Churn Dash Checkers

I've been back in the sewing room this week.  This comes from one of the classes I took at Quilt Camp in May.  It was taught by Quilter Extraordinare, Klonda Lightfoot.  She teaches at camp every year and always has an interesting quilt to tackle.  This was my first year as a student after 5 years as the Mystery Quilt teacher, so was anxious to take one of her classes.  This pattern was in a Quiltmaker magazine and named Churn Dash Checkers.  I do love me a Churn Dash block, so knew I would enjoy making it.  

I have all of the Churn Dash blocks done and about 6 of the chain blocks.  I need 36 of them.

They are pretty simple.  You strip piece the little 4 patches, then put the 9 patch together.

I have two new gadgets to help with the four patch units.  This little homemade thread cutter makes cutting the chain pieced units apart much faster......

And then my new wool pressing pad makes pressing them go faster.  My friend Julie brought me this piece of wool felt from a recent trip, from the country of Latvia.  Apparently, embroidered felt decorations and clothing is one of their traditional crafts.  She found a shop featuring felted wool, thinking she was bringing me something for my wool applique.  She was probably surprised when I pounced on it as a pressing mat.  I have been reading about them and wanted to try one, but they are pretty pricey.  But, after pressing 120 of these little 4 patches, I can tell you that they are definitely worth it.  

     Now back to the sewing room to begin putting this top together.  The directions place the blocks in a diagonal set, but I want to try it with a straight set too.  I  like Churn Dash blocks better in a straight set and think I would like a diagonal chain effect better than the horizontal/vertical chain.  Any opinions on this question?  

Judy