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THE FAR SIDE...It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) in fact I rarely design or make anything patchwork in any other technique. I love the accuracy that the technique gives, and the ability to reproduce complicated or pictorial blocks. I take great pleasure in teaching FPP and relish seeing my students have that lightbulb moment when it all starts to make sense! There is no denying that working back-to-front takes some getting used to.There are several methods of FPP and it is worth trying different tutors instructions' to find the one that suits you, or amalgamating the parts you like best from each method - as long as the end results are all you hoped for, it doesn't matter how you get there. You don't need any specialist equipment to have a go, but there are a few useful tips I would like to pass on to the novice and experienced alike: Accurate sewing, the designer has printed all the seamlines for you to sew on - all the hard work has been done for you! Yes, a couple of millimetres to one side or the other of that line really does make a difference. Draw some lines on paper and practise stitching on them. Efficient pressing is as important with FPP as it is with any form of patchwork, but don't use a steam iron as you will make the paper soggy and unworkable. Trim as you go, long threads and excess fabric will get in your way otherwise and make your finished block over bulky. I am probably not the best person to preach about starting with something small/simple since that is not how I learn myself (I always want start with the most complicated one of anything - I like the challenge) but in this instance I would recommend that you do as I say, not do as I do. Once you have mastered the technique you will have opened the door to the most amazing range of designs, large, small and miniature! Have a play with the KIMONO block I have included at the bottom of the Newsletter - it comes in two sizes: 6 inches and 2 inches. Even if FPP isn't your bag, I hope you will be inspired by the images we have included in this issue and perhaps, you never know, you might give it a try? AitchBee and Helen Howes Contact us direct on newsletter@modernartquilters.co.uk Why not forward this message to your quilty friends who might enjoy our ramblings. They can CLICK HERE to go straight to our newsletter sign up page. HEADER IMAGE: BAMBOOZLED Block of the Month by AItchBee |
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 FPP fun with HB's Block of the Month programmes - get a monthly fix sent straight to your in-box! |
 From the sublime to the ridiculous? HB's FPP patterns for miniatures - great for mug rugs, greetings cards, pin badges... |
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Click on any picture in this Newsletter to read more. These are mostly links to external websites and blogs - have fun and enjoy looking!  |
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I do love the way you can make curved images from straight lines when you are working in FPP, and this SHORELINE SHELLS pattern is a prime example. It can be found on the Whole Circle Studio blog where Sheri has also given us 5 essential tips for FPP - well worth a read. | ||||||
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Fiona of PATTERNTRACE has very kindly rounded up a whole load of free FPP patterns - in her own words "Find lots of free foundation paper pieced patterns in this post. From Star wars to butterflies, TV characters to detailed traditional quilt blocks" | ||||||
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LINA PATCHWORK, who we have mentioned in previous Newsletters, are more usually associated with English Paper Piecing (EPP), so why are we bringing them into this edition? Well, the article we have linked to gives a very good explanation of the difference between FPP and EPP. If you are at all confused, please do read.
If you are also interested in EPP, LINA do a fantastic range of pre-cut papers in different shapes as well as acrylic templates and other hand sewing aids. |
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The next outing for the MAQ ROADSHOW will be to see our friends at the QGBI Region 8 BIG 24 EXHIBITION - all welcome.
A fantastic exhibition of quilts made by local makers - amateur and professional - with traders, demonstrations, tombola and raffle. Plus excellent meals and refreshments available in the Barns new Roots Cafe Friday 26th to Sunday 28th April 2024 10am to 4pm (10am to 3pm Sunday) Join us there: Blackthorpe Barns, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. IP30 9HZ |
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If you learn better by being shown, this video could be just the thing for you. On the GATHERED website Lynne Goldsworty, an excellent tutor, shows you just how to do FPP.
There are advantages and disadvantages to any form of teaching - attending a class would always be my first choice of ways to learn, but I know this is not always practical. The advantage of a video is that you can rewind and playback any part you are unsure of. |
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HH was rather taken with this MODERN CROW pattern available to purchase from Sasha Quilts via the Etsy sales platform. I think it is the combination of black and orange she finds appealing - she does love her gothy and Hallowe'en colours!
Considering how simple the shapes used in the block are, it is an excellent rendition of a crow - it certainly couldn't be mistaken for any other bird. |
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I have an enormous soft spot for PAPER PANACHE who are an American FPP specialist company. The very first commercial pattern I made, before I was designing my own patterns, was from these guys (search Tiger on their website to see what I made - no one ever told me FPP was difficult, consequently I never found it so!) That was in the days before "downloads" when you had to wait for the paper pattern to arrive from the USA by post. I have made several of their lovely designs over the years - large and small - as well as many blocks from their huge library of FREE PATTERNS. | ||||||
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This KIMONO block was the first FPP block I designed for myself and it's time I shared it with the world. It now appears, in two sizes with full instructions for the FPP technique, on the MAQ FREE QUILT PATTERNS webpage. Have fun with Japanese taupe, indigo and rusty red like these examples, or mix it up with some vibrant modern colours!
While you are on our website, be sure to check out the other FREE patterns and blocks we have available to download, including the whole of last year's Block of the Month programme which is still available - with FPP and improv blocks. |
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When I walked through the door at The Cotton Club Quilt Show last weekend, this fantastic piece leapt out at me. This is VENUS by Pippa Moss, a local artist known more for her Hawaiian quilts. Made from a pattern by GE Designs, it is not actually an FPP block, but I would make it in FPP - I am amazed at Pippa's accuracy.
I am sorry my photo doesn't do justice to the amazingly vibrant Tim Hotlz fabric from his "Abandoned" range, nor to the excellent long-arm quilting by | ||||||
| Daisy May Quilting of Martlesham. | |||||||
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Not quite "I wish I'd made that..." more like "I wish I'd got on with that"
HH bought this great deaths-head moth pattern, FLAME SEEKER by Lilly Ella Stitchery, some time ago but has been too busy with other projects to start on it. I think we all know what that's like don't we? |
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Oh boy, where do I start? Or rather, where do I stop! This month's Pinterest board THE FAR SIDE has lots of pins, we had no problem populating this board - quite the reverse (appropriately)
Again showing you can make curves from straight lines, these amazing leaves are by Sarah Elizabeth Sharp appear in her book: Adventures in Paper Piecing and Design (C&T Publishing ISBN 13/EAN: 9781617455575) |
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