These are the 9-patch blocks I ran across while cleaning. They're not reproduction fabrics..they're authentic 1970's. Not for sure exactly the date they were made, but the lady who made them told me she made them "awhile back". Sounds authentic to me!
Here's the delima. Do I put them together as-is, or do I split them and maybe add a little dimension to the blocks? I was told these blocks were mine to keep and to do with them what I wanted...so I need some help. A traditional 9-patch quilt isn't something that interests me, but what exactly do I do? HELP?! The blocks are 9" blocks, so there's plenty of size to work with.
In the last Quick Quilts magazine I picked up, there is an article on doing just what I'm thinking. Splitting each 9-patch and adding a black strip down the center to make a strip thru each 9-patch block. It called "Stack a New Deck" by Karla Alexander. Looks interesting, but will it work on these "older" fabrics?
Still pondering....
13 comments:
I hate to see you cut up old blocks. They are so interesting by themselves. Try that new method with new fabric.
I'm with Marcie---there is some history with the older fabrics. I find that nine patches are fun set on point and put a plain block in the alternating square. Some of the current fabric has a 70's look I think or even muslin might be an option. On point will make a larger throw or something.
Linda has a good point, even a border between blocks like my 7/29 posting. It will make the blocks stand out plus make the quilt larger for winter warmth.
have fun, Melanie
Unlike the others I say "go for it"! If you're not fond of 9 patch, create something you'd like with the blocks... being old doesn't mean they can't be touched, heck, they were given to you to use and enjoy!
Three suggestions:
EQ did a challenge for settings of nine-patches - look there for inspiration. www.electricquilt.com
Also, the quilt I'm working on started with a whole lot of nine-patches from my guild's swap. I made 40+ to swap, and ended up with a lot of variety. You're MORE than welcome to use that if you want.
You could also use them in a border around a medallion center.
I have a whole box of that vintage fabric. I bought it at the time. =) Funny to hear these called old blocks! Of course, they are more than 25 years old, so I guess that makes it official.
Age doesn't bring magic. Do what appeals to you.
good question...
Maybe put them in the center of a sisters choice setting... (Don't aske me, "With what?")
I also hated to cut into them...that's why I'm asking for suggestions. BUT...they're really some ugly/tacky/yucky fabrics..yes, I know there isn't such a thing, but just not real purdy stuff. May try to dig and see if I have inherited more of these u/t/y to match for sashings and/or borders.
Did look in electricquilt.com and found some interesting settings.
I just hate to work on something that is not going to turn into something worth keeping!
The blocks are busy and full of color. I would probably do one of two things; use a narrow white sashing between the blocks so each one would stand alone or make a big nine patch from nine of the blocks then cut in half saving most of the blocks from being cut into and still get the design you wanted with the strip in the middle.
Have some fun with the blocks, the poor things would have been tossed if you hadn't given them a home.
Hmmm - I would do a plain sashing - but then I like to keep it simple. What fun to contemplate all the different ways you can use those blocks! Good luck.
Go for it!! Obviously you're not completely 'taken' with the blocks themselves nor the colors...so what do you have to lose?
I know...I'm so wild! :oP
McCalls just came out with a new magazine with just nine patch quilts. I went looking for it and they actually have a nine patch gallery on their site.
Take a look - maybe you'll find something you like.
http://www.qnm.com/articles/feature64/index.html
I can think of a dozen different ways to set these, but I don't think I would cut them. What if you sash them with muslin, stripe the same size as a square in the 9-patches and add a cornerstone of a colour you like - or square in square them with a colour of your liking, setting them like a zig zag. So many options.
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