Oh you're Welcome Gerda! I'm so easy! lol

Betty

IMPORTANT NOTE (This might not affect everyone):

When I printed out this Grandmother's Fan pattern, and checked the guage on the 1" test square on the pattern, it was almost 1/16" TOO SMALL. So - just a reminder to check it out and you may have to enlarge the pattern slightly before making the block in order for it to be the correct 12" size.

The Geese pattern is SLIGHTLY small in one direction.

This could be my printer, but other people may have the same problem.

Linda O
My blocks came out fine so I am sorry that you are having problems. Are you paper piecicng your geese blocks? And Appliquing your fan to the block?

Colorwheel Geese:
One thing that I do when paper piecing is always make my pieces larger than needed then when I trim out the outter edges I use a 6 1/2" & a 12 1/2" ruler to square it up so this pattern shouldn't matter if it is off just a bit.

Grandmother's Fan
The same thing applies on this pattern also, When I do Applique I start with a 13" block and trim it down using a 12 1/2" square ruler so this one shouldn't matter either if it is just a bit off. If your fan is off 1/16" just scoot it down and it should work fine. Aren't you using a 13" Sqaure of fabric?

Betty
I have thought it over and it doesn't seem I have made logical choices for my blocks pull them if you chose.

Deb, I haven't had a chance to make the blocks but will try to one done next week.

Everyone will check their measurements when printing the patterns, I know that when I print in Eq5 and Eq6 I have to allow a larger seam allowance around PP patterns. It's just a quirk!

So print them up and measure ladies! I do mine like you do your Deb. Better have a them be a little larger than smaller!

We'll keep them in becuase they are your choice!
Betty

Deb, stop worrying this instant!! I have made this Grandmother's Fan pattern a couple of years ago - NO PROBLEM!! and the Colorwheel Geese printed out exactly right for me. You made excellent choices, my friend! Besides, most sites tell you that adjustments may have to be made for your particular printer - that's why so many give the 1" square or a 2 inch line to measure.

I hope to make mine this coming week.

Gerda

Thank you Gerda, I could not have said it better! You do girl!

Betty

You're welcome, Betty!!

Gerda

ok - i've looked over a few of the older threads on BC and found a link to a Paper Panache tutorial on paper piecing. not sure i understand it all yet - but will study it more this weekend and play with scrap fabrics - i'm sure wren needs a doll blankie so the practice block won't go to waste - assuming it turns out even half-way decent! if not, then i am sure my trash basket in my sewing room needs a pretty lining . . .

anywho - what i want to know is this:
what is the difference between paper piecing and foundation piecing?
and what type of paper do i need to use for the color wheel geese block? regular copy paper?

OH i am SO confused . . .

cindy, you'll do just fine. There's really no difference other than terminology (and I think that is where the person is). Originally foundation piecing was done on a muslin foundation which stayed in the quilt. Paper piecing is done on paper which must be removed (again, I have seen antique quilts where the paper is still inside as part of the batting). There is special paper available, but unless you really like paper piecing, like Michelle, I wouldn't buy it. You can use copy paper - I would advise spritzing the paper with water and letting it sit before tearing it off. That's what I've done. I find tissue paper, tracing paper and newsprint (like a kid's scrapbook from the dollar stores) to be the easiest and cheapest to use. You can run them one by one through the printer, or just trace with a pen or pencil. Keep all the paper on until all your blocks are done - I don't always do that, but I am careful to not pull on the edges. With foundation/paper piecing you don't have to worry about grain, since the paper stabilizes what you're doing. Another tip I learned from a paper piecing book by Maaike Bakker was to make a copy of what you are piecing, and cut that apart on the lines - this gives you templates - just pin on the fabric chosen and cut out 1/2" beyond. This gives you a big enough piece to cover the area necessary, and not much to trim off (trim as you go).

The practice piece is a great idea for any new technique. I have heard of ladies who do this all the time for regular piecing, too, to test a pattern, and they make scrappy quilts out of them. These are good for charity, doggie beds, picnic quilts, or if you stick with a certain theme, like fall or Christmas, then you have a quilt ready to go.

Go for it, you can do it! Oh, make sure your stitches are tiny - it's much easier to pull the paper off - and don't worry if you miss part of the line - no one will ever know, and you won't notice it on the front.

Taking the girls to the library, now.

Gerda