Thank you. I was concerned about the paper curling or bending during basting. Maybe it is a question of holding the piece gently...I have noticed that the very tips of the narrower points tend to fold back. Sometimes even before they are out of the bag when they arrive.
I had never heard of using starch in that way. It sounds interesting but i prefer to spend less time standing at the ironing board (if I wanted to iron, I would start with my clothes). Also, I like hand basting, it's so relaxing and can be done while talking or watching the tv.
Do you press or starch the pieces after sewing them together? Do you use whip stitch or ladder stitch? Do you sew the pieces together and make sections or just work on the whole project at once? I was thinking of starting in the center and going out so that I could audition colors as I go along.