The problem may not be you nor your malady. Read some reviews on this book and more than one person mentioned that the lack in continuity of size in jelly roll strips creates many problems with this set of patterns. Also several mentions of needing/having to buy a particular ruler to have good success. You may have this ruler, but if the strips you are using aren't uniform . . . sounds like the problems may not originate with you. Don't stop quilting! Don't give up any ground you've gained! Praying for you!