Argh! Stupid mistake
 

I was looking for a 12" block to base a placemat on. I knew I wanted 12" (to end 12x18"), and I flipped through a block-of-the-day calendar I have. Found the perfect block for the 4 fabrics I need to use. Cut all the blocks - just barely, out of 2 of the fabrics. Started sewing and when I went to trim the center square it was 1" smaller than I expected. Double checked the other bits, and yep. It's a 10" block I found. What an idiot I am :( So, I guess the blocks will get a 1" frame around them - won't look as good as it should have, since one of the fabrics I ran out of is the background.

Don't think of it as a mistake -- it is a creative opportunity!

Just a new opportunity! It will work out.

I'm sure it will look as good as your original plan. Sometimes our missteps even turn out better than originally planned. Be sure to show us a picture of the finished one. Good luck!

I like the blocks that have frames around them. Here's hoping you find something in your stash that really makes your piecing stand out.

Don't you just hate that? Don't let your creative mind give up. You'll find something that will work and no one but you will know it's a mistake.

How about making them asymmetrical with a wide border on the top or bottom and on one side? Since it's a place mat, it might look cool that way.