ditto !!!! been there done the frustration and headache thing....

That's a terrific idea...

Yes, I test before I completely cut out for a quilt.

I make sample blocks just for insurance. Tried one this week and using a scant quarter inch the block was too big. Using a real 1/4 inch the block was perfect. I have a friend who makes all sample blocks with Christmas fabric. The orphan blocks go together nicely with the common fabric. Quilt Fan

I make one of Christmas fabric, after a while I have a Sampler.

Not as often as I should. Usually I think of it after I have cut all the bits and pieces out. Kind of late then if it doesn't work, huh? :lol:

I draw it out full size on graph paper and use colored pencils to get the gist of how the colors will go together (usually have fabrics in mind so I will color copy those), then cut out the pieces and glue them into a full size block using a glue stick. Once I like what I see, I will cut and I use the colored paper sample as a reminder when I first start piecing just to make sure I am doing it correctly.

I should have for my last quilt - followed the pattern blindly; ran out of one type of material - only to find that I had to square down the flying geese blocks. That meant I ran out of material and wasted tons of it by cutting the blocks to half their size. It has put me off trying to finish.

i make a lot of "sample" blocks... just not on purpose!!

that is a great idea... i'm going to remember that one...and go shopping in january when the christmas fabric is on sale!