Putting together the hourglass block...

After sewing the two seams, I cut down the middle using the line that I drew. Pressing the square really does make it flatten out nicely.

After the two triangles are pressed, turn it over and extend the line to go to the other end.
Now you can repeat the process on this square, sewing a 1/4 inch seam on either side of the line drawn.

A whole stack of them to do!

And voila! Out of one square you get two hourglass blocks. I am using two light fabrics so it is hard to see, but it really works!

Nine-Patch and Hourglass

After cutting various fabrics into 1 1/2 inch strips, I sewed them together with muslin strips.
Now they are ready to be cut into 1 1/2 segments to become the nine-patch square.

Close-up of my favorite fabric from Moda's Shagri-La line of fabrics that th bought a year ago.

4 1/4 inch squares of light patterned fabric with squares of muslin.

Marking the center line from corner to corner is a big help. Now I will sew a 1/4 inch seam on both sides of the first line.

I know that this is a simple pattern, but for me this is a big commitment. I tend to make things that are fast or don't require me to make a lot of one pattern. They call that instant gratification I guess. I am trying to come out of that comfort zone and just enjoy the process of piecing.