Maybe if you take a little time to starch all the blocks and sashing pieces along with the part you have already put together, it would make everything go together easier. On my first quilt (a Lone Star), I didn't know to use starch so I had a lot of trouble with the bias edges and getting things to line up. If I had found out before I finished the quilt, I certainly would have tried starching all of the individual pieces. It really makes such a difference!
What you have done is very pretty. In fact, I am making scrappy 9 patches for the 9-Patch Project here on QB, and I may try setting some of my blocks together this way.
I think it will be a stunning quilt when completed and your BFF will LOVE it! Just do a little each day, maybe attached the sashing pieces as leaders and enders, and before you know it, your BFF will have a beautiful quilt made by her BFF!!