Category Archives: Paper Pieced Table Toppers

HOME SWEET HOME PAPER PIECING

My newest book, HOME SWEET HOME PAPER PIECING, is ready for you to enjoy.

This book features 17 of my FAVORITE BLOCK PATTERNS, and I want to share them with you. Koalas, monkeys, sea turtles, gnomes, and so much more.

This is just a sampling of the adorable blocks, and there are 10 more!

Remember…all of my blocks will fit not only in the 7 projects in this book, but will also fit into the projects in my past 6 books. That helps you achieve soooo much creativity in your sewing.

Here’s an example…

This super cute HEDGEHOG PILLOWCASE pattern comes with the book, but here is a baby penguin quilt pattern from my SEW CUTE BABY ANIMALS book.

Using this same pattern, I am substituting the Hedgehog blocks instead of the Penguins. How sweet is that! Here is my finished HEDGEHOG BABY QUILT. You will find everything you need to create this baby quilt in my books, as well as a paper piecing tutorial. I am using minky fabric for the background. So soft and cuddly.

Wrap it up with a stuffed hedgehog and you will RULE at the baby shower!

Order your copy of HOME SWEET HOME today!

Quilting Over A Paper Pieced Block

All of my patterns include paper pieced blocks, which are constructed with scraps of fabric going in various directions. It is important to quilt over the finished block so it will not stretch out of shape when laundered. But, after paper piecing a lovely image, it almost hurts to quilt over it! My go to method is to use invisible thread.

These 3 invisible threads are brands that I have used and I think they are all do a good job. Superior Threads makes MonoPoly, Aurifil makes a 100% Nylon variety, and YLI makes this Monofilament 100% Nylon Invisible Thread. All of these threads will hold up to your iron, and not melt. But even so, I am always careful to iron gently.

Of these three invisible threads, my favorite is the YLI. It is easy to thread into my machine, and it doesn’t “snap” and break as easily as the others. When using any invisible thread, I use a lighter weight white, 40 weight spun poly bobbin thread.

Easter Bunny Gnome has been quilted with vertical lines that are 1” apart. I mark the lines with a Frixion pen so the lines can be erased with an iron. Quilting in this manner doesn’t distract from the image, and looks modern. The “Peepers” below were quilted with regular thread, changing thread color in each area. I also change the bobbin thread to match the top thread. This method also works fine, but is more tedious.

Easter Potholders

Now, let’s talk about having some Easter paper piecing fun! Hang these adorable “peepers” on your microwave with suction cups. They are easily accessible when cooking, but almost too cute to use!

Easter Table Runner

Here’s the matching table runner, or create your own! I’d love to see what you produce. Here’s what some of my customers/friends have done using my Easter blocks…

Created by Marilyn
Created by Lisa

Lisa used the Bunny from my HAPPY EASTER BUNNY pattern.

Happy Easter Bunny and Happy Easter Ducky

I am working on a new springtime bunny and will share the photo soon!

If you have any other questions about quilting over a paper pieced image, please leave a comment below, or email me directly at: maryannhertel@gmail.com

Tree Skirts for the Holidays

As I started putting up my Christmas decorations, I realized I have plenty of Christmas tree skirts to choose from. They are all handmade and, of course, all paper pieced.

BEAR-Y CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT

Any tree skirt pattern can be created as a table topper instead, just don’t cut the hole in the center. The BEARY-Y CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT would also make a super cute table centerpiece.

When I am decorating using a more farmhouse look, I use this tree skirt.

RED TRUCK TREE SKIRT

LITTLE RED TRUCK TREE SKIRT is so easy! Consider using fabric photos to paper piece into the windows. Your kids could be driving the trucks!

GNOME FOR CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT

I absolutley loved using my GNOME FOR CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT last year when I decorated my tree with gnomes! I used some of these gnome patterns to create some gift bags and stockings, too!

GIFT BAG
STOCKING
CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT SAMPLER

Here’s a more traditional rendition of the Gnome Tree Skirt. I call it the CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT SAMPLER, and comes with 8 more typical Christmas images.

