I didn't read all of the responses on this thread but, if you haven't tried paper piecing using freezer paper, you ought to try it. soooo much easier. My first PP is the one you see as my avatar. I completed it four or five days ago using the tear out paper method. It was fun and the compass turned out terrific. Someone else from the guild that I belong to showed me the freezer paper way and that is my chosen method now. Eliminates a lot of bulk.