Short answer: YES.
I too always make one block first. Usually out of scrap fabric.. just to make sure I "get it".
Sometimes I can only do one step at a time, just to be able to wrap my brain around it.
I've been quilting a whole 17 months. Guessing this is a
forever learning process.
When I used to sew/make clothing for the public and we would talk about my charges. My response was: If I have to read the pattern, it gets more expensive! Most times just looking at the pictures and from experience.. it was enough.
