Great post, Prism! You've made very clear, to a beginner, as she indicates she is, how fabric works. So much of this stuff is listening to good advice, then taking your time in following that advice. We learn so much by "doing" but words of wisdom from those who have already gone thru the aggravation of getting it wrong is a tremendous help! I sewed for many years, made all my own clothes, clothes for others, and lots of household items, before I began quiltmaking. It's a different breed of cat in many ways and reading about what others have already learned--mistakes and triumphs--here and elsewhere, has been invaluable to me. And it will be to her, too!