Sunday Sewing Pattern Reviews - Easy Peeping Owl (Paper Piece Quilting)

Recently on a lot of my favorite quilting blogs I had read about paper piecing. In particular there was this phenomenal flying geese design that I fell in love with. Then on Flickr there was this apron quilt that was amazing! I couldn't see where they had appliqued them on. When I inquired about the technique, I found out they had been paper pieced. What was this?? I knew of using freezer paper to help with applique, but that wasn't it.

After some more digging around on the web, I found out that paper piecing is basically sewing a quilt top together using paper as a foundation. What is the advantage in this? Perfect points, no precise measuring, you can use scraps, and you can make itty bitty designs with a minimal amount of cursing. I myself love quilting and *hate* piecing. I'm not a type A personality so my points aren't perfect, but my OCD kicks in later and it bugs me that it's off. I've generally tried to avoid real fiddly piecing... until now! If you are like me, I beg of you to try this technique - it can really change your mind! (P.S. if you are attending my sewing night in June, I will be demonstrating the basics)

I quickly found Sonja's website, Artisania, and fell in love with the Peeping Owl. Well, actually I probably love the Halloween set most of all!

Description of pattern:

This 4 page PDF e-pattern comes complete with full instructions, and an extra flipped version of the pattern so you can create a whole forest of Peeping Owls!

She doubles as a Halloween pattern too! Ah, that’s the magic of fabric eh?

Level of Difficulty:

This is the easier of the two owl patterns, but Sonja rates this 2 out of 4 for difficulty. If you have tried the piecing technique before, you should be able to do this without any hiccups. The only tricky part will be matching up the seams of the major pieces.

This was my very first time at trying this technique and I only made 2 minor errors.

Fabric recommendations:

I used high quality cotton for my block. However, one of the big advantages with paper piecing is you absolutely can use *any* type of fabric. The paper provides the foundation, so you can use slippery or stretchy fabric without fear. I am eager to try another style of block with silk.

This is also a great way to stash bust; for this block I went through my scrap bins and picked out colors I liked. No need to buy extra fabric - hooray!

Overall Design:

I love it! I love modern quilting and owls, so this was perfect. Sonja has made this block as easy as possible, but has not cut out the style of it. With some easy fabric color changes, you can make this into a great Halloween addition too. The block size makes it a great base to make a pillow, quilt, or maybe even an accessory like a backpack.

Instructions:

Very clear, no grammatical or construction errors, and great diagrams.

This pattern does not contain instructions on how to paper piece, but Sonja does offer free patterns and beginning basics on her site.

Modifications and Tips:

I did some research while making this block and found there a couple ways to paper piece. Sonja's method is based off cutting the pieces into their shape before sewing. This way didn't work best for me. I bought a 1/4" ruler and would cut my shapes down after sewing the seam. I also bought Alex Anderson's book about paper piecing. Absolutely neither of these are required to do the pattern and Sonja's instructions are fabulous, but keep in mind that we all think differently - there is no "one" way. Try a few different methods of paper piecing and I'm sure you'll find one that is a good fit.

Conclusion:

If you want to quilt but don't like piecing, you have to try this! If you are a quilting piecing phenomenon, you should have this technique in your back pocket. I really can't think of anyone that wouldn't enjoy this and as a quilter should really know how to do this.

Sonja's patterns are fresh, modern, and very accessible to every stage of quilter. I love my little owl and can't wait to make something fun with him.

***Sonja did not compensate me in any way for this purchased pattern review. She is however offering you a deal! Until the 29th of May, you will get %15 off your purchase with code: BELLE

I really hope you will give piecing a try. I'm very excited about all the possibilities and even made my first pattern this week. I'm sure you will love it too!

*******

DMK Winners!

1.)Rachel

2.)Michelle

3.)Erica

Please email me at allthingsbelle@hotmail.com with your mailing address and pattern choice.

Congrats!

Sewing Pattern Reviews - #1 - The Lucy

I'm very excited to start a new feature for the blog. I will be buying, making, and then reviewing sewing patterns. And you are very,very welcome to submit requests! It can be anything from baby outfits to quilts to purses.. I would prefer the patterns to be from Etsy sellers or the like, but if you are just dying to know about a McCall's pattern..please feel free.

I am going to be writing my reviews similar to the ones I've seen on SewMamaSew.

If you feel like I'm missing something though, please speak up.

I'm very excited to begin this journey with OwlyBaby's pattern, "The Lucy"

I originally bought this pattern last November with the hopes of making the girls a pair of matching Christmas dresses. Well life was too chaotic and that task got shelved.

Isabelle's school pictures are this week and I wanted of course to make her a special dress. I remembered this fabulous pattern and bought some yummy fabric from The Pine Needle. Here is the end result...

