I made my first sample block just a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to start a quilt from a picture so thought it might help to make a sample first. I am not the sample type. The less "extras" I have at the end of a quilt the better I like it; and I always have extras, so why make one to start. I did use graph paper to get the basics of have to put it together, which was a great help! I also did not have a full picture of the quilt. I could determine it was on point and was made from three different blocks. But I could not determine how many blocks or set in triangles, or size. But the main reason I made the samples was to see if I liked the colors. I was not totally pleased with it but decided to press on. Now it is finished and I have another problem that I might post in another thread.
I stated I was not totally pleased with the colors so I changed the first border after the set in triangles to kind of brighten it somewhat. Now I would like to add a flange on the binding of this same border fabric. I have never made a flanged binding
and I also attach my bindings as I quilt the top on the LA, and I'm wondering if this is possible with the flange added.
Speaking of tried and true patterns, I have a quilt book that I started making a pattern in the book, cutting all the fabric first, that I couldn't understand so I called the number in the book. It turned out it was the author herself. She was basically no help, put the blame on the publisher, and said that she didn't remember exactly how the pattern went and didn't offer to refresh her memory and get back to me. Needless to say I will not be making anymore patterns in that book. It was a really neat concept though, but I won't chance the pattern not being right.