Ms. Kim S. I am also doing a bargello for the first time. I finally (thought) I understood the directions---but did not understand why I did. My friend helped me w/directions (still the same story) so I dived in have my strips sewn together. You can always go to the LQS and ask for help.
Lana
the Quilting Dreamer
Lansing, MI visiting in Leander, TX at the moment