Our 9-Patch Challenge!!
We are going to borrow an idea from The Quilt Company, a cute quilt shop outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Starting September 1, we challenge you to make one 9-patch block per day for 3 months! That’s right, 3 months or approximately ninety 9-patch blocks!! We encourage you to send us photos of your blocks and keep us up to date on your progress. We will give lots of ideas of how to make and design your 9-patches leading into the challenge in August. We will also give you lots of 9-patch ideas on how to build your nine patches into a quilt pattern you will enjoy! Most important, we will give a prize for the best 9-patch quilt design at the end of the challenge!!
You can use scrap fabric, cut into your stash, or put together an elaborate color plan (e.g. I thought about making my blocks with one uniting color – changing the second color each month, so that I would have 30 blue and white patches, 30 blue and red patches, and 30 blue and yellow patches…….). You could do darks and lights together or work in low contrast colors. Whatever your heart desires! What I REALLY need to do is get my scrap therapy boxes out and use all those 3X3 inch blocks I cut long ago…..! You can make your 9-patches any size you like, most commonly they will be made with 2.5 or 3 inch square blocks, but it is completely up to you!Â
Beginner quilters can do this and experienced quilters can do this – it’s for everyone! So, start thinking about your color choices and mark your calendar! We start September 1!! The kids will be back in school, vacations will be over, and fall will be upon us – what a great way to get back into actively quilting every day, with a project that can be easily managed alongside your other quilt projects!!
Barbara
July 24th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Hmm….I might try this. I’ve got lots of scrap. What is the finish size for the blocks?
July 29th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
This could turn out to be very productive, especially when you need a gift in a hurry!!!!!! Just sew them together and finish!!!!!
August 11th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
I’m game. This sounds like a lot of fun!
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Great idea! I’ve taken this as a chance to go through my fat quarters and thin them out. I’ve already pre-cut all my squares and now I’m having trouble keeping my hands off of them for September! I plan on using them to make some quilts for charity. Thanks for sharing this and giving me some motivation!