My 2 newest Christmas related gnomes are both Mrs. Claus blocks…

MRS. CLAUS WITH A TREE
MRS. CLAUS WITH GIFT

Most of my patterns are 20% off through the month of November for CYBER DAYS! I hope this helps to motivate you to start some of your holiday projects! Have fun creating!

Some Fun Halloween Paper Pieced Patterns

As Halloween is approaching, you might be looking for some cute and spooky patterns. Here are some of my faves….

BOO COLLECTION, a pattern with 6 blocks including these…

This collection of 6 Halloween paper pieced block patterns is so clever! Included with the blocks are patterns for a table runner and potholders. These 8″x 8″ blocks can be used in so many fun ways. Be creative and construct an entire Halloween quilt! Here is a quilt put together by Donna for her daughter, using some of these blocks….

The WITCH HAT pattern is very easy and would be great for a beginner.

Create some cute and spooky projects with this SPIDER block pattern.

WITCHY PILLOW is super fun to paper piece. Find just the right stripe for her stockings!

One of my best selling Halloween designs is IF THE SHOE FITS POTHOLDERS pattern. How great would these potholders look hanging in your kitchen this fall? The shoes have a large rhinestone sewn to the shoe flap, which is optional.

The WITCHY POO PILLOW pattern is detailed with the witch, broomstick, and lamp post making this a pattern more suited to an intermediate or advanced paper piecer.

This adorable addition to your holiday decor uses large rick rack as a border. I LOVE rick rack! Visit MADE BY MARNEY ON ETSY to see all of my Halloween patterns.

Bride and Groom Patterns

Here’s my new go to gift for bridal showers and weddings…

The BRIDE AND GROOM POTHOLDERS are hot off my press and available to create all kinds of lovely gifts for newlyweds.

THE BRIDE paper pieced block has 3 tiny buttons that resemble flowers. I found them at Hobby Lobby. You could also use tiny silk flowers, or even embroider some tiny flowers with embroidery floss.

THE GROOM block has lots of small pieces, and is not recommended for a beginner paper piecer, but a really fun challenge for an intermediate.

I would love to see what you can make using these blocks…pillows? towels? Show me your projects please!

What new paper pieced block patterns are you looking for? I get my best ideas from my customers!

Beach Bum Gnomes

Just in time for a summer project, here is my BEACH BUM GNOME QUILT.

BEACH BUM GNOMES QUILT

This adorable lap quilt was designed while I was vacationing in Hilton Head. I found the fabric in a super cute fabric store on the island.

I had a blast shopping for fabric that would work for the cute little “Hawaiian” shirts.

This Gnome has a unicorn floatie and sunglasses! He is ready for the beach.

This Gnome in his sailboat is definitely going on a pillow for my boyfriend, who adores sailing!

Playing in the sand…too cute!

When I discovered the fabric for this little shirt, with the tiny pink flamingos and palm trees, I went nuts! Do all of you enjoy discovering those special fabrics as much as I do?

Check out this BEACH BUM GNOME QUILT pattern and my many, many more patterns HERE.

What’s New?

These are some of the new blocks I have been creating. Most of them were customer requests.

HAPPY PIT BULL

HAPPY PIT BULL is a rendition of a customer’s pet. Although pit bulls are not my favorite breed, I’m loving them more now that I have this sweetie. I love this image so much, I put it on the back of a shirt. No one will mess with me now.

SHELTIE BLOCK

This SHELTIE is Caroline’s pet named Skittles. Adorable!

MASTIFF BLOCK

This is a very serious dog, the MASTIFFF. And this is a sweetheart of a dog…

CUTE PUPPY BLOCK

CUTE PUPPY reminds me of a beagle, but she is actually no specific breed.

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

And finally the BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG…what a cutie.

On the request of some special customers, I have designed 2 springtime Gnomes…

BUMBLE BEE GNOME
LADYBUG GNOME

The BUMBLE BEE GNOME and the LADYBUG GNOME would be great as a set of potholders or pillows for spring and summer!

