The fussy cutting fun involved with English Paper piecing (EPP) and Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses blocks hooked me immediately (although I still think it should be called meticulous cutting or assiduous cutting). I’m still wondering what one is to do with these gorgeous blocks other than make a ton and stitch them into a large quilt, though. With the three I’ve completed, I decided to turn them into a summery table runner to match these placemats. I’ve begun to join them together, slowly planning how I want to border these blocks so that they finish as a table runner. This is my first time “finishing” an EPP project, so I’m learning as I go (read: making it up as I go), as I do with most everything.
With a newborn snoozing in my lap all day and night, and since I still have the help of my visiting mom and paternity-leave-taking husband, I’ve been making steady progress on finishing the center block and making tiny 1″ squares to join the three together. Even since these photos were taken this morning, the third block is joined as well. There’s not much better than resting with a peacefully sleeping newborn on your lap, doing some stitching while watching the milk drunk stupor reflex smiles.
Since I made my own 1″ square EPP templates with card stock and my paper-cutting rotary cutter, I’m thinking I may just make my own templates for the entire border. In plotting it out, a combination of squares, rectangles, and trapezoids should do the trick (I think).
Have you joined Lucy Boston Patchwork of the Crosses blocks before? What method/shapes did you use? Please link in the comments if there’s a particular method you like, even if it’s just a general EPP tip! I honestly haven’t asked google yet, but I prefer to hear opinions from you, anyway.
I had been stitching the pieces together using a neutral thread, but decided that since I’m joining a bunch of blues, I should use matching thread if possible. I was pleased as punch to find a perfectly coordinating blue Aurifil thread in my stash (but not overly surprised, since there ALWAYS seems to be a perfect match!) It’s right in the middle of the darker blues and lighter turquoise, and is the perfect color for tying this whole runner together (literally!)
What do you make out of your EPP creations? I am really itching to do some more fussy cutting, but I need to have a project idea in mind before adding another project to my pile.
I’m linking up with Freshly Pieced’s Work in Progress Wednesday, and then switching my gaze back to the beauty asleep in my lap. Happy stitching!
Night Quilter 
Beautiful table runner, adorable helper!
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Love the colors in your runner.
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What an adorable picture! So glad you are enjoying snuggles and sewing.
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I am no help with your questions, Kitty, but I think it is coming together blu-tifully. 🙂
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I know there was something in the post about EPP, but all I could focus on was that adorable sleeping baby. 🙂
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Looks like you’re keeping some adorable company while you’re stitching! Love the colors you’ve chosen, they’re so pretty! 🙂
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I haven’t done any EPP but love how yours is coming along! And you boy is gorgeous!
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He just looks so perfect- and what a good boy to sleep a while and let you sew. Your choice of fabric is yummy for the summer and so eye-catching. Congratulations!
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I totally agree with Diana…. I can’t take my eyes off him! But as a side note, your blog is looking more and more beautiful every time I look at it, Everything just pops. You are so talented, my friend. XOXO
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what a awesome table runner
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Snuggling while stitching! Baby and blocks are both stunning.
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There is nothing better than EPP with a sleeping baby! Your table runner is just beautiful 🙂
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This is gorgeous EPP. I have made several bags and a few cushions with EPP so far.
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Those first months, well, actually more like that first year, I was just so tired I hardly got any sewing done. Good to hear that you feel weel enough to do a little snuggle/stitching time. This is really coming together nicely.
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So pretty. I keep wondering how you get all of this done. I’m just plunking along and can’t even sew up a top I cut out weeks ago….
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The most beautiful view of all Kitty!
I love that that you call it meticulous and assiduous cutting!
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Great photos as always – amazing how much you can get done hand sewing!
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Please try a Sizzix die cutting machine and dies! Perfect shapes every time
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I make Bed Runner’s, Table Runner’s, Quilt’s, Placemat’s, Mug Rug’s, Jacket’s and wall Hangings. I do like your Lucy Boston blocks.
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