MOda Blockheads-Block 1: Whirlygigs

I have a serious problem.  I am addicted to quilt patterns.  So even though I have more projects than I know what to do with I am jumping into another freebie being offered by some of the excellent designers who work with Moda fabrics.  This is a Block a Week project with 6 inch blocks.

The first block is Whirligig from Kansas Troubles Quilters and designed by Lynne Hagmeier.  You can find the block here: ​http://blog.modafabrics.com/2017/03/blockheads-block-1/

My first step, once all of my fabrics have been cut is to starch all of the pieces.  I have found this to be a huge benefit when piecing smaller blocks.

I am following the traditional piecing directions for this block.  I start by drawing a diagonal line on all of my A and D squares.

Layering an A square on each of my B rectangles, I am using the chain-piecing method to stitch these together on the diagonal line.  I find that if I place my needle just to the right of my drawn line I am better able to achieve the correct finished size.

Once these are stitched I use my ruler to cut 1/4 inch away from my stitching.

Time to press.  It is especially important to press these pieces and not iron them.  
Basically, I try not to move my iron around on the fabric,
but rather just set it on the fabric to press it along the seam.

Now I repeat the process with another A square
​making sure I have my diagonal line going in the right direction.

Once everything is trimmed and pressed I check to see that I have the correct size
-yes, 2"x 3 1/2"-perfect.  That makes me happy! Unit #1 is done.

The process is repeated with the C rectangles using A squares on one end
and D squares on the other.   This photo gives a better look at where I try to
place my needle; right next to the line I have drawn.

Checking to see that my unit#2's also measure 2" x 3 1/2."  Looking good.

Now to lay out the units according to Lynne's design for this block.

Chain-piecing the units together.

Once again laying my pieces out to make sure I have them in the right order.

Whenever I come to bulky seams like these, I slow way down.  It also helps to have something to guide the pressed seams under the foot.

I am feeling very good about how this is coming together.  
​Just need to sew the two sections together now.

A little pin placed where the center seams meet helps hold them in place.

Again, I slow way down when I come to this bulky seam and stitch right up to the pin.
With my needle in the down position I gently remove the pin and continue sewing.
I also am looking at the little intersection of seams here and trying
​to land my needle right on that point.

It's a beauty, and measures 6 1/2 inches too.

That center seam is pretty thick so I have fanned open  the seams to eliminate that pesky lump in the middle.

A zoomed in view of the middle seam.

There were enough leftover pieces from trimming units 1 and 2 to try my hand a mini quilt block.  What fun that was!

I hope that this tutorial has helped you on your own Blockhead journey.  I plan to continue to share how I am putting my blocks together.  So, until next time...

Happy Quilting!