Okay woodenzoo, I'm in. Don't know how many I'll do, but we'll see how this one goes...

Thanks for coordinating this.

Odessa

Cathy, I'm in on this one too. I'll commit to a final number after I try one to see the level of difficulty. Those are precious.

Cathy, I'm in on this too. Not sure how many I'll do. Tara

hello
I want to try this one, it looks easyer than the tea cup.
I will let you know how many I can do after I try it.
thanks
michelle

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope -
3. Tdsully -
4. Micyrey -
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)

Alright ladies, we are off to a good start!

Let us know how they go.
That helps me out when it comes time to choosing blocks for the lottos
and hopefully, it will encourage others to give it a try too!
Thanks!
Cathy

hello
YAY I just did my first paper piecing block, it came out great.
I will make 3 for the lotto, I can't thank you enough for showng me this one. I can see I will be making alot of these this year.
just 2 questions
#1 do I stitch around the out side edge of the block?

#2 do I take off the paper, and if so how?

thanks
michelle

You got it, you really got it!
CONGRATULATIONS Michelle! I knew you could do it!

You do not need to stitch around the outside edges. This may be done when one removes the paper (for whatever reason that may be) to help stabilize the edges. When you leave the paper on, this is not necessary.
So the answer to your second question would be, no, do not remove the paper. Paper should be removed only when adjoining squares have been added or when the quilt top is complete. Leaving the paper on also aids in sewing the squares together as the sewing lines are marked and you can check the accuracy of the seams before sewing by using a straight pin through the seam lines to be sure they meet correctly before sewing. (hope that part makes sense)

On a slightly different subject, did anyone see the Fons and Porter show on curved paper piecing that aired this morning? LOL I've been looking for paper pieced (not English PP'ing) GFG and patterns that I can use that curved piecing technique on. I loved it and can't wait to give it a try!
Cathy

Cathy, I'm on vacation this weekend, but have a question: what type of papers does everyone else use for their paper piecing? I usually print mine onto copy paper and work with that, but I don't want to use something that "thick" if everyone else uses something lighter. Any advice?

Odessa

I just use the printer paper and I set my stitch length to 1.6 - 1.8. The shorter stitch length helps to perforate the paper for easier removal.
Some other tips...
Run the paper through the un-threaded sewing machine first to perforate the sewing lines. This also helps with paper removal.
Tighten your top tension just a smudge to help prevent the stitches from pulling out when removing the paper.
To remove papers, gently tug diagonally and a lot of the paper will just 'pop' from the seams. Some paper will be stubborn and you can fold and refold on the sewing line to help loosen it.
I've heard you can also dampen the paper to weaken it, but I haven't felt the need to try this yet.
Have tweezers on hand to get those small pieces of paper that get stuck in the corners and the little bits that get left in the seam.
Anyone else have any hints and tips you'd like to share?

Check out the link below for more basic instructions from Jennifer Ofenstein (from Sewhooked). She also has other links near the bottom that look interesting and helpful. There's one for designing and one on sewing more complex patterns.
Cathy

Here is a link that might be useful: sewhooked paper piecing step by step

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope -
3. Tdsully -
4. Micyrey - 3
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)

You still have plenty of time to join us for this lotto!

And once again I forgot to mention the block lotto map!
Please add your name to the map (if you haven't done so already)
and if your name is drawn as the winner, I will send a fat quarter along with your blocks.
Cathy

Here is a link that might be useful: Block Lotto Map

Just a reminder that you have plenty of time left to join this lotto as you have until the end of November to get the blocks in.
Cathy

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope -
3. Tdsully - 3 Received
4. Micyrey - 3 Received
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)

Tara and Michelle, your pretty little blocks arrived today.
These are going to make such a cute project!
Cathy

For the first time I am sending in blocks for the paper pieced lotto! I'm so excited! I like this little wonky tree and decided it was time for me to get over my fear of paper piecing. AND I DID! I made three of them tonight. Well... actually I made four but the first one - my first ever paper piecing - was bad because I trimmed one piece too small. But once I got it, they went together very fast. I made the 3 for the lotto and 2 more for a Christmas wallhanging I'm working on. What a productive night!

A special thanks to Cathy for her encouragement and for sending the cutting list!

I'm in! Please put me down for 3 blocks.

Kate
(Woo Hoo! Today paper piecing; Tomorrow the World!)

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope -
3. Tdsully - 3 Received
4. Micyrey - 3 Received
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)
6. Solstice98 - 3

WooHoo! Kate's got it too!
Congratulations Kate!
I can't wait to see your wall hanging too.

If any others have been thinking about joining in, there is still plenty of time.
As you can see, this is a pretty easy block to start with if you've never paper pieced before. ;)
Cathy

Can you clarify this part of the directions:

"If you make more than one block, you may use different fabrics in each block, but they should be the same fabric in each individual block."

I've read it three or four times, and I still am not getting what you mean. Thanks!

