Your going to hate hearing this but Alex just showed the technique for a neat
pieced circle block that used freezer paper, glue stick and an iron to make really neat circles. This most recent show also had two quilters from Canada that showed GREAT techniques for beautiful blocks.
I know that doesn't help you since you have dialup. But the technique is by Dale Fleming from her book "Pieced Curves So Simple" and you can find the link to order the book on the "Watch this Show" and click on the link to order the book or your can go to the C & T site
http://www.ctpub.com/searchproducts.cfm
Depending on how you press the seams, the circle can look regular applique or reverse applique but it is a pieced block.
I am definitely looking for this book at my LQS