark with a pencil, perfect seams every time. I take a book in the car and mark all my 1/4" seams on drives


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: finisher on February 06, 2008, 02:25:30 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My first quilt was hand pieced. a Grandmother's Flower Garden. I also did a queen sized tumbling block top two years ago. There are some patterns that lend themselves to hand piecing very well. I enjoy watching a quilt top grow right in my hands..but prefer the speed of the rotary cutter and machine. Back when I started quilting..all quilts were made by making your own templates and tracing around with a pencil and cutting each piece one at a time. ;D If I could meet the maker of the rotary cutter and mat..and rulers..I'd give them a big kiss! :-*


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: tlcquiltnut on February 06, 2008, 03:18:50 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amen Finisher.
There is a quilt in the American Patchwork this month, that is going to be my hand piecing project for the demonstation in the spring. I will have to look up the name of it for you. Later though. tlcquiltnut


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Gnomatter on June 16, 2008, 10:49:49 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love to hand piece quilts, too! I finished my DWR and just started cutting out a hand piecing project called the Nantucket Star - I may adapt the pattern a bit. I am also piecing an apple core. I found a website, although I have not bought any yet, that has stamps for fabric to eliminate tracing! http://www.bykate.com (http://www.bykate.com).
I find the whole process so relaxing and portable!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: betweens on June 17, 2008, 01:12:46 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gnomatter.. great to see you!! yes I love hand work!! Like finisher I too started out with the template and made a couple of quilts..one was given to my parents and they finally gave it back all worn with love... Mom felt bad they wore it out but I said that is what it is for!!

Hand applique is what I love to work with...I have thought about pulling out a project I had started hand piecing the carpenters wheel.. I would love to get that one done. Finisher described exactly how I feel about a quilt developing infront of you as you relax.

I wonder how JennQ is doing on her quilt..? hmmmmmmm

Deb


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: gimpy cat on June 17, 2008, 03:11:24 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gnomatter, we miss you around here, oh please find a way to lock your wicked mama up so you can have a few hours peace to come hang out with us We are keeping your spot warm anytime you can get online to say hi. Ladies you are making me want to hand sew, I did some hand quilting on sunday in the car but you have me thinking of hand piecing, hmmm what could I do? I have those hexagons to stitch onto the background block - darn I packed them today.Ok Im off of here before you give me bad ideas - I should be packing :whistling:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: finisher on June 17, 2008, 03:48:25 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's so nice to see you Gnomatter! You know I've been seeing Garden gnomes everywhere this year..and I always think of you!
I think the last I knew..you were trying to decide on a border for the DWR? So..you got that done? That has to feel good huh?
I'm not familiar with the Nantucket star...but I know the applecore and like that one! Those stamps are such a good idea. I recently did a quilt where I had to draw out templates for the whole thing..Queen sized. :1087: Tracing those templates was a pain.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: breezepines2002 on June 17, 2008, 06:20:14 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

tlc, I love hand piecing, I often keep one project going in the car at all times for those traffic jams,waiting in drive thrus etc,, glad you are taking it up and liking it, a dieing art, it is.. bonnie


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: imaqltr2 on June 17, 2008, 10:10:03 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hand piecing is the way to go if you are working on small blocks. I was a machine piecer for decades, (mostly because my hand stitching would make a cat laugh)
My first formal class was Georgia Bonesteel's lap quilting. I went with E Burns, (I was working with 3 small children, strip quilting with her methods was the only way I could get any done.
Mary E Hopkins book, it's okay to sit on my quilt gave me permission to quick piece and machine quilt (on my tredle singer) and not worry about the quilt police..."if it isn't hand pieced and hand quilted...is it really a quilt?"
Darned straight it is! Traditional is wonderful, but when I think of all the joy I would have missed if I had stayed on "the straight path" I get a little shiver.
Now my grandD is working on her own designs for 6" blocks done by hand and quilted by hand....funny ole world isn't it.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: tlcquiltnut on June 17, 2008, 06:41:47 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I finished all the 4 patches I brought with me, and really want to do more. I think I have something like 36 done by hand piecing. Never in my life did I ever think that hand piecing would be fun............BUT IT IS! :afro:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: gimpy cat on June 17, 2008, 07:09:53 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

