I really like paper piecing and have use all the above papers at some time. My favorite is the cheapest copier paper I can find. Like Teresa said I don't see why you would have to see throught it but even copier paper is seen through if held to the light. I fold every line before I start. This gives me a visual on the side for the fabric and helps in the removal of the paper when it is finished. I also use very small stitches. Cathy(woodenzoo), although I have a roll of the pattern tracing paper I have not actually tried it. I think however it would be especially good if I wanted several of the same pattern and sewed through a stack with a needle only technique which someone mentioned above. I have used regular tracing paper that comes in a pad but my experience is when I press it with the iron on each seam it becomes brittle and sometimes comes off the fabris before I'm ready. I,too, think you paid a lot for the paper. PP is so much fun don't let paper be a reason not to do it. At that price I'd be reluctant to do much. Just my opinion. Sally

Thank you all, for your kind comments! As I constructed the first block, the process was so slow, because I had trouble lining up the fabric to allow extra seam allowance, or I stitched a wrong side to a right side. I did a lot of ripping out on the first few blocks. But perseverance is the key, and practice makes perfect. I hope to make another PP project someday with more intricate designs. Theresa, you are so lucky to get a trailer-full of worm castings! Jennifer, here's an explanation of worm castings: Vermicompost I work it into each planting hole when adding new perennials to my gardens. Donna, thanks for your comment on the borders. The inner border might look white and the outer border black on your monitors, but the colors are actually cream and navy blue (print). Marsha, you are right about getting to know my machine while stitching 1/4" away from seams and turning corners! Don't look too close though, because the 1/4" is sometimes scant and sometimes closer to 3/8"! After a while I decided not to worry about an exact 1/4", but rather to relax my shoulders, enjoy the process, and use thread to match the buzzsaws. I don't think the recipient will notice the quilting inconsistencies anyway:) Julie

Very, very pretty. I like to change needles often in general, and It is just my opinion, but you need the needle to be sharp to puncture thru the paper and than the fabric and a dull needle is going to perhaps bend those fibers rather than pierce them cleanly. I actually use a little larger needle when I PP. I am in no way an expert!!!! I also find using a single hole needle plate makes it all easier to get clean stitches. Try a test, and change the needle and see if it makes a difference. Donna is right about leaving the paper on until the blocks are assembled. I took a PP class (a hard one- remember my crab?) and all the paper was left on & used to match up the intersections -stick a very fine straight pin thru the paper points, not at an angle- where you want to match-also at the seam allowances. Do not stretch the edges or the block will not lay flat. Are you using these on your Tavern sign fabric?

I may do this one as well. I want more Xmas colors and may go for maroons and various greens on white. I can see embellishments on the trees like beads and a star on top. Maybe too much glitz but I'm in my embellishment period right now.