You are
SEW correct QuiltE...
thank you for pointing out about sewing off the block and how it applies to the integrity of our quilts. I completely agree it is important to learn good habits and minimize risk to having a heirloom quilt
eventually unraveling.
I would add that in addition to learning good habits, I think it is equally important that we give ourselves the opportunity to not feel like we have to make a perfect or even great product the first time. In my experience; This can be daunting and even become a huge psychological barrier for not starting a project or trying something new at all.
" I've always been told that's a no-no!" Is anything really a no-no! ?? 
O
r can you apply another technique or variation on a technique to attain the same quality in the end? *** Makes for good discussion ***
I think its problem solving at best. Each project I make is truly an adventure. 
Some adventures are more challenging (frustrating even) than others.
Yet, each project I attempt and work through helps me to learn and also builds on my knowledge. Knowledge that I can then apply to problem solving techniques on future projects.
When sewing "off" the block, I was taught to not sew beyond the block's edge (just into the seam allowances). As it says, you are not cutting threads ... and it is best to not cut threads later when you trim the block for the further steps. Why you are asking? Cut threads, can create a risk to quilting eventually unravelling. Likewise, when your borders are 6" and you want them narrower after quilting is done, I've always been told that's a no-no! I'll add ... this is all about risk.
You can likely get away with it most of the time.
by QUILTE
Discussion Example:
Problem - I have a orphaned block that is 12.5 X 12.5 squared. I used this block to practice meandering. The block turned out really great and I was very pleased with the results. As it was a practice block I tucked it back away in a Tote as a now unfinished orphaned quilted block. I have some other un-quilted orphaned blocks sitting in the same tote but they are 9.5" X 9.5" blocks. I want to use all of these blocks including the 12.5 X 12.5 already quilted square in a (Quilt As You Go) QAYG Quilt. However, I have been told by several quilters and tutorials that it is a No-No to cut down a block or quilt after it has been quilted.
We as individuals as either Novice, Intermediate, or Master quilter will come at this problem from different angles and thought processes.
I'll add ... this is all about risk. You can likely get away with it most of the time.
I am going to qualify what QuiltE has shared by saying, "Yes, it is about risk, IF you are making an expensive, high quality, meant to be a forever and ever heirloom quilt that you want to give to someone." "Yes, the more end cut threads you have increase the chances a thread can loosen itself over time." "For me, Getting away with something
implies that I have miss-stepped or done something wrong."
In my opinion, as important as it is; that we build good habits and we are aware of what the standards of the skill trade we are learning is. I say, "It is also important that as novice and intermediate pupils of quilting we are kind to ourselves in the learning process, open to alternate ideas and techniques and the possibility that it can be done many different ways."
Im leaving the Discussion Example Question Open for just that Discussion.
1.How would you solve it?
2. Would decide not to use the already large quilted block because you think it may pose a future problem to the integrity of your quilt?
Please post some replies Ladies. There are no right answers in this its just a discussion of what we would do; Let's learn from each other.
Only from loving use and lots of hugging and cuddling do I want my quilts to fall apart!! That's totally permissable!
by QuiltE
QuiltE thank you again for making this discussion possible by giving your input. Your AWESOME!!!! Girl 