its addictive, its soothing and peaceful and relaxing, its rewarding and makes you feel content and you can do it anywhere - no sore shoulders from sitting at the machine!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: quilton on June 18, 2008, 04:42:12 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gnomater, I've been wondering how you are. I still have my "hot pepper" fabric waiting for a project. Its a keeper, so it has to be something for me!
I've just started hand piecing. Sylvia's has a grandmother's flower garden block which is English paper piecing, so that got me going. Now, I'm making "mug mats" with a flower as the center piece. Nice and relaxing in the evening while DH has the tv going. Takes me awhile, but if nothing else I've got time!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: finisher on June 18, 2008, 05:15:04 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gee Tammy..you did good..too bad you didn't bring more? When I did the tumbling blocks quilt by hand it was fun. I would just sit in the evening and sew the pieces and was surprised at how much I got done. Then sewing the blocks together was really fun. The quilt top kept growing in my hands!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Gnomatter on June 18, 2008, 09:04:21 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Everyone!!!! I miss you all so much...and I will try to get on more. Had two grandkids to watch all day. :yahoo:
I find that hand quilting goes faster than I think. I need to spend more time cutting. I was sewing a few blocks and now I'm out!
Finisher, the DWR is pieced...however it is waiting for me to do the Applique across the top only. It's not much but for someone who has hardly appliqued, it's initimidating. I want to do it well, so I am waiting! I know, CHICKEN! The Nantucket Star is actually the Lemoyne Star in squares of 4. I am thinking of doing just a single Lemoyne Star per block. The Volcano of seams in the center is my biggest concern. If I make the block bigger, it's not as bad!
Tammy, I hope you are keeping busy. With hand piecing, more is better!!!! Can I send you something to work on?? LOL!!! Feel better soon!
Gimpy, how is your packing going? Just what you need, hand piecing! LOL!!!! Trying to get my mother hand piecing my left over DWR pieces...she doesn't like it!!!!!
Quilton! Mug mats? That sounds fun! Is that in the hexagons also? I love the Grandmother's FLower Garden!
HI Betweens! You are always soooo busy! What is the secret to great hand applique? I need courage!!!
Happy hand piecing!!!!!!!!!!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: abertquiltmom9 AQM9 on June 19, 2008, 12:56:22 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow, Lynda......so glad to hear from you. Sounds like some little ones have been keeping you busy. Any pictures of your handpiecing? Hope you get time to check in more often........
I have never done handpiecing, hope someday to give it a try!!!

Alicia


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: finisher on June 19, 2008, 04:25:49 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for telling me what the Nantucket star is. I've never seen it done as a group of four..or called that! On that design your 1/4" seam allowance really matters. I can't tell you how many lone stars/lemoyne stars I've seen on ebay ..never finished because they wouldn't lay flat. :1087:
I took a peek in your web link. The DWR is gorgeous! I just love your fabrics. Don't be afraid of the applique. Give it a try. You might be surprised how nice it looks and it's easier than you think. When you do the applique..don't cut the background fabric away. If for some reason you're not happy with the way it looks..it can be removed and done over. The last photo in there..it looks like the quilt Rosey from the old site was trying to figure out. Is that what it is? It sure looks like the photo she had!
The GKs will keep you busy..but it's so fun to be able to be in their lives and watch them grow.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Krafty Lady on June 19, 2008, 08:50:33 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When you hand piece do you do the English PP or just regular way?? i have a Seven Sisters and GFG I am working on and just wondered which way you do them. Norma

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: quilton on June 19, 2008, 01:17:24 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: Gnomatter on June 18, 2008, 09:04:21 PM

Quilton! Mug mats? That sounds fun! Is that in the hexagons also? I love the Grandmother's FLower Garden!


Hi Linda.
Here's a photo of the mug mats. I found them in the summer 2008 edition of Quilts and More. Nice evening hand work. These are done the English PP way. I like doing it.....nice and relaxing-----------------sometimes!!!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: TxMaryQuilts on June 19, 2008, 01:19:52 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Those are really cute. I think I have that mag but must of looked through it too fast cause I don't remember these. I will have to go look again.

Is it hard to do binding on a circle?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: finisher on June 19, 2008, 01:21:19 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Those are really cute!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Pawstoquilt on June 19, 2008, 01:22:00 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bev--those mug mats are downright cute.


