What really has me perplexed is that her teacher's process starts with a 4.5" block instead of a 5" block. I kept thinking the end result was supposed to be 4.5" 4-patches, which - as you pointed out earlier - would require starting with 5" squares.

I'm so left-brained I automatically think in terms of 10 or 12 inch finished blocks. A 7 or 14" block just didn't make it to my mental list of possibilities. I kept trying to figure out how to star with 4.5" squares and end up with 4.5" patches. If it can be done, it takes greater skills with a slide rule than I'll ever have. LOL

As I said, I'm quite puzzled by the the teachers instructions, but In making 4 patches I guess it really doesn't matter what size squares you start with as long as you're consistent throughout and the whole quilt is made up of the same size four patches. I think we always think in terms of an even measurement for the finished block plus 1/4" all around for seaming, but with this, any size is O.K.
So, Sondra, if you want to go ahead and work on a simple 4 patch quilt, I say make a whole lot of four patches , using whatever method and size you're comfortable with and join them together or alternate them with same size plain squares and you'll have a nice quilt in no time.
Play around with your fabric and it may all come back to you in a flash. It's only fabric and there are no Quilt Police out there.

Well, I got the scoop on the 4 patch and why using a block instead of strips. There is no reason. You would use the block if you wanted to make more elaborate blocks. By using strips you would be limited. So, yes, you are correct, broken dishes would be a good example of why you would use a 4 patch block. She just had me do it this way because of no reason other than that is how she does it. Actually, I would have probably saved fabric by using strips instead of blocks, especially since I have no intention of doing anything elaborate, just a 4 patch with 2 contrasting colors. So there you have it--no reason just that she told me to do it that way--looks like a not so good way for doing this simple block. Maybe, however, by getting good at doing blocks this way I will be able to make more elaborate ones----huh? I have enough trouble just cutting my material into perfect blocks--each one always seems to be a little off--just like me. Once again thanks for all the good advice. I am sure I will use it. You are all great. I am glad I got you all to thinking, especially for me. :D

p.s. By doing the blocks this way you can sew them one after the other--I think it is called chain sewing. Right?

Is there any way to get a copy of those wonderful colored pictures for making various blocks?

Do you mean my illustrations?

yes, they are great and I would maybe someday like to make some of those marvelous designs.

I am too flattered to say anything except ... Yes ... Of course

:D

To get the pictures exactly as they are, just click on the word "download" and save them to your computer. If you want something with templates, I can probably throw something together for you and upload it here as a .pdf. If you want to be able to resize the templates to change the finished size of the block, I can upload as an MS-Word document, in PowerPoint, or in Corel Draw Version 12.

Did you have something other than the Pinwheel and Broken Dishes blocks in mind?

I recently made templates for an applique jigsaw puzzle block. I've only shared it with one person so far. She hasn't written back to say whether or not it was helpful. If you want it, I'll upload it. Just can't guarantee anything. I did it especially for her and haven't tried to make it myself.

The things I do are nowhere near as good lookin' and detailed as those at the Quilters' Cache. (Marcia does awesome work!) But you can only print her patterns from the site. Can't save them to the computer. (I understand why she does that and don't blame her at all. She has a right to protect her work from pirates. :-))

Thanks I will try, but I'm not too computer literate--anyway not anymore since I no longer work due to a disability. :(

It's super-easy. Just click on the word "download", then click on the "save" button, then save it to your favorite folder on your hard drive. The, just try doubl-clicking on it in that folder. If it doesn't open up, you can copy it (right-click on the file name, select copy) then paste it into a new document (e.g. Word, Works, or something like that.)

If those processes are just too big a pain for you, let me know and I'll send upload it again as a .pdf. tooooooo easy. :-)