I made an apple core quilt and I did not clip any of the edges. What I did was - finger press a crease in the middle of every side. Match those up when putting together. I did pin the beginning, middle and end of each piece when putting them with the next one. I also sewed them together in long rows and then put the rows together. I found that much easier than not doing rows. I agree with whoever thought your seam allowances were to big. One more thing - spray starch is your friend doing this quilt. Spray the pices before you put them together and that will also help with stretching.
Once you get into a rythm doing it, it will seem much easier.