Rethinking the approach. Now that I have proof of concept, starting with putting together all of the first wave scales and arranging them after. Basting in place will likely be more challenging, and pokey, but should go faster than the row-by-row.
I have enough regrets with my on-the-fly layout choices for the last few rows. A total of sixty scales per side, all told, with 30 patterned pieces left. Definitely going to need more solids and probably 10 or 15 more patterned. Back to cutting. Just no clipping; curves can wait for Amazon to delivery my pinking shears.
That was faster, certainly more efficient, but not sure that it was better. Row-by-row was about enjoying the journey, this felt more like streamlining the process. Something to consider for the future.