QuiltE, thanks for heads-up on the painter's tape. Believe me I have had a messy iron when I forgot about the scotch tape!
I have had no luck printing on Carol Doak paper. Never tried vellum.
I am a relative newbie to PP, having flunked Judy N class (major UFO!!!) and only done a tiny Carol Doak. I am doing a Sue Garman now and using the pre-printed on regular copy paper, works fine.
Try a little bigger needle - bigger perforations may make it easier to rip out.