Cold - thanks for the encouragement!  I think I should be good.  So you have one coming for you, and one for you bro?
Mag - That was my big issue the first time - not pulling tight enough, and not compressing enough.  I got that all under control... and then switched up my twisting a couple of times!!  I'm just going to leave it until I get some more 550 cord and try it 2 tone.