When I found out that my sweet friend Penny was writing a book, I immediately knew that it would be a great one. Truly. It may seem like I review a lot around here, but I really try to focus on the items that are definite moments of special work. And Penny’s book does not disappoint. Clearly focused on paper piecing, a passion of Penny’s, her book is a great resource for both learning paper piecing and finding an abundance of modern yet retro inspired patterns.
I interviewed Penny about her book to give us all some insight into her work. I hope you all enjoy! And of course, we’ll have a giveaway of a copy of her book.
A: Penny, when did you really start paper piecing? Was it truly for bee blocks? Or did you try foundation piecing earlier?
I had to do a little digging, and I did find a flying geese block that was my first paper pieced block from August 2009. I completely forgot about that! Soon after, I completed this paper foundation string quilt that I won a contest for on Sew Mama Sew!
A: I am lucky enough to know you a bit (though we’ve still never met in person!) and I love how the book reflects your love of all things retro. The cover just makes me smile because it feels so “you”. Do you have a favorite collection of retro items that are not fabric in your home? I have a feeling I will want to start collecting whatever you do.
That is such a thoughtful thing to say! Yes, I love most milkglass, Cathrineholm pieces and Dansk Kobenstyle pots. Each of them are meager collections though as I have a very strong sense of making sure I use anything I collect, especially collections in my kitchen. For the most part, if I haven’t used it at least once in the last year, out the door it goes!
A: One of my favorite things about paper pieced blocks is the careful attention you can put into each little piece. Is there an all time favorite fabric line that you return to because it is just the right scale or color scheme? Or do mix and match from all kinds of designers?
Hmm, I can’t say that there’s a specific fabric line I have as a go to! I do love to use linen, so I keep a pretty good collection of that in my closet to pull from. Also, if I find the perfect sized dot, I buy it. I love using 1/8″-ish dots as backgrounds in my blocks.
A: In addition to the fine details of fabric selection, I love those blocks with careful additions of extra materials like embroidery floss. It makes each piece even more of a piece of art. What is your go to for adding extra attention to a paper pieced design? Stamping? Floss? Buttons? Appliqued fabric? etc.
It really depends on how the quilt or project will be used. If the project will be washed often, I prefer to go with fussy cutting or embroidery for that extra design element. If the project is going to be hung on a wall, I might stamp or print with my printer. And under no circumstances do I ever use buttons. Using buttons as embellishments reminds me too much of the 70’s and 80’s in a bad kind of way 🙂
A: Paper pieced patterns can be pretty intense to tackle. So I think they are often used in individual projects to show off all of the work. Do you prefer to do this with your blocks or do you make paper pieced sampler quilts with your blocks? (And if your book blocks are not all in a quilt, I hope someone does that!)
You are so right! It seems like paper pieced blocks are their own little pieces of artwork most of the time and to think about making 40 of one paper pieced block for a quilt is overwhelming to me. I do however have two larger paper pieced quilts in the works but besides the scraps to treasure string quilt, I think I’ve only ever paper pieced one other large quilt. And it was only a snowball block. But there were 280 blocks and I thought it would kill me. As far as the blocks in my book all being in one quilt, I’ve thought about taking all the blocks from my book and making one huge quilt out of them!
A: Any last advice for someone just starting out paper piecing?
Cut larger pieces of fabric than you think you will need to cover each area. You will thank me!
Thank you Penny for that wonderful insight into your work. And I totally agree with that last tip. Ask me how I know! lol
Congrats to the lucky winner!
# 2 CarolMarch
I love the precision but the tearing of the paper is also oddly satisfying!
I love the detail work that you ca get from paper piecing. Such fun projects!
I love the precision I get with paper piecing. Now I just need to learn how to sew the curves to attach my NYB to the background – sure wish that could be paper pieced too!
I love the preciseness of paper piecing and how you can make any shape with it
I love all the precise points in paper piecing. I also like all the creative illustrative blocks that can made with the technique!
Lovely post, thank you! I've always been afraid to try paper piecing, but I feel inspired! Thanks for a lovely give away. 🙂
Love this. Very cute ideas. Love to make fun things.
Love this. Very cute ideas. Love to make fun things.
I haven't yet tried paper piecing but I think it's about time I did! I'd love to learn to make the retro couch from this book that I've seen all over instagram.
I always liked button embellishments until you said that. CT mtntop2@netptc.net
LOL! I'm sorry Weezie! Please don't let my preferences influence your personal style 🙂
I really enjoy paper piecing. Perhaps it is because I can make a picture of something that I can't do another way, and it is fun to see the picture emerge. I love the things in your pictures. This book will definitely have to go on my wish list. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net
I just got this book from the library and it is fantastic! I've never paper pieced before, but I love the amount of detail you can get in the block! As far as organizing…I could use some hints myself! Thanks for the chance.
emyerly(at)outlook(dot)com
Love the shoe ! Thanks for the Chance.
I absolutely love paper piecing! I am always so interested in finding new patterns. Thank you for the chance
I haven't paper-pieced in a long time. Would like to get back into it though!
I love paper piecing, you can get such intricate blocks.
I love paper piecing, you can get such intricate blocks.
I have accumulated many paper piecing patterns, but I haven't made any yet. I must start though, because you can get such interesting blocks! (hopefully, this comment doesn't show up twice
I love the fantastic designs you can make with paper piecing. I'm a fan of using templates to cut the fabric pieces, it helps to not waste so much fabric.
I can't believe I waited this long to try paper piecing! I love the level of detail they deliver. I look forward to learning more!
I love love paperpiecing all the geeky characters that my teenage and twenty something kids love. I have made Doctor who, Zelda , Game of thrones, converse shoes just to name a few. They all think I'm pretty cool when I can make something they love 🙂
I like paper piecing as you can create awesome pictures with it that make really special projects!
I'm a big fan of paper piecing. It's most satisfying when all the pieces are put together to form the picture. Love the platform shoe!!
fabricstasher24@gmail.com
Angela, thank you for interviewing and sharing Penny's book. One would think she's been at this forever w/her talented self but really only less than a decade. I'm totally new to paper piecing, have done only one small 9" star…..and YES thank you Penny……..cut bigger than you think:)
I have not paper pieces before, but I would like to give it a try. As far as organizing, my best tip is to make sure you are in the right frame of mind before starting any major purging project. There is no point in attempting if you are not in "purge mode.":-)
I haven't tried paper piecing but would love to learn how!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Paper piecing appeals to me because of the accuracy. When I organize, I find that if I break my decluttering time in 10 or 20 minute time blocks each day, a lot can be accomplished without disrupting my daily routine. It all adds up.
I have not done much paper piecing. The blocks you have shown from the book look adorable and not too difficult(famous last words). I would like to try this.
I just love how detailed you can get with paper piecing. Thanks for sharing the fun interview with Penny.
I just love paper piecing intricate designs as they jump off the page and gain new life as fabric! Perfect corners everytime!
I love the detail I can achieve with paper piecing. I tried for the first time last year and have been building a list of things to try ever since. There are a few in this book that I'd LOVE to try to help decorate my new apartment!!
I'm still trying to get the hang of paper piecing so I can do some of Penny's blocks!