We've been talking recently about block accuracy and getting nice flat blocks when we sew. The object in the photo above is called a Wool Presser Bar, designed for pressing seams nice and flat. The grey part is made of wool, which is covering a block of rounded wood.
When you press your seams open on it, they seem to lie flatter and press easiee and better. I bought mine at Fat Quarter Shop for $27. It is twelve inches long and works great for the size blocks I make and smaller block units. Once you press the seam open, you can use the device as a "clapper" and place it on top of your ironed seam to make it go even flatter.
It came to my attention recently when watching a Lisa Bongean YouTube video, that she sells a similar (but much simpler device) that achieves just about the same results. Her seam pressing device is called The Strip Stick and is much less expensive. Various sizes are offered from 8 to 45 inches and priced from around $10 to $20.
As you can see, this device is a lot less elaborate than the Wool Presser Bar and cannot be used as a clapper to further flatten the seam. However, if you want a cheaper version of a seam press tool, this could be for you.
I finished 12 of my green churn dash blocks, and have 12 more to go. I did use my seam pressing devices to get the seams pressed open nice and flat. Lisa Bongean has a YouTube video up with a tutorial on how she makes these easy blocks.
Hope your week is going great! Temps are a lot cooler and we are enjoying the porches again.