if you're a 1st time quilter, i think you should stay away from sashing. if the blocks don't line up your sister will will still love it, but why not work up to that gradually? when the blocks aren't lined up they look very crooked, so my advice would be don't go there yet. the first one is very pretty and will make a lovely quilt. that will encourage you to keep going. the next one might be blocks with no sashing and then one with sashing. don't be in a hurry. you'll get there.