I agree with Knittette... simply sew and quilt using 1/4", etc. The reason we teach American students the "metric" system is that virtually every country in the world uses the "metric" system. In addition, virtually all of science is done using this system. The reason it appeals to scientists is that all "metric" measurements are based on units of 10! It is MUCH easier to multiply and divide by 10 (in order to convert from one unit to another) than it is to multiply or divide by 12 (inches to feet), or 16 (ounces to pounds), for example. Once you really learn the system, it is so much easier to use! My DH hopes it doesn't happen in his lifetime, though... he sells auto parts and hardware... NOT "metric" at all....