You should definately work on something else for a while, get the "mess quilt" outa sight and mind.
I agree that starching makes a huge difference. I get much better results when I starch before I cut.
With precuts you'd think they would work better. I've never had anything work correctly with them. I hate that everyone is pushing them so hard.
You are improving your quilting skills, even with this quilt. Don't give up!
