I just watched a Fons and Porter program.
The Tips part is always very thought-provoking, and I thought of you when I saw the following tip:
Do you know of those stick up lights that are touch turn on ... about seven inches across, designed to be put in a dark stairway or closet?
Set one by your sewing machine as you paper piece ... since you need a light source of some kind to ensure that you have the pieces big enough and lined up correctly, this handy source of light is much easier to use than holding everything up to a light on the wall or the window. <wave>