After several attempts and frankly thinking I was too dumb to EVER get it, I finally succeeded in getting a paper pieced block done! Yay me!
Toward the end, it did start to get easier and I wasn't having to wrestle mentally with each stitch.
However, I am still having problems following exactly on the lines, and I feel this very slight difference has caused my points and seams to still be a little off.
I am sewing on my new (old) kenmore and for whatever reason, the needle does not follow the middle of the foot. I *think* this is causing me to sew slightly to the left of where I need to be. I'm gonna drag out my manuel and see if another foot might fix that problem.
Tips are appreciated. Thanks!

Love the pattern! What is the name of this one and where did you get it?

Congratulations. It's a great first effort.

You might try an open toe foot - the foot is irrelevant as you should be looking at the needle meeting the line on the foundation.

Ah, unless your foot is blocking the view - and that's where the open toe is helpful. Maybe you have one for applique. I'm not familiar with the Kenmore/generic feet.

Here's a picture of a similar one that I sometimes use on my Bernina-
http://www.amazon.com/20-Open-Toe-Fo.../dp/B0007XPZ0A
Allows me the full view of where I'm going. ;-)

PP throws everyone for a loop the first couple of times. And even when you've been it for years and years, one can easily put a piece backwards, or cut it too small. :roll:

But I promise it gets easier.

I just took my first paper piecing class last week nad had same problem. Couldn't get on straight line. Turned out my needle was slightly bent. Try changing.

Your block is great along with your choice of fabric. Did you slow your speed down? This helps a great deal in getting a straight sewing line. If your machine doesn't havew the option of slowing the motor you may have a hard time controling the machine speed. To help slow it down you can wedge a small sponge under the foot pedal and you be surprised how much control you gain.

Love your block. Keep up the great work and post pictures as you go!
peace

i use an open toe foot when i do paper piecing that way you have a clear view of everything.

I agree with using an open toe or applique foot which is completely clear. I love paper piecing. A trick I learned a long time ago is to crease the paper on all the lines before you start sewing. That allows you to bend the paper more easily to trim.

Much better than my first attempts! And yes, an open toe or clear foot will help dramatically. Although when I finally managed to take a class - which helped me like you wouldn't believe - I used my FW with a regular 1/4 in. foot and had not problems. Could be the bent needle as someone else suggested?

All good suggestions. I think your block is GORGEOUS!!!
I love PP but it does require me to change the way my brain works a little- not an easy task hahaha :D

I think your block is beautiful. The places where the seams don't *quite* match (not enough to get really upset about) is where you joined two paper pieced sections together. Did you keep the paper on while making that join?