I have also done embroidery for narrow strips of fabric. I don't cut my fabric for these strips until after I have the embroidery done. Then I cut away both sides from the center strip and use them for strip piecing. I need simple ways to do things. If that were me, I think I would have gotten a little flustered trying to figure out what she was telling you to do. Guess I have little patience for stuff like that. Kudos to you for figuring it out and getting it done! It looks fantastic!