No! I jump right in with both feet!!!! I KNOW I should do test pieces....but.....I just keep going!!!!!!!

That's funny-because I was changing a pinwheel pattern and used scraps for a sample. One of the scraps I thought was so ugly but when I had it in the sample, both I and DH picked it out as our favorite. Too bad because I only had a smidgen left and had gotten it in a yard sale bag.

That's funny-because I was changing a pinwheel pattern and used scraps for a sample. One of the scraps I thought was so ugly but when I had it in the sample, both I and DH picked it out as our favorite. Too bad because I only had a smidgen left and had gotten it in a yard sale bag.

This is a great tip!!

I made a sample block of a new pattern just recently and so glad I did. I'm a newbie and decided to try a block first. I usually stick to beginner or easy patterns but this didn't designate skill level. Needless to say, I'm NOT going to make a quilt from that pattern. I tried to make the block more than once and it became a frustration. I'm into quilting for the pleasure and relaxation and not the tension and frustration.

always always make a sample

For me it depends on how difficult the block is. If it's made up of basic shapes, I just go with it. If the pattern has new pieces that I haven't encountered, then I do a test block or two to make sure I have it down.

I have a computer program (Quilt Pro) that I use to audition the color scheme so I'm pretty confident about that before I start.

Yes, I make a sample block, or two.....a couple of designs if I am confused as to what design. I wonder where those extra blocks go...........?

The one time I didn't make a sample block before cutting I ended up way to short and had to hustle to get more fabric. There was a directionality in the fabric that I hadn't accounted for, as well as cutting things the wrong dimension! I was following a pattern, which had a mistake in the directions which led to the cutting error.

Definitely try a block out before cutting!

No I never make a smaller one first. Just plunge right in.