Steve, we ALL have had disasters. What I usually do when approaching a pattern like this is to sew the strips vertically. Some beginner may find it easier to cut the strip in half (from 42" to 21"). If your strips are 2" finished, I wouldn't sew more than 6 or 7 together. The big IF is that your seam allowance is consistent. Doesn't matter if it is a little fat or skinny, just consistent. (there are many posts on this site on how to deal with getting an accurate 1/4" seam allowance-I use painter's tape.) Be careful with pressing. That can also distort a seam. I press my seam one up and then one down but that only works when working with even strips. I have made a lot of bargello quilts which is similar to what you are doing. Hope that you can post a photo because that helps us with our advice.
Last edited by ManiacQuilter2; 11-12-2015 at 05:55 AM.
Reason: post photo