The Disappearing Nine Patch

Here is an example of the "disappearing nine-patch" blocks in greens and purples. A member of our Tuesday Quilt group and her Grand-daughter made this top. This a nice beginners quilt. I have one in progress, somewhere in all this moving mess it will turn up. A quick google search provided several on-line references and patterns.

This is not a new pattern, quite the contrary. It has been documented by some quilt historians back to the 1890's. The modern twist of bright colors and random setting in the blocks make it very interesting. It changes character if done totally with scrappy fabrics or with limiting fabric choices to 3 or 4 and saving the center block of the nine patch to be a solid or solid-reading fabric. You can also use any size block, 2 1/2 square on up to a much larger, I have even seen the squares as large as 6 inches. Wish I had a photo. 

Seeing this quilt top on Tuesday really inspired me to finish the one I started and start one using the beautiful Dogwood charm pack I have from Moda.

Dogwood Trail Green Etched Jacobean	Dogwood Trail Pink Etched Jacobean	Dogwood Trail Table Runner Kit	Large Dogwood Flowers on Deep Pink	Large Dogwood Flowers on Green
Large Dogwood Flowers on Pale Pink	Large Dogwood Flowers on Porcelain	Large Dogwood Flowers on Sky Blue	Packed Dark Pink Dogwood Blossoms	Packed Pink and Blue Dogwood Blossoms

Here is a nicely presented pattern that is free for download if you choose. A simple nine patch, cut in 4 squares, spin the squares and out comes a new pattern.   http://www.popularpatchwork.com/sites/4/documents/Disappearing%20Nine%20Patch%20instructions.pdf

here is another example:
http://quilting.about.com/od/blockofthemonth/ss/Cookie-Cutter-Nine-Patch-Quilt-Pattern.htm

and a you tube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjZOXxPazg

this one is a totally different setting and you will not recognize it as the disappearing nine patch
http://www.joscountryjunction.com/?p=1732

here is a beauty made with a charm pack, can't get much easier than this
http://www.psiquilt.com/2009/03/disappearing-9-patch-tutorial-super.html

here is one with thin setting sashing between the blocks
http://quilting.about.com/od/blockofthemonth/ss/Cookie-Cutter-Nine-Patch-Quilt-Pattern.htm

Gratuity Moment: I have been struggling with inspiration, seeing this top on Tuesday did it, to see J and her grand-daughter begin a new creative journey. The teaching and learning, the give and take. Such a simple thing, and there it was.