I'm also doing it as a BOM at my LQS. I have the first 7 months but haven't started it yet. A friend of mine is also doing it and she started it and said it is pretty easy so far.
Yes that is it for some reason I just love it. I think that I am up to the challenge. I didn't mind if it had applique I thought maybe I was missing something :-P
A friend and I are both doing this as BOM from a LQS. We have blocks 1 and 2 finished as of last night. Block 3 isn't available for pick up yet. It's looking very beautiful!