Lori S

I agree wit the others that you are cutting too small. when you are learning it is so important to give your self a large margin of error when cutting the pieces. One trick I learned that helped me to overcome the too small to cover mistake . .. is hold the paper up to the light and flip the fabric to where it will fold over when done.... this helps you to keep from making a error in the size and placement. Place the printed side toward you so you can see the stitch lines . I found it very helpful in teaching me to get the "flip" concept and train my brain to visualize the peice when its folded over for the next piece. I did this alot when I started , and still do it when its been awhile since my last paper peiced project. I also do it to check before the next piece to just make double sure I got it .
When learning PP... give yourself much bigger pieces. when I first started I did not want to cut the larger preices as it was going to waste too much fabric. But I finally gave mself permission since the cost of the mistakes was getting in the way of success.

Chele

You're doing great and definitely getting the hang of it. I hold my paper up to the light and "pretend sew" and flip to see if I'm covering everything (especially the outer seam allowance). And I use big hunks o' fabric!

You'll get it. Paper piecing is challenging.

Conniequilts

Thank you everyone! I cut the material to the directions but guess I better allow extra :)

I am also going to try the the "pin sewing" method until I get a better grasp.

Keep the ideas, tips and hints coming, please, I will be in need of them as I progress toward bigger projects.

Connie in CO

You can use wash out glue stick to hold in place. :thumbup:

quiltingaz

Nothing new for tips here. Looks like you are doing good job other than sizing pieces. Hang in there it gets better. I just love the precision of PP.

BellaBoo

There is a ruler just for cutting fabric the size needed for paper piecing blocks. It's called Add Enough. It's inexpensive. It has saved me a lot of frustration.

http://www.addaquarter.com/products.php

Cherylsea

If you go to www.quilterscache.com there is a tutorial on paper piecing. Marcia Hohn has a lot of paper piecing patterns and I use her site a lot. The site is free and really great.

ckcowl

starting to paper piece you waste alot of fabric...the first attempt i made i cut off so much fabric i was very frustrated...didn't like the waste...didn't try it again for a couple years...but it got easier, and less wasteful as i got the hang of it...to start though...you need to use large pieces of fabric...the 1/4" ruler really helps (you fold the paper on the stitching line...line up the ruler and trim perfect 1/4" then you have a line to line up the next piece.
your block looks pretty good, i see where your problem is and just use really over sized pieces until you get the hang of those angles...as you do each successive block it will be easier and easier and you will not waste so much...and really...doesn't have to be a waste...put those trimmings into a basket and use them for applique projects...or pass them on to someone who would love to be creative with them :thumbup:

BonniFeltz

I will always take your "trimmings" Connie. :) Reading this topic has helped me decide to try paper piecing again. I had put it off for a bit but it might be my "new technique" for 2011.

lovingmama

Don't give up, you can see, we all have made the same mistakes too. Be gentle on yourself, you are doing fine.