I really like the block and the easiness but I dont like how large it is.
Has anyone pared it down and if so what were your measurements ??

I used this method with 5" cuts. Worked great.

you can make it any size you like from 4 inches up to whatever suits you. I think any smaller tha 4 inches would be to small, have a play with different sizes and see what you like best.

Yes I tried a test block using a few charms. You could use any size just as long as all 5 squares are same size.

I'm making one with 7 inch blocks, which gives you enormous blocks, but is great for a quick quilt. I cannot believe how fast it is. I'm making it in a bow tie pattern.

It is the same block as the 3-D Bow Tie. I've played with them hand sewing down the center for the curved look. There are several blogs out there with tutorials if you search 3D bow tie online.

http://bearcreekquilter.wordpress.co...rial-and-more/

I just made it with 6 inch blocks. So much fun! I want to make up a scrappy baby quilt with a specific print in the center and surround it with all colors. I'm not sure how to post a picture............

Here is the link to the tutorial I saw:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbTHl...ext=1&index=26

I used 22" squares for mine. Four blocks per row. Great to show off machine quilting and makes a big quilt very fast.

I played with this, started with the larger sizes, but didn't like how much fabric was all around the center. So I went smaller. Still didn't like the center so small and too much fabric aroud it. So using about a 4" square, I used 4 - 4" square and then the middle one I went with 5". Liked it better. I think that what ever size block you use, if you want a larger center, just don't go over 1/2 (minus your seam allowance) the measuement of the other 4 blocks. It can be made any size.

Here's a 3D Bow Tie using a smaller center.
http://www.quilt-lovers-guide.com/bo...ilt-block.html
It's a block to bring out our own creativity.