I started the project by making triangles and squares and when almost done, decided I wanted a larger finished product and also an additional color; therefore I ordered 2 skeins each of new color and MC, ending up with 7 colors (+MC).
I didn’t know exactly how far this yarn would take me, but ultimately was able to create a 7 x 6 motif blanket consisting of 42 octagons/30 squares/22 triangles.
I intended to follow the color progression suggestions per pattern but almost immediately abandoned that idea and let the spirit move me. As others have decided, I never used MC as the final round of an octagon.
One entire ball of MC was used to connect motifs and single row of SCs for border. I wanted to do a bit more for the border, so once again, had to order more yarn. I used the little leftover colors and evenly spaced sequences of SCs around; Another 1/2 ball of MC and I finished the last two rows of the edging with HDC and finally RSC.

I started this project in the fall, but really worked on it in earnest for 2-3 weeks in February. The SCs make this a very lengthy project, but IMO, make a better looking motif than cheating with longer stitches. Next time, I’d make the triangles with a smaller hook or at the very least, not block them.