COULD THIS BE A CLASS???????

Hey Tammy--where are you?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Cottonpicker on June 19, 2008, 02:33:22 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Norma, If I were going to make a Seven Sisters I would definitely do the PP. LOL

I love the little mug mats.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Krafty Lady on June 19, 2008, 03:35:04 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Love the mug mats too, Oh great it's lightining and raining, just what we don't need talk later , I'm off here before I get fried!!! Norma


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Gnomatter on June 19, 2008, 08:53:10 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just love those, Bev!!! So cute! You find the neatest projects and I love the colors you used.

Hi Alicia! I will try to add one of the little stars I am currently working on.... (http://thumb11.webshots.net/t/60/660/1/57/82/2810157820097974351lxaVhd_th.jpg)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: quilton on June 20, 2008, 05:18:56 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: TxMaryQuilts on June 19, 2008, 01:19:52 PM
Those are really cute. I think I have that mag but must of looked through it too fast cause I don't remember these. I will have to go look again.

Is it hard to do binding on a circle?

Hi Mary:
No, binding a circle isn't hard, BUT you do have to cut your binding on the bias. Don't stretch it while you are working with it either.
Linda, I love that star. How many are you making? I just finished showing a couple of girls how to do that dreaded "y" seam.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Gnomatter on June 20, 2008, 09:18:50 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bev, that is a sample...6" block! I decided to make it a 12" ...you know all those seams will drive me crazy! The pattern calls for 4 of these blocks per block, connected by squares on point! Too many seams for me! I am making a mock up right now...not too happy with it, so will use the single block. I am going to use that as a wall hanging for 4th of July.
I cannot believe I had that magazine with the mug mats IN MY HAND!!!!..I was really admiring the patriotic table runner and never noticed the cute little mug mats! Why oh why didn't I buy that!! :1087: I think I will go get it tomorrow as we leave for the weekend!
Oh, It's lightening and thundering out, so I am out of here! Yay...RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: finisher on June 21, 2008, 04:18:09 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your sample block is so cute though! Are you sure you don't want to make 36? :1087: I like your fabrics!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: tlcquiltnut on June 22, 2008, 05:14:15 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I AM HERE I AM HERE !

Yes this would be an excellent class. Maybe when things slow down for Quilton she will be able to do one...she is pretty busy right now butWOW those are just stunning and I certainly would like to do them.
But never fear this sparked my memory. I have a coaster set that would be great for Xmas in July....thanks Quilton ....


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: gimpy cat on June 23, 2008, 04:04:07 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh I love the mug mats and the star block, well done. Gnomatter applique is so easy you are going to hit yourself with the mug mat magazine when you realise it. Its more fun than hand pieceing I think, not sure, mmmmmmmmmm thinking, (yes thats smoke you smell, I dont use my brain much) thinking some more, nope - applique is more fun than hand pieceing for sure

Going through my magazines I hit the payload, one stack, full of antique quilts and the patterns drafted for them, lots of hand piecing, lots of work, lots of dreams of future quilts, hmmmm wonder if I could unpack just that one box and get to my repro fabrics, no wait, I didnt put them in a box, they are sitting patiently on the cupboard in a clear container so I can love on them. So, 6 sleeps to go, hmmmmm which project could I start?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: golo on June 23, 2008, 04:12:10 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OHHHHH! just loving everything..... Quilton love the mug mats and have the mag... oh my, how did I miss those :shocked: Gnomatter love your star pattern.. good luck on it... that would send me :crazy2: Gimpy glad you left some fabric out to stroke.... :rolleyes:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: imaqltr2 on July 10, 2008, 11:48:08 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finisher, your first quilt was GFG? I have been given a shopping bag of hexagons 2 1/2" and they are 60's fabric. Not repro, the real 60/40. I didn't realize how much easier 100% cotton is to hand piece. My first GFG was english paper piecing. A 90 yr old lady gave me an afternoon class and I had to come home and try it. It works so I'm doing these blocks for a xmas 2009LOL