What patterns are you looking for Spring and Summertime?

PRE-CUT FRIENDLY PATTERN BUNDLE, March 2-5

Announcing the Pre-Cut Pattern Bundle! 

 

Ten fabulous patterns, all using pre-cuts from 10 great designers! Have fun putting together these patterns with the ease of pre-cuts. All 10 patterns for only $19!

This bundle features 10 incredibly talented quilt designers.

No more guessing if what you have on hand is going to work.  Every pattern is pre-cut friendly. 

Whether that is a charm pack, a layer cake, a jelly roll or even fat quarter packs.  

The Pre-cut Pattern Bundle is only available for a few days, so you’ll want to grab your copy today.  Like right now. PRESS HERE TO ORDER.

Campin’ Gnomes Quilt pattern

This is my pattern, CAMPIN’ GNOMES.

CAMPIN’ GNOME WITH LANTERN
CAMPIN’ GNOME WITH MARSHMALLOWS
CAMPIN’ GNOME WITH FISH
CAMPIN’ GNOME WITH CAMPER
CAMPIN’ GNOME IN CANOE

In my pattern you will get all 5 of these stinkin’ cute camping gnomes, plus directions to assemble the quilt using a charm pack for the outer border.

The bundle is only available for a few days… and I’ll be sharing who’s included, the patterns you’ll get, ect so watch your inbox. 

Until then, GET THE PRE-CUT PATTERN BUNDLE HERE.

Newest Gnomes

Here are some new Gnomes that I designed for customers. You might like them too!

SKIING GNOME

SKIING GNOME is gosh darn cute as he tumbles down the ski slope! I am putting him on a pillow!

PIRATE GNOME
PIRATE SHIP

PIRATE GNOME and PIRATE SHIP can be used together as a pair of pillows, etc. or separately. They sure would look great in a kid’s room!

DOCTOR GNOME

I love “My Hero”, DOCTOR GNOME! With the stethoscope ready to use…this cute Doctor is ready to be heroic.

NURSE GNOME

NURSE GNOME is ready with the hypodermic! These two timely gnomes make a cute couple.

GNOME ANGEL

Use a metallic fabric for the wings on GNOME ANGEL to give a truly heavenly look! I always attach fusible T-shirt interfacing to the back of any metallic fabrics when I am paper piecing. It makes them much easier to handle.

Yes, I have been busy! Next time, I’ll share some new sports Gnomes AND info about my new book!

Scrap Busting Blog Hop

Welcome to our Scrap Busting Blog Hop, where we embrace every scrap in our sewing rooms. We are proving that there is no unusable scrap! I find that especially true in paper piecing, where I use my scraps every day. It is important to have a wide variety of colors to choose from when paper piecing, so as to find just that right print and color when piecing together an image.

Thanks to Melissa for hosting this blog hop and giving the designers a chance to share something new.

Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I have created a new HEARTY GNOME block. It is cute as can be, and is free to anyone who subscribes to my blog.

HEARTY GNOME

This block is great for intermediate paper piecers, but could be tackled by a confident beginner, too. This sweet gnome looks great in all kinds of projects. I added him to a 12″ pillow.

I have more Valentine Gnome patterns that would pair nicely with the HEARTY GNOME.

GNOME WITH HEART PATTERN

GNOME WITH HEART would make a great companion pillow, or make a pair of potholders, or even a small table runner. This paper pieced block pattern is available on Etsy.

GNOME LOVE PATTERN

GNOME LOVE is not only lovely for your Valentine, but would also make a great gift for a wedding or anniversary. Notice how the space between their hats forms a heart? This pattern is also available on Etsy.

If you are new to paper piecing, visit the Video/Tutorial Page on this blog for step by step directions to paper piece using my patterns.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Please visit the SCRAP BUSTING BLOG HOP every Monday in January and February to see new Scrap Busting posts.

You can also visit these SCRAP BUSTING BLOG participants:

Quilting Room With Mel

Katie Mae Quilts