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Thanks Julia! It wouldn't keep you very warm!

(I don't end to make bold statements Wonder what I did this time?) . In message , juliasb writes

just pondering again below. if you dont have time to respond, no worrys there, Patti.

i start with the larger sqs. then blend out with the 9 patches (i see how they work re colours). i guess i must work out how many starting squares i need in what config to get the starting point in the centre of design to get the final layout right... sorry, probably makes little sense to anyone but me, lol. i'm trying to work out if there is any method/order of sewing to speed up the 9 patches other than one sq at a time. (note to self--come on brain work for crying outloud). was also wondering how it might look to start a blooming 9 patch and mutate into some other simple blocks. that'd probably be much like a watercolour, hmmmmm. i guess for that i gotta play in eq4 with the right colours, i can do that... as soon as the brainpower starts up today. :)) thanks for all the info below, it is most helpful. j.

"Patti" wrote... Thanks Jeanne

I don't know about a formula, but there are 'principles'.

The Blooming Nine Patch was invented/developed by Blanch Young, in her book called something like Traditional 'blocks'(?) with a Twist.

I have looked at loads on Google Images; so, all I really know comes from observation.

I believe the full size blocks and squares are about 6". There can be no sashing of course. The idea is to merge from one colour to a close one, and, by degrees end up with a different one. The potential is vast. The fabrics are most often floral. The plain squares introduce the next colour. The nine patches are a combination of previous colour (the 5 squares) and the following colour (the 4 squares). My colour progression was quite an easy one - it had to be, as I was using a relatively subdued fabric. But, with florals you could go much more adventurous - again, check out Google Images. The number of plain squares in the centre determines the shape of the quilt. Mine had one square, so was square. There are examples of two squares and three squares which give you a rectangular quilt - maybe double or twin shape. The number of colours/rows determines the size.

The making of the nine-patches is easy, but long! The putting together is something to be careful of; but they are put together in diagonal rows, and the progression is perfectly obvious, because of the nine patches (5 and 4 squares). So, it is not difficult; but you do have to be patient and careful - and there are lots and lots of intersections!

HTH . In message , jeanne-nzlstar* writes

The centre is usually 1, 2 or 3 to change the shape; but, as I said, go to Google Images and key in Blooming Nine Patch and you'll see precisely what you want. . In message , jeanne-nzlstar* writes

yep, Patti, i did the google images thing, was not much the wiser as to where to start. i'm thinking as you said a single one gives you a square. then two would give you a rectangle as would three. now to work out the difference. if i made it for our bed, thats a king size. tho our guest bed i think is a queen. i've not slept in it so cant recall if queen or double. i must draw it up in eq4 and have a bit of a play around. simple to do just getting the colours where i like'em is the trick, eh. thanks for the feedback. j.

"Patti" wrote... The centre is usually 1, 2 or 3 to change the shape; but, as I said, go to Google Images and key in Blooming Nine Patch and you'll see precisely what you want.

jeanne-nzlstar* writes

Wow Patti! Your quilt is fabulous - color and size and wow!

A 1 inch Dear Jane block? I don't know if I'll be able to sew a

What beautiful work you do!

Steph

Thanks very much for you kind words, Steph. I think I like small things as I am so tall (and have been self-conscious about it all my life!)

I actually had a look at the teeny DJ possibility last evening. It does seem feasible - so watch this space (in about a year or so >gWow Patti! Your quilt is fabulous - color and size and wow!

Wow! That's wonderful!

Thanks Kathyl, I'm glad you like it. Oops! I must do the quilted photos at the weekend. It's just finished, but I'm out tomorrow. . In message , KJ writes

Ooooooh, I can't wait to see it! :D

Brace yourself!! It's a little OTT >g< . In message , Sandy writes