After several attempts and frankly thinking I was too dumb to EVER get it, I finally succeeded in getting a paper pieced block done! Yay me!
Toward the end, it did start to get easier and I wasn't having to wrestle mentally with each stitch.
However, I am still having problems following exactly on the lines, and I feel this very slight difference has caused my points and seams to still be a little off.
I am sewing on my new (old) kenmore and for whatever reason, the needle does not follow the middle of the foot. I *think* this is causing me to sew slightly to the left of where I need to be. I'm gonna drag out my manuel and see if another foot might fix that problem.
Tips are appreciated. Thanks!

Love the pattern! What is the name of this one and where did you get it?

Congratulations. It's a great first effort.

You might try an open toe foot - the foot is irrelevant as you should be looking at the needle meeting the line on the foundation.

Ah, unless your foot is blocking the view - and that's where the open toe is helpful. Maybe you have one for applique. I'm not familiar with the Kenmore/generic feet.

Here's a picture of a similar one that I sometimes use on my Bernina-
http://www.amazon.com/20-Open-Toe-Fo.../dp/B0007XPZ0A
Allows me the full view of where I'm going. ;-)

PP throws everyone for a loop the first couple of times. And even when you've been it for years and years, one can easily put a piece backwards, or cut it too small. :roll:

But I promise it gets easier.

I just took my first paper piecing class last week nad had same problem. Couldn't get on straight line. Turned out my needle was slightly bent. Try changing.

Your block is great along with your choice of fabric. Did you slow your speed down? This helps a great deal in getting a straight sewing line. If your machine doesn't havew the option of slowing the motor you may have a hard time controling the machine speed. To help slow it down you can wedge a small sponge under the foot pedal and you be surprised how much control you gain.

Love your block. Keep up the great work and post pictures as you go!
peace

i use an open toe foot when i do paper piecing that way you have a clear view of everything.

I agree with using an open toe or applique foot which is completely clear. I love paper piecing. A trick I learned a long time ago is to crease the paper on all the lines before you start sewing. That allows you to bend the paper more easily to trim.

Much better than my first attempts! And yes, an open toe or clear foot will help dramatically. Although when I finally managed to take a class - which helped me like you wouldn't believe - I used my FW with a regular 1/4 in. foot and had not problems. Could be the bent needle as someone else suggested?

All good suggestions. I think your block is GORGEOUS!!!
I love PP but it does require me to change the way my brain works a little- not an easy task hahaha :D

I think your block is beautiful. The places where the seams don't *quite* match (not enough to get really upset about) is where you joined two paper pieced sections together. Did you keep the paper on while making that join?

Thanks everybody!
The pattern is found on Carol Doak's free pattern site. It is the 700 member celebration block.
http://www.caroldoak.com/free-quilt-patterns.php

No, I didn't keep the paper on while joining. I pieced it in 4 sections and then pulled paper off and joined. Should I be leaving the paper on then join the 4 pieces?

(sorry, in reply to a question above)

I do keep the paper on when joining. I think it helps match up the points, especially when the lines are at angles (as they usually are with paper piecing). I put a pin through the intersection on one side and make it come out the intersection on the other side to get it straight.

Your block is lovely.
For your first try, you sure picked a doozy of a pattern! Whew!
Keep up the good work.

beautiful block

Wow! That is impressive. Great colors.

I agree with wvdek, you picked what I would have called an intermediate block, and you did very well! It's beautiful! You might be able to finesse that seam into behaving. Your attention to detail will reap rewards!

Overall it looks really good for your first project with PP. It's not as easy as some people say, but with some practice it does get easier. I do love how the points come out with PP. I don't do a lot of it, but when I do, I am always very happy with it, even with the not exactly perfect parts!!

it is not an easy one you picked for your first one but you have done an excellent job..just treat the first one as practice as you will only get better..my tip is pick a real easy one next and you will amaze yourself how good you are...reverse psychology!

I think it's a great first block!! When I was first learning how to PP it took ages - and though I've been doing it for years it's so easy to just cut a piece to small, or to not quite follow the line.

What I've learned - just have fun with it and don't try to stress over the super small things.

Don't be so hard on yourself. For a first try, that is BEAUTIFUL. Everyone has given you some good suggestions.

It is beautiful

you are doing great. they are kinda hard and depending on your printer they could be off just a hair on the printing. I have done two of these blocks and they are not perfect also but that is okay.
here is a link to the one that I am working on now. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-151323-1.htm

Very pretty block!

When you have your machined service, ask for the tech to check the alignment. I occasionally have needed this done because sometimes (not always) I sew over pins. Ooooops!

I'm with the others -- you picked an intermediate pattern. But I LOVE the pattern and LOVE your choice of fabrics! It should be beautiful!

1) --slow down -- go slow and yes, have the alignment checked

2) -- always leave all the paper on until you have the whole quilt made. :) it helps keep it from warping.

3) -- Accept the fact that you're going to take stitches out -- at least once per block :)

4) -- don't give up --- you're doing GREAT!

I think it looks great. But I will tell you, even though I love things to be made fast, I was tired of my pp coming out wonky too. So, I started doing it by hand sewing. Especially when there are loads of small pieces that don't seem to me worth sewing on the machine. I love doing it by hand now. Everything has come out more accurate and I am actually enjoying the quiet time sitting in front of the tv with dh! Normally I have to spend house in my art room while sewing!
For everything else, it's still the machine for me!

i love that block!

Wow! What beauties! Love the linked one as well. The border is just gorgeous!
I can see I have a LOT to learn...lol

Lovely pattern and love your colors.

This is hilarious...I opened your post to see what you were working on and saw the exact pattern that I've been piecing today! Regarding the problem you're having matching points when joining blocks, another poster had the right of it...use pins and ease in the fullness between design segments. Don't use just any straight pins, use 22 or finer...these will actually run under your sewing needle without any problems whatsoever. I know a lot of women don't use pins, but I've been sewing for 30 years and never had any problems (as long as you use the super fine pins...larger will break your needle and throw your machine timing off). BTW, I remove the paper before I join the blocks together, too.

Here is me green with envy!!!!

Very pretty...love it!

Great block. DEB

Can't help with PP (it is on my to-learn list) but your block is beautiful even with a couple off-points and I love your colors. Piece on!!! More power to you!

I'd say that you did remarkably well for a first PP block. Keep at it and before you know it, you will have perfect points and seams that line up perfectly. One thing I have noticed is when putting two sections together, it helps to take the seam allowance paper off, allowing better alignment without the bulk of the two pieces of paper added into the seam.

THAT IS JUST DEVINE KEEP PRACTICING

It's lovely! Your fabric choices and placement are gorgeous. Remember, it's all a learning curve. What's important is that you tried, you did it, and soon it will be done. Enjoy your quilting journey.

It may not be perfect, but it sure looks good to me!! Practice will help. Have fun with it!! :thumbup:

I have an open toe and it also is clear plastic foot for my Kenmore so that I can get a great view of where the needle is stitching.