Ms. G, the queen of my long-arm world, hates paper piecing. Like really, really hates it. We once worked on a collaborative project that involved this technique, but she couldn’t get behind it. I was a new quilter at the time and I used YouTube to teach me how because I was too embarrassed to display my ignorance to my friends (the quilting equivalent to keeping up withe the Jones???). I found that I liked paper piecing — a lot. Perhaps the reason for our conflicting opinions on paper piecing is the fact that she can sew a straight line without a guide. I can’t. The seam side of Ms. G’s quilts look as neat and as orderly as the front. Mine definitely do not.
Paper piecing is the quilting equivalent to painting by numbers, don’t you think? The picture looks nice, but there is no creativity involved.
Anyway, the last time I saw Ms. G she took a moment to unburdened herself. She shoved a few paper piecing books and patterns in my hand and hustled me out the door, clearly happy to see both of us gone. I could barely get out of town before I had to pull over and pour through the treasure. I was giddy! What a jackpot!
I immediately fell in love with a project for a mini heart sampler. The copyright date on the package: 1994 — nearly vintage, but never opened. Until tonight. Dun dun da!
![IMG_3605[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_36051.jpg?resize=620%2C827&ssl=1)
The kit of sample hearts was designed by Granny Nanny.
![IMG_3608[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_36081.jpg?resize=620%2C827&ssl=1)
Apparently Granny Nanny created many such kits. Check out this eBay store with different paper pieced themes.
I do hope I made Granny Nanny proud tonight. I think instead of a sampler, I’m going to make a set of placements featuring these 3.5″ cuties.
And thanks Ms. G for thinking of me! You can dispense with your cool stash of paper piecing patterns in my direction any time.
![IMG_3607[1]](https://i0.wp.com/graybarndesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_36071.jpg?resize=620%2C827&ssl=1)
Love That Flag pattern by Granny Nanny (c)
I’m in-between you and Mrs G. Paper piecing has its place, but don’t do it if there is another way. Your patriotic heart is a win-win.
Thanks! I do like this sweet patriotic heart. I suspect that many of my quilt tops look like a drunkard’s path even though that’s not the pattern I’m generally going for. Ms. G is very good a “quilting out” the rough patches LOL!
I think you made Granny Nanny proud – awesome flag block! I am getting such a kick out of your blog post titles – ha! I need to get a post out, I have been so busy lately and not feeling like blogging, darn.
This flag is really, really nice! These patterns are a treasure and I can tell the wheels are turning in your brain and in your stash!