I haven't read the whole thread of responses, but you can look at it this way. It's better that the pieces are larger than needed. At least you can go back and trim what is extra. You may need to do less at one time and take it a little at a time. Actually I find that I do better if I cut a little, piece a little, press a little, then start the cycle again. It'll all get done in time. Put it aside for a couple of days and then go back to it. Trim enough pieces to make one Ohio Star. You'll see how proficient you'll get.