This is how I do mine also..........I sew a strip diagonally down the middle then I can put a variety of one color on one side and another color on the other side of the first strip, that way you can turn them to make any pattern you want when you have all your block done. I've done the red and white and blue Veterans quilts this way. Nice way to use up all your scraps too.

Sherry: that little gal sure is cute. Does she sew yet?

I've not done the strings on a backing, but I also have not used extremely narrow ones. I just finger press (more like thumb nail press) as I go with any sewing unless extreme precision is required.

To like to keep my blocks all neatly stacked so I'm not always wondering if I have enough made.

I iron after each new piece sewn to the base cloth.

I press every seam I sew.