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Originally Posted by Andrea
I don't paper piece so my thoughts go in a different direction. Have you ever pieced by hand? I hand pieced a whole quilt once and it wasn't difficult. I'm sure you could find a tutorial to show you how it's done. Another suggestion would be to teach yourself, or have someone show you, how to applique. Many, many quilters won't even try because they think it's too difficult, but it truly isn't. A VERY good book: The Easy Art of Applique published by That Patchwork Place and written by Mimi Dietrich and Roxi Eppler. It's a paper book (so not too expensive) and it's been around a long time, so you might be able to find a used one. Learning to applique will open a world of new creative outlets for you.
I recently hand sewed a complete 3D Bowtie quilt top together in a couple of afternoons. It is an easy block, because you sew five pieces of fabric together with only four quick seams! It is a bit tricky to get the hang of, and somebody will have to show you how the first time but you will be amazed how fast the quilts go together using 5 inch squares.
I agree about learning to applique! Start with plain squares and an easy pattern, (from a coloring book) like a bird outline, or a kitten or puppy or teddy bear shape - or even high heeled shoes -in different bright colors! It is just a ladder stitch around the folded under seam allowance edges. You can combine them with embroidery too!
Later you can sew the finished blocks together with your machine. JEANNIE