Use foundation paper-piecing techniques to turn the world around you into spectacular quilt designs! For those wanting to explore the world of quilt design, foundation paper piecing (FPP) can be the golden ticket, allowing you to piece detailed, expressive, uniform blocks every time. Foundation paper piecing is a quilting technique in which fabric pieces are sewn to foundations, resulting in precise points, dramatic angles, and shapes that are difficult to achieve through traditional piecing methods. With expert tips, skill-building exercises, detailed patterns for various blocks, and a dash of humor, quilting instructor and designer Dana E. Jones equips readers to understand the basics of FPP design. She gives you hands-on instructions and exercises for * working with traditional blocks like Log Cabin and Flying Geese, * designing your own blocks, and * creating personalized quilts from photos. Also included are galleries of Jones's FPP quilts and those of her talented students; tips for selecting the best paper and tools for FPP design and piecing; guides to stitching and pressing foundations; and information for polishing patterns for easy quilt construction. You'll also find patterns for four new blocks and the Bird on a Branch quilt shown on the cover. By following the techniques and exercises in this book, you'll be able to take charge of your quilting journey, creating stunning quilts that are unique to your life and experience.