The nine patch is one of the simplest of blocks for the beginner patchworker. The first block swaps I participated in as a novice quilter were 9 Patch swaps.
Nine patches are a traditional quilt block made with nine simple squares. Three rows of three squares create quilt design that is versatile, traditional and trendy — all at the same time. For many years, nine patches were one of the first blocks taught to young girls learning how to quilt. Today, most beginner quilt classes include a nine patch block. (www.Craftsy.com)
The swaps I participated in were through an online group I had joined called Southern Cross Quilters, a group for patchworkers in Australia and New Zealand or expats living abroard. Each month we had a different theme, sometimes a colour was stipulated and we would send our blocks into the co-ordinator and get the same number of blocks back. I was a very keen participator although I eventually pulled out as I wasn't doing anything with the blocks once I'd received them. Eventually I set to and made a good few nine patch quilts.
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| a Christmas quilt I made for my mum and dad using some of the nine patches from the swap |
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| This quilt was made using green nine patches |
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| I made this quilt for my niece who had been ill |
I discovered that there were many variations of the nine patch, not just the one I was making which was usually just 2 different and contrasting fabrics arranged.
These 2 quits were giant nine patches in them selves
Even the back was a nine patch
Mum loved her quilt and its still on her bed in her nursing home today
Craftsy has a great article here out lining how to make the traditional nine patch as well as the many different types of nine patch blocks.
I love looking at quilts. They are an important part of the culture where I grew up. Here in some of the rural areas of the US, we have barn quilts, which are large quilt patterns painted on wood and hung on peoples barns or houses. Do you do that where you are in Australia?
ReplyDeleteI love your quilts. You make it sound so easy, but of course, it's not. Glad I discovered your blog and thanks for visiting Buttercupland. Please stop by again to visit. Happy A to Z!
ReplyDeleteI remember you making Grandma and Grandpa's quilt and trying to come up with something for each member of the family... good thing it wasn't quite as bit as it is now!
ReplyDeleteRos
Fangirl Stitches cross stitching A-Z
Travel like a Geek Harry Potter Tour
Well hello there, I just popped over from Buttercup's blog - you know how it is, I needed a coffee after all this A to Z'ing!! I'm so impressed with your quilting for a start, being up to date with the April challenge and even posting regular posts in between - brilliant!
ReplyDeleteYour quilts are fabulous and obviously treasured by your family, your Mum looks very cosy in hers
Lovely to find another fellow Aussie (well I'm an import!!!) out there in blogland!
Wren
Little Wandering Wren