In Orbit Tutorial - Delilah Block 6

Back to another installment for Delilah.  Well, we've made it to Block 6, In Orbit.  No curves, good news! Crazy y-seam block construction = another test of patience and precision.  If I can do it, so can you.

The directions that come with the templates are pretty light.  I think they assume a lot of prior knowledge and skill on the part of the person sewing.  It took me a bit to figure this one out and thought people might like some help.  Here's how I managed the y-seam to inset the four point portion of the block.  Just remember to press open and hit your needle into the seam and you'll be set!

Follow the included directions to create the corner quadrants.  Instead of creating the four point and square unit, only create two points and the square.

Inset the remaining two points in between two of the corner units each.  This will make two partial halves of the block.  Be sure to leave the top and bottom of the T25 piece open, so mark the top of the point and the bottom at quarter inch and sew from point to point.  Take the corner/point unit and place the other corner unit on top, lining up the T24/T23 portion, sew from the top down into seam at the bottom of the T23 piece. Seams were pressed open so you can see the seam and put the needle right into the seam at 1/4 inch.  Lift up the presser foot with needle down.  Then pivot the top to line up with the angle of T25 and lay flat, put the presser foot down and stitch.  Stop at the bottom marked point on T25.

Place the square/two point unit on top of the left half block unit.  Line up the square and pin in place.

Lower your presser foot and place the needle (use the hand wheel) right in the seam at 1/4 inch.  Sew from seam to seam, again dropping your needle right at the seam.  This should also put the needle in the bottom seam.  I like to take a stitch back and forth at these stop/start points.  Lift the presser foot with needle down in the seam.  Lift the top and pivot it to line up with the bottom of T22.  Sew to the point marked on T25.

Remove unit from the machine and turn it to the other T25 piece.  Pivot the fabric to match it to T22, flip it over and put it in the machine with the needle down into the seam, which will be the point on T25 underneath.     

Sew down into the next seam again, backstitch and stop in the seam.  

Remove and press seams open, now you have one seam left to sew to join the halves together.

Place right side on top of left and match at the top T24/T23 portion.  Sew each section across the seam, stopping in the seam with the needle down as before.  Each time you stop in the seam, lift the presser foot with the needle down and pivot the fabric lining up the pieces and sew down into the next seam.  Continue across the seam.  Press open again.  

The key to y-seams is to press open and put your needle right into the seam at 1/4 inch.  Pivot your fabrics and line them up flat then sew to the next seam.

Who knew what a BIG challenge this Delilah quilt would be.  These inset y-seams are (almost) making me wish for the curves again.  If you're participating, here's to the halfway point and on to the next half.  Take your time, relax and enjoy!

Linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts.