Your sample # 3 is probably ok as the missing corner iseems to be in the seam allowance.

Otherwise---they look good
Roxanne

You are making good progress! PP is fun once you get going on it.

besides cutting the pieces larger, when you are working on angles, it helps to pin where the sewing line is going to be, fold the fabric over the spot it is to cover to see is it is large enough or at the right angle to cover.

A really good tip, I do it with most of my pieces, makes life a bit easier in the long run
:)

Don't give up - you are doing great. When I started paper piecing I had to toss several attempts as I could not use the seam ripper since the stitches were so tiny. Once you get the hang of it, you will love paper piecing and the results are always perfect.

A Mariner's Compass is on my to do list.

The first project I did was very easy. This one was more difficult because of the angles. I think my worst problem in that my brain doesn't like to work in reverse. I like the comment someone made about "conditioning their brain".

I am going to work on another one or two tonight and try a few more suggestions and see what happens!

I would recommend the Carol Doak "show me how to paper piece" book if you want to try paper piecing. It is what I used and it really is helpful.

Thank you all for your encouragement and support. I will be trying a couple more tonight!

Stay tuned for further progress :)

Make the pieces of fabric bigger that you are going use to cover a space, it looks like you don't have enough fabric to cover the spaces.

I will also add, fold on the line & use a "add a quarter ruler" before cutting to add a 1/4 inch seam to sew the next piece on with.

I find that if it's a triangular shape, I do add more fabric...to be on the safe side.

For straight runs, you can be pretty safe with an appropriate size.

It's those teeny-tiny pieces that drive me up the wall....but all-in-all, I love paper piecing........

I do pp with strips. I measure the width of the shape, so the ruler is perpendicular from the left edge of the shape and add on 5/8" if having 1/4" seam allowance. Then I cut strips this width. Line up the seam allow. with the new strips - right sides togeth. and sew. Iron the seam, flip the new piece over and press again, then go to the next piece, fold the paper pattern back on the sew line and trim off the extra fabric, leaving your seam allowance. This cuts your previous fabric strip off and gets you ready for the next shape. Take your next strip, lay the paper pattern on it, pin if necessary, sew, press, etc. It works so much better than trying to cut a shaped piece of fabric and get it big enough but not too big and have it be reversed. Yes, there is some waste that get's cut off, but I find it way easier. I learned this method from a book by Valori Wells - "Radiant New York Beauties". I've been working on a pattern now, that has 1/8" seam allowance and it works fine for even this small stuff.

I'm different as I don't precut the fabric AT ALL! I cut the fabric into strips a smidge wider than the widest piece of that color, then I fold back the pattern from the last piece applied, match up the trimmed seam line with my long strip and sew..then flip and trim, then do it again. Works every time! (well..almost..:oops)

Oops...sorry, fingers worked faster than puter...double post.

I love paper piecing, it just takes a bit of practise...you``ll get the hang of it...I still make mistakes once in a while...lol

You might like to view the Paper Piecing step by step
tutorial. Its www.overallquilters.com Video 16-17-18.
I found this very helpful. (also on You Tube)
Betty Lee

I never "toss" any of my boo-boos, come Christmas gift making time I can use practically every one in Placemats/pot holders, cushions etc; not a meany just hate throwing something useful away.

This was a cushion from such a boo-boo http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/18...200x200Q85.jpg and I made this tote http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/22...200x200Q85.jpg out of some PP mistakes :lol:

there is a tool/ruler for this problem. i believe it is called add enough. i had the tool but can't find it right now. i used it when i first started paper piecing....i no longer need it.
just put in add enough ruler in the google or yahoo search.
hope this helps..don't give up it gets easier and FUN
oh yeah one more tip don't try to cut the piece to fit shape make it bigger and square it up.

Like all the other posts you should use bigger pieces of fabric. I also use a "add a 1/4 in ruler" to get the exact cut I need. Good luck.

