Apparently, even old dogs—or at least middle-age ones—can learn new tricks because look what I’m working on ...
I know! EPP! I was in need of something crafty to do while watching TV with my husband or waiting around at soccer practice. That, paired with the arrival of my Glitz fabrics for the current Michael Miller challenge, compelled me to give English paper piecing a try. And you know what? I really like it. It’s mindless in a good way and surprisingly forgiving.
I did buy a book (All Points Patchwork) to learn more about EPP techniques, but I’ve perused the pictures more than I have read the words. Still, it’s nice to have a good reference should I need it with my hexies or try my hand at other shapes.
I plan to finish this project as a mini that will live in my foyer. The center clover fabric is from the Glitz line. The gray Cotton Couture solid, also by Michael Miller, is left over from the lining of this bag. I plan to sew another border around the gray one, and I originally thought I’d use some of the white Glitz fabric for it. Now I’m realizing that the little tails from the gray border will likely be visible through the white. Grrr! One way or another, I need to make a decision and run with it—this challenge quilt is due at the end of November!
Have you ventured into EPP and can offer some advice to a newbie? I’d appreciate any dos and don’ts you have to share with me!
P.S. For those of you who read the title of this post and thought it might contain something about my new pup (first featured here), this is for you ...
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| Miss Rosie, our four-month-old golden retriever pup. Don’t let the cuteness fool you: These days, she’s a defiant adolescent! |
Linking up to Let’s Bee Social, WIP Wednesday, Needle and Thread Thursday, and Sew Cute Tuesday ...
Welcome to the dark side! EPP is the perfect thing for a portable project and you can't beat the results. You can trim off the dog ears (not Miss Rosie's!) so they don't show through - it shouldn't affect the seam at all once you've stitched one hexie to another :) Have fun!
ReplyDeletePrecious pup, Miss Rosie is adorable. She just looks like she is saying "no, Mom, it wasn't me". Seems like everyone is into hexies these days! Visiting from Let's Bee Social.
ReplyDeleteYou can totally trim those tails off and use that beautiful white glitz fabric. This is going to be great.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love these! You can definitely trim those tails, and the white will give it a lot of punch. And what a cute pup!
ReplyDeleteEPP is the perfect project to do during the evening TV time! I recently became hooked and love it! I'm too new to give advice! I'm working on EPP Plus Blocks right now. They are so fast and easy...
ReplyDeleteLovely EPP. I've just rediscovered an EPP project on the shelf and have also really enjoyed slowly sewing whilst waiting for my girls. And the pup? Well she's just adorable!
ReplyDeleteOoh, this is going to be gorgeous! :) I'm excited for the finish!
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome. I don't know what to do with my fabrics.
ReplyDeleteYour EPPs are beautiful! Miss Rosie is definitely doing a great job with fooling me :)
ReplyDelete-Soma
Fussy cutting and EPP with that print is such a great idea Michelle. Rosie looks like a little trouble maker, I'm not fooled!
ReplyDeleteI love the modern look and fussy cutting of your hexis. EEP can become quite addictive, it's amazing how much you can get don in evening or if you carry some around.
ReplyDeleteSeems that there's something about this challenge that has people trying new things, that's what's happened here too!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable pup! The quilting is great too! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteGlad you have found your way to epp. Your fabric choice is divine.
ReplyDeleteso cool! i haven't seen this epp pattern yet. love it! and i'm one of those people who got into epp for a portability project. i love it! so much more relaxing than i thought. that said, it's my longterm project for sure. good luck with yours!
ReplyDeleteI recently tried EPP for the first time. It's so relaxing! Yours look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stephie. If you trim the ears, it seems like there won't be anything to show through. I don't EPP, but it seems like the seams will lie open so the seam allowances will be the same color as the fabric they are under. Does that make sense?
ReplyDeleteI've been making really small hexagons less than 0.5" on the side and 3/4" across the longest side and found glue basting with sewline pen really fast! No threads to take out later too! Really like the grey on the glitz fabric - very sophisticated looking!
ReplyDeleteAdorable. I tried my hand at EPP again for a little project and am also going to learn at Glamp Stitchalot next week. Sometimes fussy can feel so rewarding and your fabric lends perfectly to that. Cute puppy
ReplyDeleteLove those grey borders! They really make the challenge fabric shine. I've been enjoying EPP during quiet times, it is a gratifying activity to do while watching shows or movies.
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