AboutConnie Hester Expertise Quilting and applique expert.Can advise on the following topics:quilting, art quilts, quilt design and construction, machine and hand quilting, paper foundation piecing, machine piecing, hand piecing, raw edge applique, turned-edge applique and fiber art.
Experience Winning awards in international fiber and art competitions since 1983; http://www.conniehester.com/
BS,MS
See my work and books at http://www.conniehester.com/
Question I read your response regarding the use of newspaper to provide strength to quilt fabrics. I recently purchased about 15 quilt blocks (I think the pattern is a variation on the string quilt). Each block is made up of 9 squares (about 4 inches square) and each of the 9 squares has varying widths of stripped fabric - like a string pattern. Each of the 9 squares has a 4-inch piece of newspaper to which the string pieces were sewn. The paper was the the Ft Worth Star-Telegram and I found a 1956 date. I was curious about what happens to the newspaper since it is stitched down? Are you supposed to rip it all off before finishing the quilt? Thanks
Answer Yes, just before sandwiching the quilt top with the batting and the batting, carefully remove the paper. The newspaper is providing stabilization, so keep manipulation of the quilt top at a minimum after it is removed.
Don't worry about any bits of newspaper remaining. (Since I can't see your blocks, I don't know what size the stitching is.) Any newspaper bits will disintegrate upon the first washing of the quilt. However, the newspaper is acidic and contains ink, so you want to remove what can be easily removed.
