Fraew, what great blocks! I try to make my outside pieces larger, but it never occurred to me to enlarge the pattern and it really makes sense. I'm not much of a mathematician, so I'm not sure I understand why to make only the width a little larger and not both the width and the length, but I'm definitely going to try it on my next paperpieced block. I've been using the freezer paper method of paperpiecing lately and that has helped with the size since you don't sew through the lines, but I think your method combined with the freezer paper method will make a big difference.
Gailkv, I'm so glad you're joining us. I'm looking forward to seeing some of your blocks. Are you using civil war fabrics?