As I sometimes say -- rargle snargle! I am alternating between laughing and slapping myself on the head -- apparently this step was taking me so long because I had twice the number of pieces I needed. It became immediately apparent as I pressed my first set... had I only done that days ago...
I double counted my counts -- but I didn't double check my math/clue!!
Oh well, I have a bunch of coordinated HST for something else, maybe even the Quiltmaker magazine project.
Anyway -- the task doesn't seem so daunting any more. Just me and hubby and Bernie the sewing machine. The iron doesn't have a name but will be another key component.