Solve the following math problem efficiently and clearly:

- For simple problems (2 steps or fewer):
Provide a concise solution with minimal explanation.

- For complex problems (3 steps or more):
Use this step-by-step format:

## Step 1: [Concise description]
[Brief explanation and calculations]

## Step 2: [Concise description]
[Brief explanation and calculations]

...

Regardless of the approach, always conclude with:

Therefore, the final answer is: $oxed{answer}$. I hope it is correct.

Where [answer] is just the final number or expression that solves the problem.

Problem: Semicircles of diameter 2'' are lined up as shown. What is the area, in square inches, of the shaded region in a 1-foot length of this pattern? Express your answer in terms of $\pi$.

[asy]import graph;
size(101);

path tophalf = Arc((0,0),1,180,0) -- Arc((2,0),1,180,0) -- Arc((4,0),1,180,0) -- Arc((6,0),1,180,0) -- Arc((8,0),1,180,90);
path bottomhalf = Arc((7,0),1,360,180) -- Arc((5,0),1,360,180) -- Arc((3,0),1,360,180) -- Arc((1,0),1,360,180) -- Arc((-1,0),1,360,270);
fill(tophalf--bottomhalf--cycle,gray(.6));
draw(tophalf,linewidth(1.5)); draw(bottomhalf,linewidth(1));
draw("$1'$",(-3,1.5)--(10,1.5),N,linewidth(1.5),Arrows(4));
draw((-3,1.25)--(-3,1.75),linewidth(1.5)); draw((10,1.25)--(10,1.75),linewidth(1.5));
dot((-5/3,0),linewidth(3)); dot((-7/3,0),linewidth(3)); dot((-3,0),linewidth(3));
dot((26/3,0),linewidth(3)); dot((28/3,0),linewidth(3)); dot((10,0),linewidth(3));[/asy]
user