When I first created my English paper piecing tumbler templates for use with two inch fabric squares, I truly thought they might be too small and perhaps even impossible to piece. I was just focused on creating something that would help me use up a scrap stash of 2" squares that I knew I had already invested many hours in scrap cutting over the past decade plus!
But a couple of months later I am glad I took a chance and created the template and made a test tumbler:
They are actually quicker & easier to piece than the larger hexagons I used in my previous project! And removing the cardboard templates is still relatively easy - that had been my primary concern during the template design phase.
All this is why quilt making and particularly quilt design is such an adventure! Letting the fabric and your own personal style guide the project is a wonderful experience that creates truly unique and wonderful quilts.
I used to love whipping up quick quilts and they did help me to hone my skills particularly with respect to:
- Piecing accuracy
- Free motion quilting technique
- Spray basting optimal process
- Machine binding technique
And many more facets of quilt making. But at a certain point, you have soooo many quilts. Many I can't part with because they are my own unique designs that feature in the quilt books I've authored and I need them for trunk shows.
So at this point in my life slow stitching suits me so much better! I may only make one or two quilts a year, but I love them, cherish them and they each will represent eras of my life.