Time to try new patterns
 

I always make modern type patterns that don't really have seams that match up. I decided to branch out and try some traditional patterns. I made this practice bear paw square today. I'm glad I was just playing because I learned a lot. I wondered why the seams on the right side don't lay flat but I realized I should have pressed the seams in the opposite direction. I also learned that half square triangle squares can be pressed out of shape if I'm not careful. Here is my first attempt.
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Looks perfect! I love the bear paw block.

Looks great.

Great job...looks good to me...and yes, HST's can easily twist out of shape. When I press mine, I just run the tip of my iron over the sewed seam. The iron never touches the rest of the fabric...tricky but works for me.

Your block looks great!

Thanks for the tip Teen. I will try that.

Your first attempt is great!!! You did a fine job with it.

I think your block looks good and you are certainly right-a block can be stretched out of shape with ironing. I love the bear paw block. In fact that is the block I am putting around a bear panel that my grandson picked out. I am just trying to decide what size of bear paw block I need to make. Thanks for sharing your tips.

Looks like you’re off to a great start. There are a lot of traditional blocks/quilts that are on my bucket list too but I seem to get side tracked with QAL, mysteries and BOMs.

your HSTs look really great! I always press mine with open seams - works for keeping them flat and easier to piece with other shapes. But that's just me. And you have discovered how to "press" and not "iron". Makes a huge difference, too doesn't it!