Originally Posted by ckcowl
if i am trying a new block i have never made before i do a practice block according to the instructions- and see how it comes out- if i like it and it seems to make sense- i make more that way- if it does not go together well- or i know an easier way i may change my technique for the next one....but if i have instructions i use them- at least the first time. i hate wasting fabric so i do not tend to experiment until i see how it goes together-as prescribed.
I don't like to waste fabric either ... So what I do when testing a block or pattern, is I keep a few fabrics just for that. I keep the test runs and my plan is that someday they will all go together as a collage of sorts. Or I can raid them as the starting point for making mug rugs, totes/bags, or whatever!!
This way I feel as though the test ones have a reason and a purpose ... and I haven't cut into the fabric planned for a project. Or sometimes ... I just want to try a block or two, just to see what it's like!