How to make a 15 minute block in 86 minutes

I always use this book for my generic blocks. It has all sorts of blocks with different sizes for the same block, and it's quick and easy to use.


I've exchanged 6.5" blocks with friends for the last couple of years, and as you know from a few posts ago, I've been getting the last few of mine done to complete a king size top. I am down to the last two blocks of a total of 16 blocks to complete the set.

So, today, I perused the block book to find 2 blocks not previously used in these 82 blocks on the wall. And I found one that was all comprised of all the same size half square triangles. Not too hard, eh?

So here's my steps:

1) Choose the pattern (5 minutes)
2) Cut the fabric (10 minutes)
3) Piece two triangles together to discover the size is incorrect (5 minutes)
4) Re-cut all the fabric in the CORRECT size (10 minutes)
5) Sew the 16 correct sized HSTs, and lay them out in the placement grid (10 minutes)
6) Remove three HSTs that were sewn with one of the fabrics upside down. (1 minute)
7) Unsew them, then re-sew correctly. (10 minutes)
8) Preview in the placement grid. (1 minute)
9) Sew each row carefully keeping the HST in the correct position (5 minutes)
10) Press the block (1 minute)
11) Unsew 2 rows with 3 HSTs sewn the wrong direction (5 minutes)
12) Remove the offending 3 HSTs from their respective rows (3 minutes)
13) Get a diet coke and cool down (15 minutes)
14) Re-sew the HSTs in each row correctly (5 minutes)
15) Sew each row back together, then take one off, turn it around and sew it correctly (10 minutes)

Here's my 86 minute block from the 15 minute section(6" finished)


No wonder it's taking me forever to get two blocks done! And here's the block inserted in the top. As you can see, I only have one more to do, plus one more connector block. I wonder if I can get them done before dinner?