Don't give up! It's too much fun, eventually :-D ! When I first started I lost so many points it was embarrassing. A couple of things that helped me: 1. I slightly overcut on hst and then trim to the right size, 2. I put a piece of moleskin to use as a guide for the 1/4" seam, and 3. I don't stress about those few points that still disappear. Remember, to press and not iron so you don't distort your blocks. (Ask me how I know this is important :-D :-D ). I also have to say that the math kicks in at some point and things just start making more sense and being a little easier. Good Luck!