Help!

My idea was to make an Old Mother Dear Jane Hubbard.

But the center block is too big.  I'd have to make spacer (ie sashing) of about 1/2" between the blocks or even less. I've thought about just taking the sashing off the center block and cutting it down 1/2"on each side.  or just having spacers at the corners. I like the proportion of the sashing to the center.

What should I do?

Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!