Donna: 
This explanation by Pat is the best, but if you want to know the REAL scoop
about fat quarters, scroll down to the end... 
 
-> A fat quarter is a cut of fabric that measures 18x22".  You get a fat 
-> quarter by   
-> taking a half yard of material and cutting it in half lengthwise instead 
of 
-> widthwise.  
-> The reaason that you would want a FQ over a 1/4th yard is that when you 
are 
-> cutting pieces (using templates) you can cut more pieces out of a fq than 
a 
-> 1/4 yard.  If you are using strips though the 1/4 yard works just as well 
or 
-> better.  
-> The reason it is called a fat quarter is because it is a short, FAT 
version 
-> of a 1/4 yard.  :)  At least that is why I think it got the name!  There 
is 
-> also fat eights which are 1/4 yard cuts cut in half widthwise.  These are 
-> done for the same reason as the fat quarters.  
 
Fat quarters are really quilter's candy.  That's why they were invented.  A
quarter yard is inexpensive enough to justify buying a few, and when you get
a  coupla fews, you have a great assortment to pick and choose from, just
like a box of chocolates. 
 
Life is like a box of fat quarters... 
 
:) :) :) 
ttyl 
Kate 
 
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