Paper Piecing Perfection: Paper Works Exhibit at the Iowa Quilt Museum

Hey there, quilt lovers! I know not everyone can make it to Winterset, Iowa to see the new Paper Works exhibit, featuring Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) and English Paper Piecing (EPP) quilts in person at the Iowa Quilt Museum. That’s why I’m sharing photos of the exhibit taken by Melody Reels, the Director of the Iowa Quilt Museum and Linzee McCray, the curator of the exhibit.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to see the show myself, so I’m so grateful that they’ve captured the exhibit of these beautiful images of my quilts and the incredible work of other talented designers and quilters from around the world.

The Paper Works exhibit explores both vintage and modern examples of Foundation Paper Piecing as well as English Paper Piecing and includes intricately pieced quilts whose sharp angles and distinctive shapes are made possible by paper. This exhibit was curated by Linzee Kull McCray and will be at the Iowa Quilt Museum until January 5,2025.  I’m thrilled to have TWO of my quilts included in the show.

Here I am earlier this fall preparing and packing my quilts to ship to the Iowa Quilt Museum:

My Greenhouse Garden at Night (Foundation Paper Pieced) and Journeys Aren’t Straight Lines (English Paper Pieced) quilts are included in the Paper Works exhibit.

Not familiar with paper piecing techniques?
Learn more at the bottom of the page about these two quilt making methods.

Enjoy a view of the Paper Works Exhibit along with some quilts on display:

Greenhouse Garden at Night quilt (FPP) — pattern available here — by Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill of Whole Circle Studio and Elements quilt (EPP) by Katja Marek

Grief quilt (FPP) by Robert Bosscher

Reverb quilt (FPP) by Amy Friend and New York Beauty Quilt (FPP) by Meredith Sewell

Journeys Aren’t Straight Lines quilt (EPP) — Zipper Pouch Kit inspired by this quilt available here — by Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill of Whole Circle Studio

This is Stars Upon Stars quilt (EPP) by Alice Ikenberry and Cleopatra’s Wallpaper Quilt (EPP) by Kim Martucci and Nisha Bouri

detail of This is Stars Upon Stars quilt (EPP) by Alice Ikenberry

The Tiger Abstractions quilt (FPP) by Violet Craft

Agave quilt (FPP)  by Sarah Thomas

Alchemy quilt (EPP) by Tula Pink and My Two Shining Stars quilt (FPP) by Meredith Sewell

Foundation Paper Pieced quilt by Amy Friend

The Elevated Abstractions: Desert Mirage quilt (FPP) by Violet Craft

What is Paper Piecing?

All of the quilts in the exhibit shown above are paper pieced. Paper piecing is a quilt-making technique that uses paper as a foundation to create precise shapes and designs. There are generally two types of paper piecing:

Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) requires a sewing machine. You sew fabric onto a paper foundation. The lines on the paper act as a guide for knowing where to sew and the order. Once the quilt block is complete, you remove the paper.

English Paper Piecing (EPP) is a handwork sewing technique. You start by wrapping fabric around a stiff template (usually cardstock paper). After thread basting or glueing the fabric to the template, you stitch the shapes together by hand. Once all the pieces are sewn together, the templates or paper are removed. Unlike Foundation Paper Piecing, you usually can reuse your paper templates and you don’t use a sewing machine.

I love both techniques and have many quilt patterns that utilize both.
Here are some of my Foundation Paper Piecing quilt patterns and English Paper Piecing quilt patterns.

Why is Paper Piecing So Cool?

Paper piecing has been around for ages, and there’s a reason why it’s still popular. It’s a great way to create intricate designs and precise shapes. Plus, it’s super relaxing, especially EPP hand stitching and can help you unwind.

Explore More!

Visit the Iowa Quilt Museum and check out the Paper Works exhibit.

The exhibit is open until January 5, 2025. Visit the Iowa Quilt Museum website for hours and more details.

Want to give Paper Piecing a try?

Check out my tutorials and tips:

• Free Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) Video Tutorial/Mini Class

• All about English Paper Piecing (EPP)

Happy stitching,
Sheri