Hello Lucy!

A hand sewing project has escalated in priority as the summer begins.  Something I can do on the deck or on the beach to keep my hands busy is the goal.  English paper piecing seems to be the perfect technique for portability and there are so many enticing projects it has been a challenge to decide where to begin.  There's beautiful hexagon projects, La Passacaglia Quilt, the Smitten Quilt and so many others.  I've decided to give Lucy Boston a try!

After some research I assembled the needed supplies.

Let's start with fabric selection.  To jump start this adventure, I've gotten quite a bit of support and supplies from Alewives Fabrics' (in Nobleboro, Maine about two and half hours from home) weekly Lucy Boston club.

Then supplies to fussy cut the fabric.  Templates to cut the fabric, mirror, small rotary blade.  I'm hoping that I can get more accurate and faster with this stage.

One of my concerns about EPP is the potential waste of fabric.

Glue basting is brilliant!

Then, there are the supplies for sewing.  Lovely Aurifil 80 weight thread and skinny needles.

After cursing numerous annoying thread tangles, I'm giving this stuff a try.

Phew.  EPP is quite a bit different than my quilting experience to date.  All of the prep work takes a surprising amount of time.  BUT I think I'm hooked!  Stitches are not perfect but using the flat back stitch seems to yield better results.



So stay tuned, in another five years or so I may have a quilt to share with you!

Kathy