Thanks everybody!
The pattern is found on Carol Doak's free pattern site. It is the 700 member celebration block.
http://www.caroldoak.com/free-quilt-patterns.php

No, I didn't keep the paper on while joining. I pieced it in 4 sections and then pulled paper off and joined. Should I be leaving the paper on then join the 4 pieces?

(sorry, in reply to a question above)

I do keep the paper on when joining. I think it helps match up the points, especially when the lines are at angles (as they usually are with paper piecing). I put a pin through the intersection on one side and make it come out the intersection on the other side to get it straight.

Your block is lovely.
For your first try, you sure picked a doozy of a pattern! Whew!
Keep up the good work.

beautiful block

Wow! That is impressive. Great colors.

I agree with wvdek, you picked what I would have called an intermediate block, and you did very well! It's beautiful! You might be able to finesse that seam into behaving. Your attention to detail will reap rewards!

Overall it looks really good for your first project with PP. It's not as easy as some people say, but with some practice it does get easier. I do love how the points come out with PP. I don't do a lot of it, but when I do, I am always very happy with it, even with the not exactly perfect parts!!

it is not an easy one you picked for your first one but you have done an excellent job..just treat the first one as practice as you will only get better..my tip is pick a real easy one next and you will amaze yourself how good you are...reverse psychology!

I think it's a great first block!! When I was first learning how to PP it took ages - and though I've been doing it for years it's so easy to just cut a piece to small, or to not quite follow the line.

What I've learned - just have fun with it and don't try to stress over the super small things.