Moving on to PLAN B for the 25-patch blocks.

The 25-patch blocks have a wide range of fabric going back, ummm . . .  37 years.

 For the alternate blocks, black/navy . . .

 Tone on tone . . .

 And some blue stripes were chosen.

 The tricky part was coming up with a block that measured 7-7/8th inches.

So I began with 4 light rectangles (2-1/2" x 4"), 4 light squares (2-1/2"), and 8 blue squares (2-1/4") folded in half diagonally.

 Sewing along the fold to create each star point, trimming, then assembling.

All the while, care is taken with careful placement of stripes in the background print.

 The center consists of one blue square (3") and 2 red/burgundy squares (3") cut in half.

 When assembled it's trimmed down to 4".  Then the star is put together.

Using the slightly wider light pieces allow space enough to trim down just a tad.  If I don't decide to make this top bigger, I'll stop at 71 squares.  So I'm more than half way there.

It's a slow process, as I'm starching fabrics as I go.

Meanwhile there's a pup who is slowly getting better at being in the AC room.  Dolly does not like being in a room with a closed door.  No doubt trauma from puppyhood before she was rescued, but she's getting better, especially if bribed with a chewy bone.  

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .