I'm glad you mentioned keeping the straight of grain on the outside of the hexagon....it really does make a difference.
I've always done it that way and had never thought of "auditioning" the blocks before putting them together, so I was a bit curious as to whether others ran into a problem with the bias edges. I know it can be done but one has to be very gentle and careful.
I appreciate your observation regarding needing a vertical wall.
I am fortunate enough to have a large enough area in the living room and spread them out on the carpet and move blocks around until I'm satisfied. Plus it give DH a chance to make suggestions as it's usually on the floor for several days.
(Being that there are no little feet in the house any more, not a problem.)
Your OBW is beautiful and I love your use of the extra blocks on the back. I sometimes use the "half" block in the outer border.
Good job, look forward to your next one. :thumbup: