Ruler suggestion for paper pieced blocks

[lsipes]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share with you a trick I used for quicker paper piecing. Admittedly, I had never paper pieced (or done circular sewing, for that matter) before I made this quilt. It took me forever to figure out what I was doing! If you had watched me make the center circle unit, you all would've laughed at me.
Then I opened up an "Add an eighth" ruler. It saved me so much time, which was important for me considering I had to get this quilt done quickly.
Some of you may already be using this method, and some surely prefer the original method in the instructions. Just a suggestion! If anyone needs some help with using this ruler, I'd be happy to post a video to show you the ropes!

[lsipes]

Yes please! I would love to see a video (although I know I have seen something here at TQS). I keep seeing these rulers, and not really knowing how they would help me...

[Margo C.]

I don't have the "add-an-eighth", but always use the "add-a-quarter" ruler for paper piecing. Makes it LOTS easier to figure where the edge of next piece needs to be.
Until Lisa gets a video up, you might find it helpful to review my Webshots tutorial for paper-piecing the feathered star for the 2009 "Stars for a New Day" BOM.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569453221xrxRqK

[Margo C.]

I used my "add a quarter inch" ruler" ala Carol Doak's.

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[lsipes]

So! Did Margo's tutorial help you out or would you still like a video?

[lsipes]

Her tutorial was excellent and I think I get it...it would probably make things go easier, be neater, and lay flatter!

[lsipes]

Her tutorial was excellent and I think I get it...it would probably make things go easier, be neater, and lay flatter!

Most excellent!

[Rita C.]

Lisa, I have only just found this thread. Would you still be able to post a video - I find it so much easier to follow than photos.

[lsipes]

Lisa, I have only just found this thread. Would you still be able to post a video - I find it so much easier to follow than photos.

No problem! I will be doing some paper piecing on Thursday afternoon. Is it okay if I wait until then? I'll post it to my youtube channel and link to it here!

[Rita C.]

Great thanks, I'll look forward to it.

[Lotti D.]

oh yeah, thank you lisa - looking forward to checking that out on the weekend - and hopefully trying it right out

[lsipes]

I will never go back to the other way of paper piecing! I have an add-an-eighth and add-a-quarter ruler each in two different lengths and I ALWAYS know where they are!

[lsipes]

I will never go back to the other way of paper piecing! I have an add-an-eighth and add-a-quarter ruler each in two different lengths and I ALWAYS know where they are!

I love the "add a quarter" ruler and never paper piece with out it, but only have it in the small size. For Month 2 blocks I did use my 6X24" ruler to find my 1/4". Carol Doak does a wonderful job on showing how to use the "Add a quarter" ruler (can't remember what show number it was). I also could not get the backwards part in my brain but after I bought one of Carol's I FINALLY got it! Hang in there you will get it! I have actually thrown the blocks on the floor and stomped on them I was so frustrated! Once you get it you will be fine. This is not a contest so take your time it is SO worth it in the end.

[lsipes]

I will likely post the video tutorial tomorrow instead. My sewing partner for Thursday cancelled. I would have done it tonight but I had a pretty rough day and decided to come home before midnight for once. I'll post it as soon as I can!