now that pieces 1 and 2 are attached to the paper, it's time for #3.
please notice that i trimmed away some of the excess from 1 & 2 ... but not until AFTER i had pressed them open. trimming away the extra excess is optional. i noticed, though, that it did make it easier for me to line up the next piece each time i added to the ring.
the photo illustrates how much easier it is to line it all up if you draw the reference lines 1/4" away from the stitching line. eventually, i didn't need those lines, but they sure helped at first.
once it's lined up, take it to the machine and sew on the stitching line. repeat this for all 8 ring patterns.
keep going, adding pieces until you've completed the rings