English Paper Piecing

 I am in charge of the activities for our Women's group at Church. (I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Our women's organization is called Relief Society.) The problem arises that I don't know what to plan for these women.  Most of these women are older and really just want to get together and socialize. So I decided a few months ago that I would plan activities that we could do while sitting and talking.  That means coming up with things that we can socialize while doing.

One month, we worked on our Branch (think congregation) scrapbook.  There were 6 of us and we all had a good time even though none of us are scrap bookers. One month, we tied a quilt. There were only 3 of us but we got to know each other a little better.  The whole point is to get together and do something.

This month I decided to introduce the women to English Paper Piecing (EPP).  I had been listening to an old "Just Wanna Quilt" podcast. The guest was the CEO of Paper Pieces.  During the podcast I learned that the company would send out a free kit to people who wanted to try EPP.  So I decided to look up the company website and see if they still gave out the kits. They do!

So I planned out how I was going to ask for 16 kits. I figured I would explain that it was for the woman's group at my church. I figured I might have to give them the address or maybe my Branch President's name. Just so they could verify that I wasn't getting them all for myself. 

I went on the website and did a search for "sample pack".  Up pops the page to order it on.  I put in 16 for the number of kits. (I wanted be sure to there would be enough kits) Clicked add to cart and that was it.  I could just check out. They didn't want any explanation on why I needed 16 kits. I did have to pay shipping and handling but it was only $5.50 and well I got 16 kits for free.

The sample pack comes with instructions, 7-1 inch hexagon papers and 7 squares of fabric. Basically all you need to make one hexagon flower.  Just add needle and thread.  

I took the sample packs to church yesterday and introduced the women to English Paper Piecing. I explained that I started doing EPP as a quilting project that I could take with me. I also told them at first I wasn't interested in even doing EPP because it seemed fiddly to me. I told them that I was not a hand work person because it takes too long and I like to see progress. I then showed them the project I have been working on. I joked that it was going to be my millennial project because it would take me a millennia to finish it. But I have discovered that I really like EPP.

At first they were hesitant.  It looked complicated to them. One sister then commented that I was an excellent teacher. So with some trepidation, they all dove in. We talked, we asked questions, we ate and I think, we all had a good time. Some left with their flowers finished. Some left planning to finish at home. A couple took an extra kit with them.  I call the activity a success.

I have truly become a fan of EPP and will probably order some more paper pieces in the future.  I definitely plan to browse the website some more.  I'm thinking I would like to do an apple core quilt. Who knows what will strike my fancy.

What quilting technique have you put off trying because you thought it too complicated or fiddley? What technique did you discover you liked when you weren't expecting too?