Flossie Teacake's Guide to English Paper Piecing - Exploring the Fussy-Cut World of Precision Pa

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. From the publisher ---

In a sea of quilting project books, Flossie Teacakes' Guide to English Paper Piecing stands alone. Drawing together many disparate strands, this comprehensive guide offers up a deeper exploration of this precision patchwork craft, providing everything quilters need to know on a practical level to begin navigating fussy cutting and English paper-piecing (EPP).

The most comprehensive guide to English paper piecing on the market today, including history of the craft, artist profiles, and more! Patterns for original rosettes on which to learn the practicalities of EPP are shown step-by-step, covering everything from templates, paper choice, magic mirrors, how to mock up layouts, glue/thread basting, and more. Finished examples exemplifying mastery of the skills learned in the book & unique secondary designs within the quilts that demonstrate the fussy cut and rosette piecing techniques. Flossie Teacakes' Guide to English Paper Piecing is not just a how-to text on English paper piecing. While any book on English paper piecing must cover the instructional aspects, Flossie Teacakes offers a softer, warmer approach, exploring the craft on a more tactile paper-and-fabric level and including stories and inspirations this wonderful craft. Author Florence Knapp explores of the craft over a series of interviews and a journey back in time. She captures the elements that make it so much more than a simple technique guide, giving meaning to the act of English paper piecing for those who are intrigued as well as to quilters who are already hooked. As if that isn't enough, there's icing on the teacakes in the form of original paper-pieced rosettes and show stopping quilt patterns included to practice and show off your EPP skills.

As a quilter, I had zero idea that “paper piecing” (or what I call paper piecing) was considered an English “thing/art/skill” --- in fact, I am still not sure that it is an English thing. Oh well, my personal opinion on that misnomer aside, if you have ever wanted to try paper piecing, this is may be the best description and set of instructions (aside from my quilting guru) on the market.

The history of how E.P.P. came to be is shown in depth along with beautiful photographs of antique quilts and an interesting look into why working with our hands is so gratifying on a psychological and neural level. There are also chapters on famous quilters and quilts and on Tracy Chevalier’s historical novel(s) on arts including the “Last Runaway” which may (once I have read it) make me change my idea on paper piecing not being “just English”. A great book for any quilter who is thinking of trying this method – I, personally, learned paper piecing by using large templates and then working down to small or tiny ones as I go the hang of it…do whatever you are comfortable with!

p.s. Flossie Teacakes is a series of primary grade children’s books by Hunter Davis as well as a blog --- being a librarian, I just had to share that!