Do you EPP? English paper piecing or EPP as it is affectionately known to quilters, is a fabulous way to to make fun appliques using scrap fabric and small templates. One of the most popular shapes to create is the hexagon. It’s definitely my favorite and I love to make flowers out of them.

One of the reasons English paper piecing is so inviting is because of its portability. It doesn’t require bulky tools, a lot of fabric, or a sewing machine. With just a few essential items, you can EPP on the couch, in a car, on a plane, or in a hotel room!

Are you wondering what to put in an EPP travel kit? Come take a peek into mine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I first learned how to English paper piece, I couldn’t wait to find the perfect container to hold everything. I was looking for a sturdy but small case that would snap closed so if it took a tumble in the car, the contents wouldn’t spill. I’m not sure where I purchased mine but I found this one on Amazon which is even better because it has 3 layers!

Inside I can fit all the items I need for EPP’ing on the go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the top layer I keep the hexies that I’m working on, a small piece of felt to hold the needle and pins, and a pair of blunt tip kid scissors (which are currently allowed on air flights). The needle I prefer is an easy self threader because it’s hard to thread a traditional needle in a moving car. I use ones similar to these on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

 

The bottom layer holds thread (spools and old bobbins to use up), dental floss (in case my scissors are taken away at the airport, the floss cutter works fine on sewing thread!), a new pack of mini charms squares, hexagon paper templates, and thread conditioner. I like thread conditioner because it reduces tangling. The one I have is no longer available but I found a similar one on Amazon. I keep the two little containers in there for holding the paper templates neatly and the other for thread snips and trash while I’m working.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

English paper piecing is so much fun on the go or just right on the couch while you watch tv and now you know what to put in an EPP travel kit!

In the studio this week I’m working on long arming Gail’s stunning diamond quilt. She made this during her quilting lessons here with me and I can’t tell you how much we fawned over the fabric. I mean really you guys….it is awesome! I’m using a sea green thread and Gail’s favorite pantograph, Swirling Feathers. UPDATE: I finished it this morning and will put pictures on the next blog post. If you just can’t wait to see them, find me over on Instagram and you’ll see them there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detail of the quilting…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m also beginning work on my art challenge for February. The theme is connection and I’m using a photo of a hibiscus that I took in Kauai a few years ago as the base for fabric collage. I’m so excited about this piece and I’ll be teaching a workshop on it in a few months. I’ll be talking more about this in a future blog post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Have a super happy and quilty week!
Sandi
PS. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase an item through my link I receive a small compensation which would go towards the upkeep of this blog.