my biggest problem with PP is getting past the "wasting fabric" issues... once I got over that, I had much better success. One thing I have noticed with some of my guild friends, is they do one block first, and make a "pattern" to cut the pieces, then they mass cut those shapes to expedite the process...

I started out with a very simple and NON-DIRECTIONAL pattern, completely by accident. I think this is where a lot of people get messed up when they first start pp-ing. It really helps if you choose a pattern where the patches are not irregularly shaped. I made 2 Hunter's Star quilts before moving on to more difficult patterns. And I agree with using vellum; since it's somewhat translucent, you can hold the fabric patches up behind it to see how well it covers the seam lines.

Carol Doak's books have the pieces listed in sizes to cut if you like pre cutting first. I always just cut a hunk, sew and trim. Once you get Carol's method learned then it's easy to learn the other methods. Her DVD is a must have if you want to paper piece.

I feel your pain, I am dyslexic with angles! Must be why I just had to learn to quilt!!

Yep I do but the results are so worth it.

The first paper piecing I did was my Craftsy class with Peggy Martin. Her quick strip paper piecing is easy tO follow with her great teaching. Because of that and watching Carol Doak on the Quilt show I got her DVD and one of her books and am making a wall hanging this wkend. I've watched the DVD twice and thanks to Peggy Martin Carol Doaks methods are very clear and easy to follow. This has worked for me,I love the results of paper piecing!!

Don't be stingy with the size of your fabric pieces. remember that PP does use up extra fabric. It all gets cut away so don't worry about that issue. I also sue PP paper, not copy paper. Everyone has their own opinions about the paper you use so try different paper and use the one you like best.

Do you use a light to see through the paper and help you align the fabric?

I had trouble with angled pieces untill i started using larger pieces of fabric.

Hope this helps some. Keep trying a few more times and if you find it to fustrating, don't torcher yourself with it and try something else. Go back to it after some time away from it.

peace

what do you mean baste

This is a great idea!

peace

Every time I start a new pp project, I have to talk myself through it and watch the videos. It's so counter-intuitive and confusing sometimes. Once I get back in the groove, I really enjoy it - especially because those squares are so perfect! I have Carol Doak's introductory book and I think Alex Anderson's also. Deciding how big to cut the pieces is the worst part for me - and if I use a directional fabric, well it's not always so pretty....