Pine Burr/paper piecing hint
I didn’t know the forums were working already! I’ve got two hints for paper piecing and the pine burr block, hope this helps!
When you need to un-sew a paper piecing block, very carefullly use a small rotary cutter…it usually prevents the paper being ripped. Pull up one part of the fabric with one hand, and carefully (carefully!!) work the rotary cutter along the stitches.
The Pine Burr block requires both paper piecing and templates or handpiecing. In this case, I spray starch the block after the paper piecing stage, making sure to iron straight down, just pressing. Continue to add two or three coats of spray starch till your block is as paper!! Remove the paper, then do the template or hand piecing. I do this because it is paper pieced, your block pieces might not be on-grain, and it eliminates the bulk of the paper.
I also posted this in the new forum!
Thank you for this tip!
b
I was recently remindede why we CLOSE the cutter when we set it down. I am right handed but for some reason I sliced open a nuckle on my left hand when I went to move the bolt of background fabric with my left hand. My pattern sheet had fallen onto the cutter and, oops!!
I did not get any blood on anything.Of course, I had just put a new blade in.
I absolutely agreen, and I’m so sorry you cut yourself. I always close the cutter before putting it down, except for in that picture, lol. I used to use the type of cutter that had the blade come out on pressure, but the locking switch was awkward, and since the blade didn’t stick out when it was put down, I didn’t lock it…until, I dropped it on my bare foot! Just a little nick. I immediately went back to the Olfa with the red button my thumb can click.