Harlequin Block Complete

The test harlequin block came together nicely, which is good because I would be lying if I said I was completely unintimidated by inset seams.  These insets were easier than expected.  A large block with a big, soft center like this creases very easily to allow the inset seam to be sewn.  I barely had to pin, except at the harlequin points.  None of the inset corners had that nasty "pull" that happens when you oversew the inset seam, for which this novice is deeply thankful.

Counting the four corners on the completed block, I have fifty-one corners completed, and nine already pinned.  The pinning is still the most time-consuming part, but I think my harlequin points would be all over the place without it.  Instead, I am getting a nice square block, which I will have to trim down the full quarter inch I allowed for "shrinkage".