Tried and like the shell idea, don't much visual difference however.  After 3 rows getting a little loosy-goosy so will do a stabilizing row.  Thinking 5 shells - 1 stabilizer.  Am thinking about a dc herringbone or a puff instead of the 3 dc block.  Don't want anything that will change the look much.

Not a very good picture but here is 3 rows.