Since I was "between" projects, I thought I would try a pattern called "Magic Carpet" that I found in a magazine. The pattern is a kind of mosaic using scraps (I have bags!) and attaching them to muslin trangles by "stitching and flipping" . You start by placing a scrap triangle on the muslin triangle and then stitch another random scrap, right sides together, to one side of the initial scrap. You are then to flip this scrap to its right side & press. You are to continue this process until the muslin triangle is completely covered. However, when I attach subsequent scraps of fabric, I end up with raw edges. Has anyone done this particular quilt or have any ideas about what I am doing wrong? I understand that with foundation patterns, the pieces are to be sewn in a particular order which, I suppose, avoids any raw edges remaining when you are finished. With "Magic Carpet", there doesn't seem to be any particular order. Thanks for any advice you can pass on.

the following pieces are to be sewn on the raw edge so that you cover them. look uo crazy quilts, I think you will find help there. :mrgreen:

Jen, you keep adding pieces to the raw edges until you have them all covered and then you trim your block. See if this website will help you.
http://quilt.com/HowTo/FoundationHowToPage.html

Lisa

Jen if I am playing w/ a more difficult block, I will actually write my 1,2,3,etc out. Plan ahead really helps. In the begininning, with right sides together, you will be sewing on the 1 and 2 line...the one line between them. Make sure that your fabric is 1/4" over the #2 line. For when you flip #2 after sewing to press...there need to be the 1/4" under it. Then at the same time, your #2 fabric should be big enough to cover over it's spot all the way around the line the same. Then #3is right sidedown, w/2..sew...again 1/4" should be past the line and all the way around 3 and so on. coverage is the key here. and also planning ahead on some. Don't forget to make your stitch length smaller for when you are done w/the block and are ready to rip...the ripping goes quick:)). Keep us posted...paper piecing is fun...and, I would really suggest printing a freebie learning one from cyberland (do a free paper piece pattern search) to get the hang of it. Hope I helped and didn't confuse you worse:))Skeat....keep us posted! (Use a good lamp or window to see thru your paper)