The only addition I have to the process is I use a stiletto in one hand and the clover iron in the other to turn and press the edges over the template. I do like this process. I sit at the kitchen table with a small shaping board, my pieces and the templates. Once a bunch of the shapes are made they can be stitched to the background. You are right, applique is not a speedy process! One just has to figure out the process that works for them.