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You guys! I am so excited about this post! On January 25, Carolina Moore and Nancy’s Notions released a book entitled, Learn How to English Paper Piece. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of the book so I could participate in a blog hop to help show it off. I’ve had so much fun with this!

I have to be honest, before I found out about Carolina’s book launch, I had never even heard of English Paper Piecing before. Where have I been? If you’re like me, and have no idea what this even is, read on! It’s time to learn something new!

English Paper Piecing is a hand sewing technique that allows you to sew basic shapes together without having to learn crazy techniques on a sewing machine. All you need are some shape cutouts, scrap fabric, some scissors, and a needle and thread. I also used a fabric glue stick, but you don’t need one to try out EPP. Maybe I just like to simplify things where I can?

Speaking of simplifying, I didn’t cut out ANY of the shapes I used for my project by hand. I ordered the paper hexagons pre-cut, and borrowed my friend’s Cricut Maker to cut out the fabric. Twenty minutes of loading and unloading the Cricut, and I was ready to sew!

How perfect are those hexagon!?! I needed 60 of them for the project I chose to make, so I found five fabrics I liked and cut 12 hexies out of each. Here’s my “before” picture with all the supplies I used to make an English Paper Pieced zipper pouch:

So fun, right!?! As a beginner, I was a little bit nervous to get going, but the book was very easy to follow. It had step by step instructions along with pictures, that made it possible for this little person who knew nothing about English Paper Piecing to make something amazing. I have always loved all things involving needles and thread, be that embroidery, knitting, or even crocheting, but I’d never pieced fabric by hand. I was a little bit apprehensive about it, worrying that I might wish for the speed of a sewing machine, but I didn’t. The minute I sat down with my pile of hexagons and my needle and thread, I felt that sense of calm I always get when I sit down to work with my hands. Do you know what I’m talking about? It’s almost as if I can feel the tension and stress I carry around with me all the time draining out of me from top to bottom. It’s pretty wonderful! EPP definitely took me to my happy place, and was so portable! This is a perfect kind of crafting to take with you on the go!

After gathering all my supplies, I spent the next couple of days stitching away. I sewed while I helped kids with homework, while those same kids cleaned the kitchen I didn’t wan to deal with, and even for a few hours at a friend’s house. Eventually I had these two cute panels to show for my work.

From here, it was a pretty quick process, with my sewing machine, to turn this cuteness into something useful.

I love how it turned out!!!! My daughter is already sorting through my fabric scraps, hoping I’ll make her one next. Maybe I’ll let her maker her own . . . I’m pretty sure she could do it.

What about you? If you’re looking for a fun project for these cold, winter days, I highly recommend English Paper Piecing. Head over to Nancy’s Notions to pick up your copy of the book for $9.99. In addition to the zipper pouch, the book has instructions for 9 other EPP projects including a quilt, place mats, coasters, dream catchers, and more. There’s definitely something for everyone!

As I mentioned previously, this post is part of a blog hop to share Carolina Moore’s book, Learn How to English Paper Piece.  Check out these other talented crafters for their thoughts and creations!

Friday, January 25th: Carolina from Always Expect Moore

Saturday, January 26th: Linda from Linda B Creative and Havalah from Sisters, What

Sunday, January 27th: Teresa from Sewn Up, Teresa Down Under and Stephanie from Modern Sewciety

Monday, January 28th: Jen from Faith and Fabric and Alicia from Sew What Alicia

Tuesday, January 29th: Sherry from Powered by Quilting and Marie from Underground Crafter

Wednesday, January 30th: Brooke from Brooklyn Berry Designs and Melody from Two Maker Chicks

Thursday, January 31st: Ali from Home Crafts by Ali and Sarah from Quilted Diary

Friday, February 1st: Bobbie from the Geeky Bobbin and Gemia from Phat Quarters

Saturday, February 2nd: Beth from Garland Girl Quilts and Bobbi from Snowy Days Quilting

Sunday, February 3rd: Kirsty from Bonjour Quilts and Simone from Charmed Life Quilting

Monday, February 4th: Aimee from Things Small and Simple and Mathew from Mister Domestic

Tuesday, February 5th: Kathy from Kathy’s kwilts and more and Kim from Stitched in Purple

Wednesday, February 6th: Audrey from the Cloth Parcel and Anorina from Samelia’s Mum

Thursday, February 7th: Laura from Slice of Pi Quilts and Lauren from Molly and Mama

Friday, February 8th: Sarah from Saroy and Stephanie from Swoodson Says