Ruth,
Paper piecing takes some getting used to. Don't give up if at first it gives you difficulty. I was ready to toss out a project but persevered because of what my niece told me, "Paper piecing has a mind of it's own!" Well, no paper was going to get the best of me!
Cut your fabrics way over size, especially for your first few projects. Trim after you iron the fabric in place. There is waste but it will get less with practice. Those sites that tell you to cut the fabric to size before hand are nuts, in my humble opinion!
I have found that if I fold the paper back on the line that is next to be stitched I can trim to the 1/4" seam and then line up the next fabric on that.
I've been paper piecing off and on for three years or so and each time I start a new project I have a learning curve yet again! It's getting shorter though!:P
Have fun. If you need any help let me know. I love to yammer on about this, can you tell? And there are tricks to be had too!