When I was planning on doing a Winding Ways quilt, I also was nervous about doing curves and so was looking at this foot. I went to YouTube and watched a bunch of videos on sewing curved pieces without a special foot. I practiced a couple times and was amazed at how easy it was without the special foot. I would try it first with your normal piecing foot. If it doesn't work, you can always buy the foot later. I do know lots of folks who have it and love it, but not everyone needs it!