Queenbarbiej-Please don't get frustrated with making the 9 patch blocks as I had a few that were not 6 1/2" square too. I just put those blocks in a place not to be used and I recut scraps and cut the new 2 1/2" scraps just a shade (like 2-3 threads larger). Also, when I iron the blocks I had to remember to just "up and down pressing" not like I was ironing a blouse or something like that. This is for fun so good luck and please just enjoy the swap.