Class 160: Sampler 9 Patches

I've decided to move along with the next class rather than dwell on the fact that my pieces in the last project didn't turn out as well as I hoped.

I did, however, make some decisions:

1. I have ordered a straight stitch throat plate for my Pfaff 2040.  I'm hoping this will help in accuracy, as it is highly recommended. Of course, then I can't have my needle moved over +1 which will definitely cause me to readjust all my "lines".
2. I have put a piece of tape along the front of my walking foot as a guide, to help steer the fabric along in a straight path. I already don't like it, because now I can't get into my bobbin box unless I peel back the tape.
3. I am seriously considering switching to the 60/3 cotton thread recommended, at least to try it out and see how it compares to my Signature 50/3. I do have a terrible time with fuzz all over in my bobbin case from my current thread choice. The 60/3 is supposed to be thinner and lends to a more accurate seam allowance without having to move my needle over, and less fuzz?
4. I have purchased Harriet's Machine Quilting Book and am working my way through the front information part, in anticipation of starting to practice some quilting before the end of the next class! I've only got this class and one more before the class where I start putting the borders on the current projects and start quilting! 

I purchased this book from Amazon.  Do you see the problem? This is the 4th Ed. My 3rd Edition was spiral bound, mostly black and white. This one is paperback!  The pictures next to the item were spiral. I got this and went to the quilt store and checked it out. Theirs is spiral bound.  How come the Amazon edition is paperback??  This 4th Ed. is a huge improvement in progression, tips, organization and implementation.  I think they attempted to model it after the Quilter's Academy even though it doesn't actually have lessons.  I'm going to attempt to get a jump start on my quilting lessons before I get to the final class in my current year, because the class doesn't actually give that much detail. It refers to this book! I'm just disappointed that I got a paperback. 

And, I did do the current assignment.
Lesson 1 and 2 are all about fabric.  A couple weeks ago, while waiting for fabric to arrive, I read these lessons at least 3 times.
Lesson 3 is constructing small 9 patches for our sampler.

Here are my 12 blocks, attempting to lay flat against my upright wall board.  They actually are all square and perfectly measured!  I pressed in a different technique than last assignment.  This time, I pressed along the seam line while attempting to keep the seams in the back going in the same direction that I had fanned the seams, so I wouldn't have to attempt to iron with my point each individual square. I think it worked better.

My challenge was again with pressing though!  This time, my Faultless Heavy Starch scorched all over, and it left flakes everywhere.  I didn't change the settings from any of the other times.... It's the weirdest thing! I've noticed it does this a little on my previous assignments, but this time it was heavy.  Can you see it if you click on the picture for the full size?  It's everywhere!