Update! We started yesterday, and everyone on this post and this site has been so helpful! We started by choosing the fabric and the pattern (nine patch). It is from my stash (inherited from my mother) and my friend has a real eye for color. We spread her choices out on the floor, and she played around with them until she came up with a combination she liked. THEN - I had her press all the fabric (with explanation of why press rather than iron - more important when we get the blocks made, but a good starting point!) and she started cutting out the strips. It was a blast! Thank you all again, and I will post a picture when we are done! Trene (formally TeaHess)