And remember, if all else fails, a eyebrow shaper or trimmer is indispensable for ripping out those tiny stitches. They can be purchased at about any drugstore, two in a package for next to nothing -- I'm talking 2 or 3 dollars! They can be found on the cosmetic aisle and I believe Sally Hanson makes them or I have one with "Trim" as the brand name. It's such a great tool I should buy stock in the company!! To use it, first use your seam ripper to remove the first few stitches to get it started and then just pull the seam apart and gently rub the blade over the stitches.
PS -- it also helps to have a third hand so I put the piece under the pressure foot. The foot holds the fabric steady while I use my lt hand to pull the seam open and my rt hand uses the cutter. Hope this makes sense........I've become a champion ripper!!

Agree, your pieces are too small, but I'm betting you tried to cut the shape of the piece (a triangle for instance) instead of a rectangle and trimming off the extra. That way, you don't have to worry about which way the angle will be. Also, as a suggestion, get a copy of a Carol Doak book. I've done it her way since I started paper piecing and never had a problem.

I have one more suggestion -- if somebody else touched on it, I missed it. I am a beginning P.P. and I have managed to cut a piece too small more than once. If it's too much trouble to take it out (or I'm in a hurry, which is usually the case, I have been known to sew on a little scrap to make it the right size. It is hardly noticeable in the grand scheme of things and I belong to the "whatever works" train of thought.

I am teaching a class on paperpiecing. It looks to me as if you cut your pieces way to small. I suggest Carol Doak's paperpiecing CD or book. Or Judy Martin!! :lol: :lol:

Make sure you trim the excess fabric off -each time you sew a seam to 1/4" - otherwise when you go to piece your next piece of fabric it will distort where you fabric should go.

Larger pieces and it will be great.

I GOT IT!

I used a lot of the advice given to me here and in pm's and ladies, I got it!

Thank you all so much: your advice, support & confidence is much appreciated :)

This is what I have learned. The right angle to cover says alot!

HEY ... you did it !!! YEA!

it's called the "add 1/8" ruler" or "add 1/4" ruler"

I wouldn't do PP without them......

I found what was causing me the biggest problem was trying to be so stingy with my fabric. I also hate to waste. Next time I'm going to use one pattern as a set of templates. Thanks guys!

Connie,
I love your block. What nice work you have done. Have you considered being a part of the 2011 House BOM? I can see that your Church would be wonderful!! Can't blame a girl for trying!!
:D :D :D :D

One thing you do need to be careful of is, if you are using a directional print, like stripes, is that the stripes will be parallel to the left seam and might not look right in the finished block. If I've wanted the stripes to be centered on my triangle, I've had to fussy cut a piece that's way larger than what I'd need if I just cut a strip for that shape.

"it's called the "add 1/8" ruler" or "add 1/4" ruler"

I wouldn't do PP without them......" I use the add a 1/4" ruler it makes it so much easier, and safer to trim.

Yippee!! that one looks pretty! And the best part is that your next block will be easier now that "you've GOT it!"

If you are going to repeat this block many times, I would take the time to make a template from freezer paper for each piece. You can reduce waste that way. Don't forget to add seam allowances and use a light box to reverse pattern.

You are doing great and I do mean that but............

WARNING; WARNING PP is totally addictive, now how would I know :mrgreen:

If you don't like waste, like me :lol: for less than a $ treat youself to one of these crazy quilt pattern blocks http://www.equiltpatterns.com/advanc...74faa1&x=0&y=0

I bought this one http://www.equiltpatterns.com/quiltp...roducts_id=542 and my class made a couple of dozen of them as Christmas place-mats, they came out lovely. I am going to buy the other 3 at they were just so useful for using up odd scraps :thumbup:

[quote=mommamac]
I have tried prefolding, it makes it easier.
Also, we don't like to cut too big - its a wasteful thing.
Let yourself waste more while learning this process.
Keep at it though.

Looks Great!
Keep up the wonderful work!

I wonder if anyone has gotten divorced because of quilting! :)

I am definitely hitting that site up and getting all of the "crazy" patterns.

Thank you bunches!

Yes, this is a good and informational tutorial. Watch this if you want to learn paper piecing with strips instead of cutting pieces for each shape you'll be piecing into your block.

"I am definitely hitting that site up and getting all of the "crazy" patterns."

Thank you bunches!" Your welcome, I bought a handful today and along with some freebies it came to under $5 :shock: