Glass head, thin sewing pins are better.  They allow you to iron your work and not burn the heads off.  Careful when you sew over them.  They will buckle up on you.  I try to take them out right before I sew over the pin.  It doesn't always happen though.  I still use mine after they are bent.

If you are like me, you have a nice little scrap collection.  Keep your scraps that are bigger 1x1 inch square in clear plastic bags or containers.  Once and a while TRADE them with other patchworkers at classes, conventions or even at a fabric store.  Make scrap placemats or even miniquilts from them.

There really is a good trip to sewing two seams together.  Always try to make them nest into each other.  I don't like to iron them down but rather to finger press when I can.  I reserve ironing for the last step whenever possible.

It is also good when the seams on your bottom piece is ironed and positioned away from the sewing machine.  You don't want to fight your seams but to hold them down gently.  Sort of go with the flow.