Paper piecing has gotten a bad wrap. I’ve found that videos might teach the overall method of foundation paper piecing, the instructors don’t teach how to troubleshoot, leaving the student without the knowledge of where to accurately place fabric so she doesn’t cut off what she just sewed!
I learned to foundation paper piece (FPP) from written instructions in the 90’s – pre youtube!! When I rediscovered FPP as an adult, I was SO frustrated! How did I previously know how to do this?! How were the videos so rotten?! I so desperately wanted to be successful – I wanted my points to match up, and seams to be accurate! So I set out to learn the how’s and why’s of FPP. In this course, I will take the mystery out of FPP, and teach you the how’s and why’s so YOUR seams are accurate and YOUR points match up!! This will become your favorite method!
The learning curve for English paper piecing (EPP) is shorter thank FPP, but the mystery lies within “Why in the world would you do that?!” You could probably think of a million things you’d rather do than sew by hand. I thought the same thing too! But I found that it’s really nice to have a project in my purse while I wait for activities, or a waiting room, or at the playground with children, or in the evening, or while on a trip…I have found that it’s SO relaxing to slow down and have some time away from the hubbub of the world. Our world is so fast paced; having something to recenter and purposefully slow down, is a wonderful way to wind down.
Candy Bowen –
Paper piecing is fun and easy. I have watched Fiona’s videos and successfully learned how!
Andrea –
Wow! Such an easy to follow method! I’m hooked and can’t wait to find my next block to make!
Lesley C –
The pattern for this course is super cute and easy to construct. It’s a great intro to the FPP method. I love this way of quilting!
Libby Riemersma –
I really enjoy EPP mostly because I really enjoy hand sewing. It’s so portable. No sewing machine required. I can prep blocks and take my sewing anywhere. My sewing machine is in the basement, so if I want to hang out with my husband upstairs, hand sewing it is. Rachel’s videos are great. Close up so you really see the details of the process from cutting out the pattern to choosing colors to sewing and then deciding what to make with the finished blocks. This is something for everyone from beginner to advanced. You can’t go wrong with this hobby.
Tiffany A –
I started by learning FPP using Rachel’s methods. The videos are easy to follow and give great tips to help beginners or more advanced quilters alike. I more recently tried my hand at EPP and love to take it in the car, to the couch or even to my group meetings. Try a new skill. Learn something new! The patterns are creative and you can share memories in your stitches.
Elizabeth –
Had you asked me a few years back whether I would take up hand sewing for fun, I would have said no way. However, I’ve really fallen in love with EPP after learning from the Fiona Sandwich patterns and videos. We like to hike and to travel, and I like having a creative outlet that can travel with me and serve as a memento of our adventures. I love looking at the finished blocks and reminiscing!
Carol S. –
I had never tried paper piecing, but I fell in love with the Fiona Sandwich patterns and had to try it. I watched Rachael’s videos – the examples and directions are so easy to follow! I would recommend this course and patterns to anyone who wants to stretch their creativity. The possibilities are endless!!
Amy –
The Fiona Sandwich instructions for English paper piecing are easy to understand and the videos are very helpful. The pattern for this class turned out beautiful and was a lot of fun to put together.
Julia Bell –
I had just learned to sew when COVID hit the States. Wanting to expand my skills but not having any patterns, I turned to the Internet with a search of NPS patterns. Fiona Sandwich was the first result. I had no idea what Foundation Paper Piecing was or meant, nor did I know how to quilt, but I could sew straight lines. I asked questions in the very helpful and friendly Facebook group. Rachael and others answered my questions and offered helpful tips, and I completed Big Cypress with fabric I had. I’ve been a monthly subscriber ever since.
I love how the pattern is a definitive NPS property, but personalization can be easily accomplished with fabric choices to make a scene appear at sunset/nighttime/daytime and/or seasonal, while maintaining the focus on the subject content.
I also appreciate how Rachael seeks subscriber input on what new patterns they would really like to see.
I’m actually going to be sad to finish my quilt and will search to find reasons to sew more blocks as this method of sewing is easy to understand, creates beautiful blocks, eliminates the absolute horrendous monotony found in traditional quilting, and allows sewers to create truly personal quilts.
Lori –
We love visiting national parks so when I found this way to make a quilt I wanted to give it a try, mind you I’m not a sewer of any kind. I don’t own a sewing machine but I could mend a hem or sew on a button. EPP is the way to go for me! Rachael’s videos make it so easy to learn. I have finally found a fun creative outlet that I really enjoy spending time doing. You can do it!
Lynn –
I really wanted to learn English Paper Piecing so I could take it in car trips, camping or even while watching TV. But had no idea where to start.
Thank goodness for the videos! It made it look possible, even for a beginner. It even made more sense after I tried my first block!
Now I’ve made quite a few of Rachael’s national park & travel blocks while traveling & camping. A perfect hobby to have taken up!