see a great tutorial for string blocks
here:
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...ng-primer.html
(Bonnie Hunter is a wonderful scrap loving quilter!)
and here:
http://www.maryquilts.com/strings/he...ck-guidelines/
Mary's groups do most of their quilts for charity. Many have coordinated center strips, but this is unnecessary.
Try googling string blocks and then click on Images. OMGoodness! so much eye candy!
You may starch your foundation fabric if you wish. I have never done this and had no problems. I size my blocks bigger and then trim them up ...Hope this helps.