they may have been the leftovers from snowball blocks. i know that sometimes, when i sew the second seam on the snowball corner, i don't quite make the 1/2" from the first seam. so when i cut the snowball blocks to the correct 1/4" seam allowance, the leftovers have a narrower seam allowance. i tend to use those for wall hangings or mug rugs that don't get much wear and tear.