Hi Mim! and back to Kendra's question as well... (if computer behaves!! ....and doggie doesn't drive me nuts wanting her walk...)
I have both the book and the software. When I first began I did print out a few templates, but as time went on I just found that too time consuming. As I said before - with the software you can do some planning of your quilt - play with the layout using the blocks put into the software. You can upload your own fabrics (I've not been savy enough to do that quickly....so I stopped) You can use the chart and replace the block numbers in the original DJ with your own actual blocks and you will end up with something very similar to Dotty's. I had a problem getting the chart to work though and as a result I could put the photos in but I can't click on the individual blocks to see them up close.
What I usually was - get a 'feel' of the block - audition fabrics and decide whether to machine piece, hand piece, or applique - or a combo. Sometimes I paper-pieced part of a block, rarely all of it. I'm a mathematician, so I measured pieces where possible, added 1/2" all the way around when dealing with easy shapes and simply pieced, etc. I think paper piecing gives a great finish - very precise! But you can achieve the same by piecing carefully and you won't have teeny pieces of paper to remove.
I used the book solely - 90-95% of the time. I altered patterns that I felt did not represent the original. ---NOTE: I later found that Brenda had some of her "alternate" blocks in the software that were more closely like the originals. Not all are there though. I just completed BR12 and there is no such pattern in the software.
If you do want to use the software and paper-piece, I recommend you purchase lightweight -newspaper weight paper. It can be used in printers - print on a 'draft' setting if you can as the ink is put on the paper much lighter than normal.
Mim - I am now actually 4 triangles, 1 square, and 2 kites from completion. made the blocks 4 1/2" like original but I will make my sashes wider. I think I will assemble first and then decide how wide to make the sashing between the triangles.
Good luck to you!!! The 1" sashing could be enough - you are dealing with an angle though...I'd have to figure it out.
Gus