Likely a stupid question. Why is the board length so long for this MPC? It would seem that the length could be much shorter thereby saving on wood. The pattern dimensions are 8.656 length and 12.648 on width. The board width for the pattern is 14.5 which is about one inch on top and bottom on the cross which makes sense to this newbie. But the length is 8.656. To me, it would make more sense if the length were about 11 inches giving a bit more than one inch on the left and right of the cross making the total board length in the CW about 18 inches. With the board length on this pattern at 24 inches, it would mean a total board length on 31 inches using the 3.5 inches extra on each side. Again sorry for the likely dumb question but I try to conserve my wood as much as possible. I appreciate any insight. Thanks