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: finisher on July 10, 2008, 01:26:53 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes..my first quilt was a GFG. I was given the pieces in a box and one of the flowers was sewn together. That's all I had to go on. I didn't know about EPP..I just sewed the pieces together..copying the one block that was done. I had to cut all of the white setting pieces. I just traced around the pieces I had. They were cut fairly accurate..and the whole process was good practice for getting my 1/4" seam right! My finished quilt wasn't perfect..but it wasn't bad either.
Sooo...are you going to EPP? At least you set your deadline waaaaay out there. I think it's fun to do one by hand every once in a while. Lately I've been doing applique in the Summer months when it's too hot to quilt and I want some hand work to do in the evenings. I find if I don't do some kind of handwork in the eves. that I feel sort of lost..and I end up snacking when I'm not even hungry. :1087:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: quilterbee on July 10, 2008, 02:11:54 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jinny Beyer does all her quilts by hand piecing and she has an excellant book out about it. There is also a new book out for hand piecing and she uses the rotary cutter to cut her pieces and chain pieces her pieces but sews them by hand. I think I saw the book at www.pickledish.com. I can't think of the author of that book but it will come up as what's new on that site. I do both. Hand or machine piecing.

Quilterbee



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: quilterbee on July 10, 2008, 02:19:53 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That was the right site I posted. Here is the name of the book and the author's name and what the ad says the book is about.

Portable Patchwork: Who Say You Can't Take it With You? by Donna Thomas
Portable Patchwork by Donna Thomas
No longer does the quilter feel like she has to be shut away from everyone in her sewing room and chained to her sewing machine in order to make a quilt. No matter what is going on or where she is, today’s busy quilter can take her patchwork with her! Author Donna Thomas gives step-by-step instructions on integrating hand and machine piecing skills in this must-have book for busy quilters.

Quilters are shown how to convert skills that are generally used only for machine piecing into hand piecing techniques. The quilter can now chain piece, make folded corners, and use her rotary cutter even while piecing by hand!

Beautiful quilts such as St. Louis Nosegay, Simple Stars and Mariner's Compass are included. The quilt patterns are graded by the level of difficulty with one spool being the easiest and three spools indicating the most difficult. Fourteen patterns are given.

Quilterbee





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: TxMaryQuilts on July 10, 2008, 02:49:22 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks QuilterBee. That's a good link. I am gonna read more about it.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: tlcquiltnut on July 11, 2008, 07:44:04 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AAAhhh yes I love to do
EPP'ing a lady at my LQS has a real nice small book out. Excellent pictures...and it is her hands you see doing the work.
HUMMMM, need to look at this book here quilterbee.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Skye on July 11, 2008, 09:35:55 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have just found this forum :1245:
In the past I have pieced and quilted by machine but over the last 2 years I have completed at least one project a year by hand piecing - still machine quilt. I am currently piecing a classic kaleidoscope quilt from Marti Mitchells kaleidoscope ABcs Isn't it great to have portable work and be able to sit with the family and be sociable while piecing - love it . Also love the fact my points have points hee hee
I am looking forward to hanging out here. link to a photo of my quilt top so far - it needs some borders - any ideas on how to machine quilt it would be great too http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewingskye/2645588466/


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: BearFoot on July 11, 2008, 09:42:43 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow, Skye. Beautiful quilt! I don't have any advice on how to quilt it, but someone will be along soon that is better at that than I am.
I just wanted to say "Welcome" to the forum (sent a PM with a Welcome too... :embarassed: , don't want to be repeating myself...you might think I'm old :2funny:) Anyway, Welcome. Besure to stop by the Chatterbox thread and introduce yourself!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Hand piecing anyone?
Post by: Merry Bee on July 11, 2008, 09:52:12 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is beautiful! I wonder how you would decide on a border for that? It has such movement and form. Please let us see it when you get the borders on.

I agree with you about pride in pointed points! :2funny: It also applies to applique, pointed points are good! When I began to applique I made some apples with angles on the sides instead of curves. :buck2:

I have seldom hand pieced, but I did my log cabin sampler mostly by hand, and pieced it while on the road to Colorado on vacation trips, or to Houston to visit family. I learned to make good mitered corners on the machine, but it is easier to make mitered corners on the logs by hand. Many piecing processes work better if marked and pieced by hand, instead of the cutter method, with exact seam allowances, etc...because of the precision that is possible in hand piecing.