Thank you, girls, for your input. The Olympics are coming up; taking out a couple of columns will be good television work. I have a seam guide on my sewing machine (actually it is picture mounting tape which has some depth to it. Really good for butting your fabric against), and I haven't pressed it yet. I think I will try to rip out some and see if that helps.
Again, I appreciate all of your ideas Thanks, so much.