I tried my first paper pieced block this last week, and it was a painful learning experience! But I have a question. When you are sewing your seams, do you sew past the pattern line a few stitches or do you sew a few stitches past the 1/4" line (which is imaginary) Does this make sense??

I'm not doing the BOM, so I don't know if you're talking about ordinary paper piecing or a different kind.
The numbering on the paper piecing block is very important. You should start with one and continue numerically. Otherwise you will not be covering up the ragged seam edges of the previous sewn pieces.
Rebecca
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Hello both! I have just bought a copy of the Carol Doak book - its very good. I am into computers, yes, I think I'll have a look at the EQ you mentioned as well - having always been a handsewer I am a bit amazed that I am starting to use a machine more - I have got a Janome 521 which is pretty basic but at least it is easy to use and behaves itself (generally!) I am thinking of having a go at machine quilting as well - although I have only hand-quilted before. I do like handsewing but of course it is pretty slow and when I do get a piece finished I am a bit mean about giving it away! At least if I get into machine piecing and quilting I will get through things faster!

If you want to get into paper piecing, I suggest that you get one of Carol Doak's books. I took an all-day class from her several years ago. Very helpful. Also "Expert's Guide to Foundation Piecing" by Jane Hall gives an overview of a dozen different methods.
If you are into computers, Electric Quilt automatically numbers "paper-pieceable" blocks and prints the foundation for you. Good luck.

When I paper piece the order depends on how many pieces are in the block and where I want them in. I mark on the paper what color or fabric I want in a particular place so I know that when I'm finished the block is how I have it planned in my quilt. As I'm typing I'm thinking of a quilt I'd like to do (another NY Beauty) and how I'd like to shade the colors from right to left, light to dark. I would lay the point fabrics out in front of me the way I want them shaded, lay the arc in front of me face up, and write on the points what color goes where so that as I'm grabbing pieces I can grab the right one.
One other thing with paper piecing I do is precut the pieces (which I think was mentioned by Sue in the BOM instructions) to the size I need them so that as I'm piecing I'm not working with a huge piece of fabric. It takes a bit more prep on my part, however I'm happier with the results.

Happy quilting!
Teri

Having just completed the January BOM, I have got a bit hooked on paper piecing and am now thinking over the technique. Of course Sue's instructions included the order of adding the pieces - if I were to try this on other blocks is there a certain order for the pieces to be attached or can it be started anywhere. I expect it is easier to visualise with the paper pattern in front of me but as usual I am rushing ahead!