Urban Nine Patch--a brief pattern/tutorial review

A while back, I made a blog post about a new project I was going to start, the Urban Nine Patch.  You can read that post here, and you can see my inspiration for the colors, etc.  I finally got a chance to start it this weekend!

Made with Kona Snow, Kona Amethyst, Kona Aqua, and linen.

I pulled some of the fabrics from the lucious stack of Kona solids I had purchased and got to it.  I am using linen where Jenny, of Sew Kind of Wonderful (who created this block and the curved ruler to make it), is using a dark gray.  I am really happy with how it turned out.  Doesn't this block remind you of the beach?  I was scared of the curves.  I am not very skilled in sewing curves.  However, it was not that bad.  The curves are fairly gentle, and Jenny has great tutorials on her website.  If you click on her name above, you will go to her blog.  On the left-hand side-bar of her blog is a link to her video tutorials, as well as the tutorial for this block.  Here is a direct link to the block tutorial, if you want it.

Made with Kona Snow, Kona Cadet, Kona Lime, and linen.

I had so much fun, I said to myself, "I wanna make another!"  So, I pulled out two more fabrics and made this block.  It went together even faster than the first.  I also like this one.  At first I thought it was going to be too dark, compared to the first one.  But when I added the linen to it, I thought it lightened it up just right.  I'm very happy with it.  What do you think of the linen? 

Perhaps most surprisingly, both blocks measure 12.5" (like they are supposed to!) and are perfectly square!  That blew me a way with all the curved piecing.  But Jenny has great directions for squaring everything up so stuff fits together pretty well.

I am really looking forward to making more of these.  Because I joined her quilt along late, I wasn't sure what the "big picture" of this quilt was.  So, Jenny sent me a couple of links.  You might enjoy seeing the "big picture," too.

http://sewkindofwonderful.blogspot.com/2012/01/urban-nine-patch-quilt-along-design.html

http://sewkindofwonderful.blogspot.com/2012/03/urban-nine-patch-qal-week-6-border.html

I am thinking a nice, wide linen border to the finished quilt will be awesome.  A nice space for some fun quilting.  We'll see.

I would recommend this tutorial and pattern to anyone.  It's very clear and easy to follow.  Jenny has great photos to help you along the way, the the video tutorials add even further support.  I was successful on my very first block.  It would not be fair to say this was my first curved seam ever.  I've tried them a couple of times before with a lot less success.  I would say these are my most successful curved seams.  And the pattern is fairly forgiving, with the triming, etc.  So, that helps a lot.  If you like this block (and I LOVE this block), give it a try!

I'll be blogging about another version of this block soon!

Jenny has just been great in giving me tips and feedback when I need it.  She is really wonderful.  I have enjoyed getting to know her through this quilt along.  And I want to thank Lynn, Alamosa Quilter for introducing me to this block and to Jenny!  Fun!

Until next time,

Mama Pea

P.S.  I am having some trouble with formatting today.  I keep inserting extra returns to separate these paragraphs at the bottom, but every time I save, Typepad deletes them.  Sorry!  I don't know how to fix it today!  Something about pasting in those URLs messed up the formatting.  HMMMM.....

Comments

[Jackie]

wow, that is simply cool!

[Brooke]

lovely!!!
You can be so very tempting....

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

Very nice Stephanie!

[sisLH]

Yes, it does remind me of the beach. If the blue in the 2nd one was royal, it reminds me of a dress my mom had for years -we loved it!

[Linda]

Gorgeous!!!! Loving every block I've seen so far!!! Yours are wonderful with that linen!! I have the ruler but no time for piecing right now. I'm hoping to find some time this summer!!!

[Lynn]

Ooooo! Love your blocks! I'm hoping to work some more on mine this afternoon. I have the nine patches made and most of the fabrics cut for my remaining 5 blocks.

[Shelly]

Those are very nice! Glad to see you're getting sewing time!

[carolld]

Your blocks are beautiful. When i saw that block tutorial I wanted to try it too but was too afraid. I know mine would never end up being square like yours. I love that linen. How do you like working with it?

[Linda in Calif.]

I love that it's so Different! They turned out great. Can't wait to see the rest of the blocks.

[Jenny Pedigo]

I love both block so much...I love linen and I love solids! Perfect combination! Thanks so much for sharing what you thought of the ruler and tutorial, I'm so glad you feel more confident with curves now! The designs are endless with curves, they give quilts such a different feel and look. Thanks ;o)

[jenclair]

Very nice! Both blocks are beautiful and definitely a cool update of the nine patch!

[Donna]

Gorgeous! I love the blocks. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Donna

[Maggie Szafranski]

Uber cool blocks! They are awesome!

[Deb]

Nice color choices! Can't wait to see more.

[terriaw]

Gorgeous blocks! I love the complimentary and contrasting colors you put together. They look complicated to piece! Good thing they are such big blocks. Kudos to you for making perfect squares!