yes, pp can be frustrating, but once it clicks in, it does make beautiful blocks. I think I got the most help from watching dvd of Doak......really made sense to me then, before that it was confusing. I do find when I do pp, I have to really clear my mind of regular piecing steps.....and the first few pieces are usually done quite slowly, then the veil lifts and the rest goes well..certainly has helped us make some really tricky blocks a lot easier to before..