Tuesday, July 31, 2012

A Scrap Quickie!

I'm little embarrassed to admit that I've never made a disappearing 9-patch quilt before. To be honest, the block never really appealed much to me. But I made a small D9P for our July scrap-busting project and I have to say, it was a fun, fun quilt to make! I'm now a big fan of this block.




This 39-1/2" X 39-1/2" kid sized quilt was super fast to put together. You could make it this size for a quick shower gift or a great table topper, or add more blocks and make a lap or bed quilt. The blocks finish at 13" and we used only 9 blocks for this one.



As you can see, I have pattern and color separation in mine. But you don't have to do it that way - you could vary the look to be completely scrappy by using all prints and colors randomly, which would also be beautiful.

I used leftovers from charm packs plus scraps from my stash, that I cut to 5" squares. I also chose 9 solids to build each block around and then added white as a "separation" color. Here's how my color selection looked:



(9) 5" squares of solid fabric such as Kona cotton
(36) 5" prints (in 9 color groups of 4 each)
(36) 5" white squares (I used a white on white print)

To make each block, add 4 of the white squares to each color group and form a nine patch, laid out like this:



Sew the squares together and then cut in half vertically and horizontally as show in the photo below:



Once all the blocks are sewn together and cut, lay them out on the table, floor or design wall in the color order that appeals to you:



There are a number of different ways to make the 9-patch "disappear". You can experiment with the layout or go with the one I did. In each color block, I rotated the upper right hand section and the lower left hand section 180 degrees, like this:


Once you're happy with the layout, sew the squares into rows and then sew the rows together to complete the quilt top. Add batting and backing, quilt and bind.

I chose to bind with a dark yellow/gold because I had yellow in the center block. (I considered navy blue, a colorful stripe and a black and white binding before settling on the yellow.) I quilted all over, using a free-motion loop pattern.



Seriously, this really was fun! The fact that it's also a one day project is just icing on the cake!




I'm going to try another one that's all scrappy very soon.  :)





23 comments:

  1. I have never done a D9P either, but saw one in african fabric and have been dieing to make one. I must look through my stash and try it. Your fabric is colorful and it just pops.

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    1. Oh, this would be gorgeous in African prints! You should give it a try!!

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  2. Spectacular and love your fabrics combo.I done a pillow D9P

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    1. Thanks Rosa - a pillow is a fantastic idea!

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  3. I have made a D9P and It is fun. I like the idea of using the white in the blocks. Gives it a whole different look. Love it.

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    1. The modern quilting movement has really put white fabrics in the spotlight! :)

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  4. Love that Vicki! I've never made one either but now I'm inspired! I really like the colors you chose. Great job!!

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    1. Thanks Kiera! I hope to see yours soon! ;)

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  5. I have made a couple of baby quilts using D9P. I love that it's quick, easy and looks great! Your colors are so bright and cheerful. It really came out good! The while really enhances all the other colors.

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    1. I think this is a perfect pattern for baby quilts. I'd love to see one done in pastels!

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  6. I love the DP9. It has become my go to quilt when I want something quick, particularly donation quilts. It is a great way to use up scraps without looking like it was thrown together. I love the crisp white in your quilt against all of the bright colors. Great quilt!

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    1. Thanks Katie! What a great idea - this would be perfect for donation quilts. I think I need to start a scrap bin of charm squares just for these.:)

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  7. I love how you did your colors on this one, thanks for sharing.

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  8. What a fabulous quilt! Your colour choices are so lovely. I am looking forward to seeing your totally scrappy version. And of course I am now itching to try one myself even though I have SO many UFOs and WIPs! Your tutorial is excellent, very clear instructions. Thank you.

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    1. Oh, I hope you do make one from your scraps! If you want to share it with us, please post it on our SassyPacks Facebook page or email us a photo and we'll post it. Thanks Linda!

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  9. That is beautiful! I love the D9P they go together so fast, are super easy but look difficult. It is such a versatile pattern as well.

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    1. Good description! The block is deceptively simple, but sure looks harder. Now I'm anxious to try something else that I never thought I would. :)

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  10. Visiting cuz Sandra of Sanda Sews just finished a quilt based on your tutorial. Love the colors and the idea of cutting the larger block. Can't wait to give it a try.

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    1. Thanks Baye! I really enjoyed making that quilt - I hope you do too. Thanks for commenting!

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  11. Hands2Help 2018 is kicking off and this GORGEOUS D9P is perfect. Thanks very much for sharing this!

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