You might want to use some paper scraps and cut the sizes directed and lay it all out. The end result might be something familiar to you in a completely different manner. I have a pattern for a feathered star quilt that after reading the directions, my head was spinning. I took it to my LQS for some guidance. The person there I spoke with made the comment, oh, they have you doing x,y,z just in a different manner. All well and good. Still haven't done that quilt yet. One day when my mind is much clearer I'll follow my own advice here and work it all out differently.