Quiltbaby, I'm too new to adopt anyone but I can probably help with your pattern issue. The easiest way I know is this:
1) Draw out a full sized 16" block on some stiff paper or thin cardboard like a cereal box.
2) Cut the pieces out.
3) Trace each piece on some more stiff paper.
4) Trace your seam allowance around each of the individual shapes you just drew.
5) Cut those pieces out including your seam allowances.
You now have your patterns for each piece of the block with no math involved.
When your block is pieced together it will come out to 16" plus your seam allowance all the way around.
It might be worthwhile to post a line drawing of the block you want to make here. Others may be able to tell you some easy ways to cut and sew the blocks to save some time.
I hope this helps,
Rodney
Last edited by Rodney; 11-07-2013 at 10:32 PM.