Megan Best
- Dec 21, 2021

EPP: Paper piecing

This month for our Island Batik challenge, the Ambassadors were challenged to make something with English paper piecing.

I added some EPP to a Zip It Up bag!

Since I am not the best at handstitching, I knew I had to make a fairly small piece.

I am OBSESSED with ByAnnie bags, so I added a piece with great impact to a Zip it up bag.

I grabbed a few of my favorite Island Batiks, and pulled out my zippers and other ByAnnie notions.

I cut out some 1" half hexies and pieced them.

I quilted 2 of the 1/2 yards with some Soft and Stable. My Longarm was filled with Christmas quilts, so I stitched some long wiggly lines with my Juki straight stitch machine.

Finishing the stitching.

I cut out the bag parts, prepped the top pocket where I planned to applique the hexies.

I decided that straight on the pocket was not a good look. Since it looked crooked, I placed it on the diagonal.

I used a small buttonhole stitch on my Janome M7. I do use more than one machine when I create projects! Each has its own special job.

I use these Schmetz needles for my machines.

They are the best for sewing batiks and ALL of my projects.

I added some quilting inside the hexies.

Oops.

In the process of the bag, I stitched the zipper down where I DID not want it stitched.

Pin that zipper down!

Adding the binding.

Using my stiletto, some wonder clips and my skill, I got that binding on nicely.

FINISHED!

The inside:

My computer going inside!

I think that this will be a great addition to my travel setup. I always bring my computer when I travel and teach.

Disclosure: The products featured here were provided to me free of charge by Island Batik , Schmetz Needles, and Aurifil thread .

Its the end of 2021 and even though things are looking up, we really need to find some joy. The bright colors and act of creating with fabric can bring so much joy in a stressful time. I will continue to create while I am beginning to travel and teach. Follow me on Instagram to find more fun and colorful quilt projects (and some gardening and cooking too!). @bestquilter