Moda Blockheads: Block 48-Honeymoon

I am going to use a quick-hourglass method and I like to start with slightly larger squares when making Half-square triangles so have made sime adjustments to the cutting instructions.
A-(cut 4) 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"
B-(cut 4) 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"
C-(cut 4) 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"
D-(cut 4) 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"
For thefollowing fabrics used in the hourglass units-do not cut squares into triangles
E-(cut 2) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
F-(cut 1) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
G-(cut 1) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
H-(cut 1) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

I began by making the Half-Square Triangles using A and B squares.  I think I can do this step in my sleep now.  Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the A sqaures.  Stitch 1/4 inch from each side of the drawn line.

Cut along the line and press towards the dark side.

These get trimmed to 1 1/2" squares
​being sure to line up the diagonal line on the ruler with the seam line.

Next I add the C and D squares to the Half-square triangles to make a four-patch unit.

Chain-piecing them together.

I broke the "rules" here and pressed these towards the C and D squares.

The seams, which are pressed in opposite directions will nest together nicely now.

I find that all I need to do is sew so that the seam on top is facing up towards the needle, rather than away, and as I sew the two seams are pushed together nicely without the need for a pin.
​ I pressed the seams open on these. 
​At this point these little Four-patch blocks should measure 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Now I am going to make the hourglass units.  I like how quick this method makes these.

First I draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the F and G squares.  The with right sides together I place each on top of an E square.

Just like with the Half-square triangles I stitch 1/4 inch from each side of the line.

These get cut apart and pressed toward the dark side.  On the back of the two of the units I once again draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.  It is important that your line land right on the tips of those corners.

Next I put two Half-square triangles together-one of each type- matching the seams.

 I sew 1/4 inch away from one side of the line and to push those seams together I make sure that the top seam is pointed towards the needle.  When I first started doing this method I alwyas put a couple of pins in buthave found they really are not necessary if i remember to have them facing this direction when I sew.  Before I sew on the other side of the line I will take a quick check of my work.

That is what I want to see-the seams matching perfectly.

Now I sew down the other side, again with that seam facing up towards my needle.

After cutting apart on the drawn line, I pressed towards one side
and now I can trim these to 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
It is important to line up the diagonal line on my ruler with the seam.  I have also made sure that the mid point of 1 1/4" lands right at the center intersection.  The other thing I am going to check for is that the outer edges along the  2 1/2" lines make perfect points of a triangle.

Rotating the block after trimming the first two sides I again line up the lines on my ruler-make sure the 1 1/4" mark is at the center of the block and trim.

Time to add my H square and put all of the pieces together to make the block.

I pressed all of the rows towards the hourglass units. As I sewed the rows together I fanned the seams at the intersections so that the seams lay in opposite directions. 
Here is a photo of another fanned seam to give you an idea of what this looks like
​ as it show up better in this photo.

I love this block!  I am even considering making another using this blue square for the center-just that one little change gives it a whole new look.

As promised here are the links to the designers blog posts with their setting ideas.
I am really drawn to two of them and may just need to combine the ideas-time will tell.
Lynne Hagmeier
Betsy Chutchian
  Lisa Bongean
​Jan Patek
Jo Morton
Carrie Nelson

I hope you have as much fun with this block as I did-and since I still have more to make I can still say...
Until next time...
​Happy Quilting!