Is she actually using 1/4" seam allowance? I once read when doing minis use 1/8" seam allowance, thus eliminating bulk on back. But then, that would require the cut pieces to be cut even smaller, in this case, I guess...don't know as my eyes sort of glazed over as I was reading the initial post on this venture......
And, even if I owned/ operated the best quilt shop in this entire world I would find something less stressful to do......