I find it easier to join chunks than rows, personally, so I would start in a corner and work my way out. I would also break your grid into pieces; there comes a point where the completed part becomes too unwieldly to handle, so it's easier to make reasonable-sized pieces and them join them. I find that once it's over 2 feet in each direction, I prefer to start a new chunk.
Good luck! I'm excited to see your progress.