Humm never good about rules but have made myself a couple. I always wash, I want everything to be shrunk before I use it and no color bleed surprises. I use starch as I like stiff material to piece with. Buy material wherever I like it.I like to piece on my treadle machine but also have an embroidery machine combo.Am kind of a gadget girl so I do like new things but I have to justify them to myself LOL have appliqued but am kind on anal about not seeing my stitches so I don't do it often.Done PP but haven't used the blocks in anything.Love the tips on here. I try them to see if they work for me,if they do,Whoopee if not, must be I'm not understanding what they are explaining. If someone asks me how to do something I say this is how I do it,but you may find a better way.I have never like being told what to do especially if I haven't asked. So in return I don't police anybody either.