My class is doing foundation paper piecing.
I am not a fan of foundation paper piecing, but I do see it as an essential skill, so we are working on it.
In the past, I have taught this class using the New York Beauty block, which I love. I decided to change so that the block would focus primarily on the piecing rather than curves as well as foundation paper piecing.
The image above is one that I just can’t believe. I can’t believe such a weird looking compilation of fabric shapes can end up looking like the block below.
I used a pattern from Wombat Quilts (a really good site, if you haven’t been there) called Cactus Compass block. Even I made the block! Despite all the swearing and ripping, it came out pretty well.
Yes, there are a few fabric problems. I didn’t notice them until I was finished with the block and stood back to look at it. I don’t know how it happened, but such is the result of foundation paper piecing.
I love the colors you chose for this. So pretty. Happy to have the link to the pattern.
There are a number of nice patterns on the site. I would color the areas on the actual pattern with crayolas in order to keep the colors straight. The pattern can be confusing.
I actually like the fabric placement “problems”, it makes a nice variation and isn’t super noticeable. That’s a nice pattern too, thanks for the link. Yes to colored pencil on the pattern, that’s the only way I can keep track when paper piecing. It’s such an inside-out and backwards process.
I like your perspective and have come to that conclusion myself. I didn’t think I needed to color, because each piece had a code for the color printed on it. I was wrong; it wasn’t enough information.