Caramel & Cream

Finally got back to the sewing machine after taking most of the week off.  Sometimes the workweek's decision making leaves me weary of even the minor choices involved in putting scraps together in patchwork!  But tonight  I busted out the remaining rectangles and four patches.  I have a hint to share that works well for me in assembling both short rows and long:  Pin from right to left. 

These two short rows have the seams pressed in opposite directions to lock the seams when placed right sides together.

I place the first pin on the furthest right seam intersection (or furthest right edge--this is too short to need a pin there).

Then work towards the left edge.  Voila, your pinned section is ready to be placed directly under the sewing machine needle.  I find this especially helpful when sewing long pieced rows together when assembling a quilt top.  I don't have to shuffle a bunch of fabric in my lap to find the beginning of the seam because that's where my last pin goes. 

Here are all the hourglass blocks, flying geese and rectangle sections in place...

...I added the 25 yummy 9 patches and sighed happily!  I played a little bit more Switcheroo after taking this photo, then stacked the rows into labeled piles, ready for assembly.  A very satisfying end to a long week.  

Finally, a shout out to my one and only best sister, Kathy.  Happy Birthday! Love you!