Hello redstilettos, No question is a stupid question only if you don't ask is it stupid. May I suggest using the plastic templates? I use quiltpatis and got them from Pati Shambaugh who patented them. They are wonderful! Pati's phone number is 614-443-9988 and her website is
www.quiltpati.tripod.com. I have bought quite a few packets of hexagon plastic templates and been hand piecing Grandmother's Flower Garden with 1930's reproduction fabrics for over 7 1/2 years - find it very therapeutic and relaxing. To order the quiltpatis, you need to call Pati, her website doesn't allow you to do it online. She is very helpful too. I don't get any perks for telling you all this, just trying to be helpful. Personally, I've never tried the paper piecing but I would think you would get better results with the quiltpatis which are plastic templates. Wishing you the best.