Working on Trellis Crossroads

I don't have a lot of time for sewing during the holiday season but I got started on my Christmas-y version of Trellis Crossroads anyway.  To start, I need 120 sets like this and have most of them finished.

Much as I like the design, I am not impressed with the pattern directions.  My first complaint is the absence of any little tips regarding techniques for making the block.  For example, the step where you join the two rows of squares to each side of the narrow white strip calls out for a tip on how to keep your seams lined up on either side of the white strip.  This is especially crucial because the white strip is cut overlong and trimmed after the block is together, so it is very easy for the seams to become mis-aligned.  But there is nothing about it.  And there aren't any pressing instructions!  How can you have a quilt pattern without pressing instructions!  Pressing in the correct direction will make joing the blocks so much easier. 

I read ahead in the directions to try and figure out the best way to press.  I ended up pressing the seams in the pieced strips open and pressing the long seams towards the white strip.   The finished width of this strip is only half an inch so the seam allowances meet in the middle.  So far, so good; my seams are lining up on either side of the white strip and the block is good and flat.  So the absence of these instructions are not a deal-breaker but could make it difficult for a novice quilter.

 

If you like what you see and want to know more, the pattern for Trellis Croasroads is from the book Modern Bee by Lindsay Conner.

 

I have to put  this project away for a few days, clean up the sewing room and transform it into it's alter ego, the guest room.  My mother is arriving later today for a 5-day stay with us.