This could be quite easily my most favorite dress for her.. ever! I love it, love it, love it... With the modern graphic print and solids - it is both classic and trendy. Here are the details..

Description:

This is a PDF Sewing Pattern for an above-the-knee length reversible wrap dress. This dress looks elegant with a sash and bow in the back or use your favorite buttons to cinch this adorable wrap dress. With instructions for a fully reversible wrap dress, or tied wrap dress with a sash - this outfit will come together for any occasion. Looks great with stripes and plaids and adorable with knee socks!

Level of Difficulty:

OwlyBaby describes it as great for a beginner to intermediate. I agree. I think it really depends on the fabric graphic you use. For my dress I wanted all the apples to go a certain way, so it required more time planning out the pattern pieces on the fabric. And you set in sleeves; if you take your time and pin generously, you will be fine.

Fabric recommendations:

OwlyBaby made an insanely cute version in silk, I choose a high quality cotton.

Overall design:

This is a great dress for active toddlers. The dress is loosely constructed and allows for lots of movement. The formality of dress can really go in either direction depending upon the type of fabric used in construction. I love it as a dress for Isabelle to go to school in, but I'm still planning on making the girls a formal set this next Christmas.

The pattern has 3 variations including a reversible option.

Instructions:

Very clear with lots of photos. There were minimal written errors and it is very easy to follow.

Pattern Pieces:

Since this pattern is a PDF, you will be printing out all the pieces. OwlyBaby includes a very detailed map of how to lay out the pieces, cut, and adhere. Use that map!

Modifications and Tips:

My final dress is a slightly modified version of the original. I didn't want to have the fabric ties - Isabelle would spend all day messing with them, so I sewed on a faux band in the solid red.

If you make this and want tips on how to sew the faux band, email me.

As I mentioned before, if you are using a very graphic print like I did - be aware of how you are laying out the pattern on the fabric.

Also if you have a serger, I'd recommend using it when attaching the skirt to the bodice. There is a lot of gathered material and it works great to serge those seams.

Conclusion:

This is a fabulous pattern. Owlybaby includes more sizes and variations then you see with most patterns. The dress has great classic details, but it is quite accessible for a beginning sewer to recreate. You are likely to want to make more than just one. I was personally able to create this start to finish in about 3 hours.

***Owlybaby did not compensate me for this review. This is entirely my own opinion. However, being the awesome seller that she is, she is offering you a special discount on her patterns in the shop (including the bundled packages!) Type the word "BELLE" at checkout, and you'll receive a generous 20% off! That is a smoking deal and I will be shopping this week. The discount is good for the next two weeks.

I am scouring around looking for the next great pattern to review. Have a suggestion - let me know!

Lucky, Lucky

What's luckier than a four leaf clover?

A gold clover of course!

Here is my latest creation doing free form embroidery.

And you get can lucky too!

Use coupon code "lucky" at AllThinsgBelle

till the end of March to receive 15% off.

Linking up at the Tatertots & Jello Weekend Wrap Up

I'm Back...

I apologize for the long break. So far so good!
No cancer cells were detected and the pregnancy is going well...

Back to work we go!!

I will be making some changes to the shop this Spring.
I started my Etsy shop to fulfill two purposes
* to feed my creative spirit
* to help support my family

Lately I've started to feel like I'm losing the creative spirit part.
I will continue to offer the items that are currently in the
store and add a few more of that nature as time allows.

However, this Spring I will be moving into more
sewn and quilted items.
Everything from full sized quilts to fiber wall art.
I hope you enjoy these new offerings and feel as refreshed by
the change as I do..

For your patience and positive energy, I will be
offering a discount that is good till the end of April.
Buy any item and receive the 2nd item 25% off
(discounted item must be of equal or lesser value)
Please mention in the notes at check out - "April Showers"

Out with the Old and in with New!

Hope ya'll had a fabulous holiday & New Year's!

I'm so excited about this new year!

I'm hoping to really branch out at the shop and learn some new skills.

And can you believe I already feel behind!!

Valentine's Day feels just around the corner, and I have soo many ideas.

For my sweet Isa-pie, I will be making her a special quilt

since she's become quite the blankie queen.

I tend to fall in love with charm packs, but I'm tired of simply

sewing them side by side for a quick quilt.

After Googling for some ideas, I can upon this adorable

Stacked Coins Quilt

It's just the right amount of different for me to

not feel like I'm doing the same ol' thing,

but it doesn't look like an all time consuming masterpiece either.

Should have some pics of it for you in about 2 weeks...

Until then, enjoy a 15% discount off at the shop

Please mention "Sweetie Pie" in your checkout notes.