Well, the first one I did, I turned the pieces this way and that to get the best combo. When I did the second one, I read her instructions that said the grain is on the outside. Just put them together and don't get all fancy. I think the second one flows better together. I am not struggling to get color groups fading into each other. I have not done the final assembly, but the first one went together without any problems and the grain was all over the place! Don't stress. Do it how you like. It will be fine.