Anatomy of a Rose Bud

I'd like to say I finally made ONE rose bud block without ripping.  Alas, the perfect rose bud continues to elude me.  But I AM getting better. Here's how:

1.  Assemble pairs, and stitch. (White background pieces have been cut 1/4" wider than on EQ6 pattern)

2.  Press, admire, trim.

3. Assemble pairs, and stitch.

4.  Press, admire, trim.

5.  Assemble pairs.

6.  Press, admire, trim (are you noticing a pattern here?)

7.  Assemble pairs, and stitch.

8.  Press, admire and trim.

9.  This is where it gets tricky.  Assemble pairs.  Do NOT sew the entire seam.  Baste 1/2 " before and after the joint where the two green leaves are to meet.  There's a lot of fabric coming together at this juncture.  Check that nothing shifted before sewing the full seam. 

10.  Hooray - they match!  (If points do not match, insert naughty words here.)  Stitch the full seam, then press, trim and admire.

11.  Repeat Steps 1-10 ad nauseum (just kidding), until you have 42 squares.

Two more, and I'll be half done with the hardest part.  I hope to track down a totally gorgeous focal fabric this weekend.  That should inspire me to whip up some more rose buds.  :)