I finally figured out to cut and sew my test blocks using paper not fabric. I have issues with potentially sacrificing even my scraps for my tests. The best part of using paper to sew on is there is no bias ... so when you get the dimensions right , you never have to wonder when you are constructing if it stretched or are the cutting dimensions wrong . If you get it all to work with your paper block , you know you can proceed with confidence.

I have a lot of totes that started life as quilt blocks! They look great and no one knows they aren't what they're 'supposed' to be. The red, white, and blue idea is good, too!

You are definitely not alone. We have all done that I think. You will get it figured out.

Oh my been there, done that. I might add after you cut label components too esp if lots of similar size pieces. I did not do that on a king size quilt I made, plus no test blocks. A few weeks later when I finally started piecing I could not figure out what went where and so on. I've never been so frustrated in my life. I now keep stcky notes on literally every piece and pile and put scraps in ziplock labeled as scraps.

I went to the quilt show in Oaks, and one of the quilts was done by a woman who took all of her orphan blocks that she did maybe one or two of and then threw them in a drawer and decided one day to get them all out and make a quilt. It is absolutely beautiful.

When I see a project/block I really like I will make a test block. I usually draw it out first and then do the test block. Right now I have a bunch of "fall" test block that will turn into SOMETHING at some point.

I always do a test block first if I am making anything except 9 or 10" squares. That way, if my sizes are off, and they usually are, I can adjust before I start cutting

That is why i make test blocks first.

You have lots of company! I also have done the same thing. Something I did with some of my 'test' blocks, orphan blocks, ect, was to save until I had quite a few. Then I made a back-of-the-devan cover. It turned out really pretty, and I got a Red Ribbon at the County Fair, and lots of compliments. So, there is "light at the end of the tunnel." Mariah

You are neither alone or stupid - been there, done that many times. I too don't like getting cutting directions for an entire quilt unless I have made that quilt many times before and even then I can get confused and mess up. It happens.