I think it mean all the red in one block must be the same red, not scrappy. And all the green the same green. But if you make three blocks you don't have to use the same red in all of them.
Does that make sense?
Kate

I should pay more attention to my typing after midnight!
I meant to say "I think it MEANS..."

Ooooooooh. Yes, I guess it does. When you look at the picture of the block, the brain does not compute that there are more than one piece of red/green etc. in each block. I never even thought of making it scrappy. LOL. Thanks, Kate.

Thanks for the clarification~I am trying to get to this on my list, and the fabrics I picked out would have made the tree levels different (me who doesn't particularly care for scrappy!) still only using 3 fabrics. Making the tree 1 color makes fabric selection easier.

Kate-the PP class I took showed me how to correct a "too short piece". When you learn how to do this, it will make life simpler. I hope I can explain. Using the same fabric - just add a piece in the too short area sewing in a diagonal line RS together. (Pull the paper back first out of the way). You may need to take out the stitching a bit on the ajoining piece(s). Flip, press, and proceed with the pattern restitching the ajoining pieces. I am no expert on PP - but I took two really hard classes from this instructor. Once you get the hang of being able to correct this mistake and still be able to use your piece, you will feel much less timid about PPing. Try it -esp on this Wonky Tree for your wall hanging. On a few areas (on my crab) I had to add a teeney piece just to cover the seam allowance where I was afraid it was too short. Hope this helps!

I had to do that on a monthly lotto block, after spending much time and wasting a lot of gas hunting for more material to finish one tiny piece, after I had done a bad cut and ran myself short. It was either that, or pitch two good blocks. It's no different than making a long length of binding, where it's typical to have to splice in two pieces. It was undetectable, btw.

Thanks. I did figure out how to fix the 'short cuts'. With p'piecing it's so easy because it's all about the angles. I'm in love with this now that I've got the hang of it.

Just to show how easy it is, here are pictures of my wonky trees; my first ever paper piecing. I like how easy it is to fussy cut so that I was able to get a dove for the trunk of the first tree and a spiral for the green trunk. The first picture is the trees for the lotto and the second is the slightly larger version for my wall hanging. I think I'm going to try my hand this weekend at making up a wonky star to go with the trees!

Kate

Kate, lovely job! I'm in love with PP'g, too, right now, especially for things where I want really precise points. (You'll see when you get Marie's RR center...)

Odessa

Sorry I haven't gotten back sooner, but yes, Kate said it better than I did.

I agree, those are great blocks Kate!

(Still time to join in!) ;)
Cathy

It took me a while to get the blocks in the mail, but they are finally stamped and in the 'out box' today! You should have them in a couple days, Cathy.

Kate

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope -
3. Tdsully - 3 Received
4. Micyrey - 3 Received
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)
6. Solstice98 - 3

Kate, thanks for letting me know they're on the way. I'll be watching for them.
Cathy

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope -
3. Tdsully - 3 Received
4. Micyrey - 3 Received
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)
6. Solstice98 - 3 Received

Kate, your blocks arrived this afternoon. Looking good! :)
Thanks!
Cathy

I just used paper piecing in two more projects. Now that I've learned how to do it, I want to paper piece everything. LOL I encourage everyone who hasn't tried it to give this pattern a try. It's WAY easier than you think!

Kate

Cathy, just a head's up. I finished one of the paper piecing Wonky trees. I'm going to send it and the one November lotto block (tube block) together in one envelope. They'll be posted Monday and you should get them by Wednesday of next week.

Nice little block, and I enjoyed doing it.

I've lost your postal address, can you please email it to me? Thanks

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope - 1 Received
3. Tdsully - 3 Received
4. Micyrey - 3 Received
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)
6. Solstice98 - 3 Received

Calliope, your pretty block arrived yesterday. :)
Thanks!
Cathy

Cathy, I will be mailing my 3 blocks today. I still find paper piecing a challenge. I don't know how many times I was ripping and restitching. It is probably just me. The angles and being backwards just messes me up. Oh, well, the results are worth it and I guess I just need more practice.
Thanks, Nancy (Stitches)

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope - 1 Received
3. Tdsully - 3 Received
4. Micyrey - 3 Received
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)
6. Solstice98 - 3 Received
7. Stitches - 3

Hi Nancy, I'm sorry, I had put you on the wrong list! It's up-to-date now and I'll be on the lookout for your package!
Thanks!
Cathy

1. Odessaquilts -
2. Calliope - 1 Received
3. Tdsully - 3 Received
4. Micyrey - 3 Received
5. Woodenzoo - 3(here)
6. Solstice98 - 3 Received
7. Stitches - 3 Received

Nancy, your fantastic blocks arrived today! You did a great job on them!
Thanks!
Cathy

Almost time for the drawing! I'm holding my breath!

Kate

Oh, my! I just realized that today is the 29th. Even if I had them completed, my blocks would not go in the mail until tomorrow and so would not arrive in time for the drawing. I guess you can go ahead and draw the winner. My life seems to be getting in my way of late ....

Odessa