The pattern is called Altered Squares, not States. ;-)
And here's the reason the blocks didn't come out the same size:
http://blog.missouriquiltco.com/love-those-layer-cakes/
Look at the respone to the first comment on the blog post.
From Sarah (of MSQCo.)
It is a very easy pattern. We just made it up....What we did was used 2 layer cakes. one pack we cut into four smaller squares and the other pack we cut into triangles. Put them together just Alternating the fabrics. It turns out gorgeous every time!
Not to mention wonky every time. :roll:
If you cut some 10" layer cake squares into four smaller squares, and then cut others into four triangles, the resulting FINISHED squares will be different sizes.
The 4 patches will be 9" FINISHED, and the QST (quarter square triangle) blocks will be 8.75" FINISHED.
So your sewing was spot on. That 1/4" difference was "supposed" to be there. :roll:
And that's the main reason I really dislike the MSC.
Yes, they have a lovely website and customer service, but if they don't explain this stuff beforehand IN THE PATTERN instructions, then they just frustrate people like you.
Or real newbies who would be totally lost on this supposedly EASY pattern - except their blocks aren't coming out the right size.
You did nothing wrong. Nor are you the first one to post a similar problem with one of their patterns.
And it's not a question of being the quilt police.
Those were really sloppy directions.
But that's their M.O.