Looks great! The pattern looks hard, but is really easy. I am in the process of making one now, so I know what you mean about not getting 8 across. I actually pieced some of mine so that I did get 8 total out of the two strips. I don't think I'll be doing the bonus project, so I used some of those pieces to help add up to the 8 pieces for each strip set.
For those who haven't done this, I'm sure the above sounds confusing! :lol: But in true Eleanor Burns fashion, it is an easy block to make.