Been filling in empty surface space on the old quilt while waiting for my yarn to arrive.
Was listening to some some quilting videos while stitching, and ended up on a series of Sue Daley English Paper Piecing videos. I have experimented in this technique before, but didn't have the proper glue stick, nor the pre-cut paper shapes earlier. This is one technique where the right supplies/tools really make a difference. Amazon had the fabric glue sticks and refills, as well as Dritz hexies, which had good reviews. Amazon's other paper shapes are made by some place that isn't doing a good job - can be seen from both the product photos, and the poor reviews. PaperPieces.com seems to be having tech. difficulties with their site, or I would have ordered everything from that place. I still want some triangles for 8-pointed stars, and 2" and 4" squares from them. Eventually, I'd like to do a Mariner's Compass pattern, but I may need to find a hand-sewing technique that is foundation paper pieced, NOT English paper pieced ( I expect that the very long points of the Mariner's are too narrow for the cardstock to support in EPP ). Still don't know if I'll enjoy the process. Figured about $20 in initial tools was a good risk to see if this is a method I'll want to pursue.
There is a new book coming out later in the month on Welsh quilts, focused on how to draft/make them. Love the Welsh style. I have Jen Jone's book, but that is more of a documentation of her collection, although she does provide some diagramming. My quilt-in-progress isn't Welsh, the quilting isn't really any style at all, except..."beginner." I knew exactly what I wanted for the block pattern and borders when I pieced it, but had NO idea whatsoever on how to proceed with the surface stitching. I did my best - I'd say the design choices look a bit clumsy, and the needle work itself isn't perfect, despite my best attempts. BF didn't understand why I've been spending so much time sewing quilting lines in thread that wouldn't "show." "The marking lines are going away?" Sigh....we live in two different worlds. I tried to explain, it still doesn't make sense to him.