Great explanation Coyote..you are in good hands Roses & Cybercat! There are sooooo many brand new quilters on the swap block threads people are very helpful and forgiving so feel free to jump right in and sign yourself up for a block for the april swap! You can do the basic 9-patch block and make it 12 x 12 and from there branch out alittle, course I liek the look of the 9 patch and will end up making quilts just with that block style! Good luck!