Japanese X + O blocks

I had not heard of this block until Carol asked the Honey Bees to make some blocks in November. They are seriously addictive and quick to make, so I made five blocks for Carol from the fabrics she sent. She gave us Oakshott reds for the centres, so inspired by Carol, I'm sending different reds for the centres and a range of greys for the background and asking ladies to use stash for the corner blocks.

Here's a mock up that I've created using Quiltassistant.

Requirements:

Eight 2.5" squares of background grey

Two 2.5" squares of red

One 6.5" x 2.5" rectangle of red

Four assorted 4.5" squares - please use your stash

Four assorted 2.5" squares - please use your stash

Method:
 On the eight background squares mark a diagonal line from two opposite corners on the reverse of the fabric. Place on two opposite corners of each assorted 4.5" square and sew one thread width away from the line towards the corner. Press to the corner, trim away the excess fabric from behind.

Sew two 2.5"squares to each end of the red rectangle. Press open. Join an assorted colour and a red 2.5" square. Press open, repeat once more. Then using the diagram above join the units. Pressing seams open.

I have realised my solids stash is seriously lacking greens, turquoises and pinks so I may have to do a little stash shopping again at the Village Haberdashery. Hopefully my order will arrive today so that I can post out fabrics tomorrow.