Last night, while watching a wonderful MQG webinar featuring Anna Boenish, I was reminded of the many benefits of English paper piecing.
First of all, it’s portable. I keep my kit ready to go and it’s the project that I throw in my bag when I know I’ll have spare moments waiting for an appointment, riding a ferry, watching a ball game or being a passenger on a road trip.
Secondly, because you only need a few materials and hardly any space, it’s ideal for stitching in any location. Indoors or outdoors, you can literally use this technique anywhere!
Another great benefit is that EPP, like other handwork, lets you be social and visit with friends and family while still making headway on your project.
EPP is also a slow process. Now this could be seen as a benefit or a drawback, but in my opinion, slowing down is often a good thing.
If you have a design that requires precise or intricate work, EPP is definitely a way to accomplish this. It is also well suited to fussy cutting.
I had never really thought about it until I listened to Anna’s talk, but another thing that appeals to me is that you can begin without a plan. In fact, some of my traditional quilts were actually improvisational using this technique.
I often make units and just keep putting them together until they morph into something.
That’s how my current project is evolving. The template pieces for my epp plus quilt were created by Mollie Johanson and she provides a free template and tutorial on her blog Wild Olive. Check out #eppplus on Instagram for photos of folks using this pattern. You might even see pics of me basting in the truck while heading over Snoqualmie Pass.
If you are interested in learning how to English paper piece, just do a search of the topic. There are great resources and tutorials available.
And, if you’re a MQG member, but missed Anna’s webinar, log into the Community section of their website. Under the Resources tab, you’ll find a list of all the past webinars available. Just one of the perks of being a member! You can also find her work, and the unique ways she uses English paper piecing on her website Quilting Queerly or follow her on Instagram @quiltingqueerly.
penny lane quilts 
I love EPP, too. I carry my kit all over the place with me. It turns me into a quilting ambassador wherever I go.
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Yes, and people are always curious about how you get the paper out!
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Wonderful post! I have my EPP kit ready for when I go back to work after maternity leave. I really love those EPP pluses. They help to bring this technique modern.
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Enjoy your EPP project when you go back to work. Those lunch break moments can add up!
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Lovely blog…I should have read it before leaving to stay @ Lake Crescent Lodge. I took the Dorothy towel project….
did not get one stitch done! But what a beautiful Friday. Thanks for the Anna Blog reminder…..she has her site set up to easily navigate all the info, while keeping things neat tidy and out of site until you scroll over. And what incredible piecing and fabric combos. No fear or timidity in that girl. Oh well off to dinner and probably no stitching again.
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Thanks for visiting! I agree that Anna’s website is beautiful and the information is easy to locate. Hope you get some stitching in soon!
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Thank you for sharing your lovely EPP projects. I am just starting a hexie project and am in basting phase. I can see what you mean – it’s a very portable and potentially addictive process.
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I’ll look forward to seeing what you make with your hexies.
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It’s always great to find another fan of EPP! I admit, I have no plan for my Lucy Boston blocks. I’m just sewing them together because I enjoy the blocks – I haven’t decided how big I’ll make it, what I’ll do with the quilt when it’s done, etc. I was thinking of doing a variation of La Passacaglia quilt when I’m done with this one – but no hurry.
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I missed the webinar, thanks for pointing it out! I just went to Wild Olive and saved the Plus template. I love you variety in colors. How big are you planning to go?
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