I always start out with a long strip, then add different size pieces to that, then cut those apart and add them to another strip, etc. until I get a piece of fabric big enough to cut a block.

Miss Eva,
I was revisiting this thread, and this is a great idea! Sound easier than the 5 sided piece to start with.

Looking really good :)

I made a small quilt using that method, kinda. just kept sewing and recutting and made them into crumb blocks about 4 1/2 sewed them tog with black and came out great. just have to quilt it now