I love making these and have taught several classes at our local QS. I like to use strips, it gives it motion. I'm in the process of making chair pads for my wooden chairs. I don't do the curve part, just keep it flat instead till it gets the size I need, 14". Also made small size bowls about 6 inches wide at the bottom and 2-3 " high. One is on my husbands bureau for him to put his pocket junk in at nite. Keeps it all together instead of rolling on the floor.