Summer Sampler 2018 // 5 Tips for Block #5 // Points

The Summer Sampler runs from May-September, 2018. It isn't too late to join in! More information here and you can sign up here. You can find all of my Summer Sampler posts here.This week's Summer Sampler block is called Points, and was designed by Kristy Lea of Quietplay. Are you familiar with Kristy's many [over 200!] paper pieced block and quilt patterns? Check them out here.

Inspired by the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House, Australia is our next stop on the Summer Road Trip.A few tips when making this block.I didn't love the range of values in this fabric pull when I started, but I persevered because its a stash quilt and I didn't want to go shopping. I didn't love the range of values when I finished, either, and unpicked a bunch of blocks and added in different colors and such. If you don't like it when its fabric, you won't like it in its finished form, either!!!

Tip #1: Mark each of your fabric choices on the corresponding pattern pieces. If you aren't following one of the mockups, I would suggest marking the wrong side [blank side of the paper.] The fabric will actually be on that side, so if you mark the front side, you are marking the mirror image, if that makes sense.

Tip #2: Stay organized. Paper piecing generally has a lot of pieces, and this block has so many! Find an organization and identification system that works for you. Some people use sticky notes. I simply use scraps of white fabric and a pen, and clip them together with a wonder clip [not shown].

Tip #3: Embrace [or stay on top of the mess]. Paper piecing makes a mess. All of the fabric, the tiny pieces of paper. Either embrace the mess and clean up at the end, or clean up as you go.

Tip #4: It will all quilt out. Lots of quilters are fantastic at sewing curves. Other quilters, like myself, sew them too infrequently to be really good at it. I chose to do my best, unpick when necessary, and then determine if I cared enough to practice. The jury is still out on that one.

Tip #5: When cutting curves, I like the 28mm rotary cutter so much better! Easier to cut the curves with.Bonus Tip: You don't have to sew any block all in one sitting. This block has more pieces than some baby quilts I have made. Its worth it, and you don't have to sew it all at once!

Tips for Sewing CurvesFaith has a step by step [with pictures] for sewing this block hereJen Carlton Bailly has tips for sewing curves here

Fellow Summer Sampler Series 2018 designer Angela Pingel also has a video on sewing curves.