Whirlygig confusion

[Marion D.]

On the website, http://turtlehillquilter.blogspot.com/2010/01/charmed-whirlgigs-tutorial.html she says that the dimensions for the whirlygig block is 5" along the side and 4.5 along the top. I made the block that way and it had to be trimmed. I commented about it on her blog. I then reversed the measurements and the block was perfect. I emailed her about it and she replied that everyone else uses her directions and has had perfect blocks. She deleted my comment from the blog.
Am I crazy or what? Mathematically my second attempt makes more sense. Does any one know the angle of the cut in the middle? I want to make more blocks for an interesting pillow top. Thx.

[Nancy R.]

I just glanced at the blog and the way she orients the blocks in the pictures doesn't match the way she says to orient them in the text. I think if you just follow the pictures and ignore the text then you'll be fine. Note that I haven't tried this, just read the blog. But, really, if you found a way that makes the blocks right for you, then just go with that method. All that matters is how the block turns out, not how you get there.

Don't forget to post pictures when you're done!! We'd all love to see your pillow top!

[Nancy R.]

Thx. I wouldn't have posted this if she hadn't been nasty to me. All her responses were from sewers who hadn't made the block. I think the angle is 20 degrees. I found my protractor. Quilting is not rocket science.

[Nancy R.]

Yeah, that was pretty uncool. You can either find the angle, or you can measure in from the edge. This will look wonderful however you do it, just as long as the blocks are consistent. Of course, it would even be cool with inconsistent blocks if they are obviously inconsistent, giving you another type of modern look. That's what I love about quilting -- you can do whatever is pleasing to your eye and you get a beautiful quilt (or pillow top)!