luvstoquilt301

Another possibility---is use all these different ones for the back of a charity quilt. It makes it almost 2 sided.

I always make one in exactly the fabric I will use. If I hate it----it goes into a drawer for something else someday.

The Christmas colors is another excellent idea.

Gwyn

I haven't done a sample block, but for years I did quilting with the children in my classroom. A perfect storage container is pizza box (new). The different blocks will lie flat and stay clean until you are ready to use them. Gwyn

Linsoblu

I put them in my quilt log or a ring binder to keep a record of things I've done a long with finished pictures of the quilts.

hsquiltingmom

I didn't do this on a block I had used for my daughter's quilt I made for her wedding. It was a stash buster block in one of the magazines and I just kind of figured it would work. Needless to say, it cost a whole lot more than it should have. I now make blocks to make sure they work, and I put them in a sheet protector and binder with my patterns, or I make them into hot pads.

My reason for realizing I had to do a sample block from now on, was because there was a misprint in the instructions. It has saved me some good money to do this extra step.

Gwyn

I just hadn't thought of making an extra or trial block. I wish I had since some of the ones I have made up I can't remember very well. This is a great idea. I can't wait to get started.

jojo47

We ALL learn something new here!

Another idea...in addition to orphan blocks being made into charity quilts or simply done as potholders, what about using one or several on the sides of tote bags? I think they would be really cute!

sewbeeit42

One use for orphan blocks is to make placemats. The designs do not have to be the same, but the colors should coordinate. Just add a small border on the top and bottom of the block and two borders on the side. These can be done using the sew and flip method so are made very quickly.

Oklahoma Suzie

I don't do that, but really should.

bjdemir

I have done this once just to try out a pattern that needed adjusting. I made it into one of the new "candle mats" and gave it as a gift. I made it double sided for two different seasons. Turned out great.

Boston1954

Yes, I have done that a couple of times. It helps me decide if I really want to do a certain block. Helps me pick the right colors too.