I just got a new add-on for my Electric Quilt program called Kaleidoscope Two. It is a great program for those who love complex blocks. I played around with this block, coloring it several ways with bee theme and daisy fabrics within the program. Here is my final version.
The power of this software is that it will give you the block in several methods of piecing. You can print out templates for transfer to plastic, or it will give you rotary cutting instructions for those who’d rather construct that way.
For a block like this, where precision of the points is critical, I like paper piecing. I decided on a 12-inch block to make the pieces bigger. When you first ask the program to give you foundation templates, you get this.
Just click and drag the individual pieces apart until they fit on the paper within the margins. Notice that one in the photo below is red. It is currently highlighted so I can rotate it to fit. I still need to drag one more piece below so it doesn’t cross over two pieces of paper.
All adjusted, now ready to print. It will print in color, which helps. Each color corresponds to colors I’ve selected for the block.
I printed it on EQ8 Newsprint pages, which are standard page size and go through the printer with ease.
If you are looking to do something like this, see my post on Paper Piecing Basics and Tips. This is not going to be a quick block to make, but I am interested in doing some more complex things. Here’s my fabric pull.
I begin with cutting the pieces apart. Since this block has four identical quadrants, I’ll have four piecing units of each bit. I clip those together so I can sew all four at the same time, then move to the next unit.
I figure out how wide my first piece for this unit needs to be, and cut a strip. Then I cut four bits that generously cover the area indicated for the first piece. I have found through experience that it is far easier to just accept that there will be fabric waste and cut your pieces larger than you need, rather than trying to be precise in the size and shape.
I anchored the yellow in the margin, then did the trimming for the next bit, which is green.
Sew on the line, making sure to extend the seam 1/4-inch beyond the marked line, and the outer margin.
The first two pieces are on all four units. Next, I’ll press them, and add the next piece.
I’ll work on it over the next week or so, showing the progress as it goes along and the finished block soon. I’m not sure how I will finish it, maybe as a small table topper for spring. I am making this block 12-inches finished. The best part of this is stretching myself in more complex sewing than I have done in the past. EQ8 certainly makes that easy!
Kaleidoscope Two is currently on sale for $29.95 if you already own EQ8. Click on the Electric Quilt store. Check it out!
Do you enjoy paper piecing?
From My Carolina Home 
I love paper piecing and I love EQ too! One time before I got EQ I was doing a row of blocks that were paper-pieced fish. The background fabric looked like water flowing and I had a heck of a time figuring out how to get the water flows all going in the same direction. I think if I’d had EQ it would have been easier. It’s also great for previewing fabric and colors like you did. Great block!
EQ is amazing! Someone I know of with the program often says she’ll just “FPP it”. I was thinking it must be more complicated to draw out the design by hand than to follow the rotary cutting instructions. I had no idea EQ does that for you. Here I am – still living in the mid-20th century.
Very interesting block, looking forward to seeing it come together!
Love the soft colors you have chosen..It will be beautiful.
I like paper piecing, but prefer paperless (freezer paper) piecing!! I look forward to seeing your block in March.
This will be a beauty Carole, what a fun project! I have done paper piecing for individual blocks in sampler quilts. Someday I would like to do the Storm at Sea, but haven’t got there yet!
lots of seams in this block!
That’s a beautiful block, Carole! How handy to have a way to create your own paper-piecing pattern for it. Beautiful fabric choices, too! This is going to make something fun!
This looks amazing, can’t wait to see it completed!
I really enjoy paper piecing but haven’t done any for ages. Your block looks fun to do and will look great when finished. Also never used EQ8. 🤷🏽♀️
Mary :))
I love paper piecing! I can consistently achieve a neat center when joining 8 or 12 points, but I usually end up with a hot mess when trying to join 16.
Oh, that’s going to be beautiful!
Foundation paper piecing is my favorite piecing method! I use EQ to convert traditionally pieced blocks to foundation piecing. The angles in your block would be difficult to piece with a method other than FPP.
Bet your finished block will be beautiful!
LOVELY! I haven’t done much paper piecing recently, “Wee Ones in the Woods” a while ago, I forgot how much I enjoyed the precision of paper piecing! Thanks
this looks like a great add on, I don’t use eq8 all that much but I do love fpp
That yellow! WOW!
I love paper piecing. Everything comes out so precise!
Like your fabric choices. I am sure it will be beautiful when finished. I am not a great fan of paper piecing. Good luck.
I love your choice and the fabric is so much fun. I should finish mine next week…other deadlines first, and you can see it kept me from blogs, too.