I haven't in the past but I think it is a great idea, when I take a class and have samples I like to make something out of it so I don't waste my time and materials so I guess in a way I do make a sample or test block.

Depends on the pattern. If it is complication I always to a practice block. A lot of the time I turn that block into a wall handing for the person that receives the quilt.

yes I always do. When I am finished making the Quilt I give the block to my friend who makes Quilts only for charity.

Most of the time I just jump in. I don't make really complicated quilts.

I always do; I want to see what the first block looks like before I starting up the fabric.

i do unless i have made the pattern before

I normally do one or a couple of blocks before committing myslef to cutting it all up. I noramlly do make it from the fabric I plan to use and if the blocks turn out I use them in the quilt. Very seldom do I make it from other fabric but I might if I am making something challenging.

I haven't gotten into anything too intricate, so I usually just jump in with both feet. When I get to more complex things I probably will make test blocks, if that ever happens. I seem to love quick and simple.

I made the mistake of cutting out all my blocks ONCE!!! and there was an error in the pattern. Soooo now I make one block to see if it comes out right and then I go on and finish cutting the rest of the blocks

Yes, I do. I've screwed up too many times to take chances - even after many years of quilting. And I do the test block from the actual fabric (though the idea of Chrismtas fabric is very a good!) so if the fabrics need to be repositioned, I can see it early on in the project. The only time I don't is when I've done a particular pattern before and know it works.