I’ll remedy this problem in February, when I attend QuiltCon in Savannah. I’m already crazy excited about the trip—the workshops I have signed up for, the blog friends I’ll meet in person, and that sweet quilt show. It seemed silly not to submit a quilt to the competition. My first time attending a quilt show could be the first time seeing one of my projects in a quilt show.
American Patchwork and Quilting is sponsoring a nine-patch challenge at QuiltCon 2017. The rules allow quilt makers to interpret the humble nine-patch in any modern way they wish. I had bunches of ideas for this challenge and ended up pursing what I call Mix and Mingle ...
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| True or false: This is a nine-patch. |
When I set out to piece this quilt, I considered one question: At what point is a nine-patch no longer a nine-patch?! I started with an oversize nine-patch, sliced it up vertically, shifted the pieces, and sewed them back together. Then I sliced it horizontally, shifted, and sewed again. What results is, I think, modern, improvisational, and unique, offering just an intimation of the original three-by-three block.
I’m crazy about Mix and Mingle’s palette. The fabric that inspired it is the greenish-gray floral (above), by Carina Gardner for Riley Blake, which I used for two of the nine patches. The combination of orange, red, and gray has me smitten. And the back—eep! I love the back! It’s 100% Denyse Schmidt.
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| Dear Orange, I love you. |
This quilt was finished with an all-over cross-hatch—after all, what is cross-hatch quilting other than bunches of nine-patches in thread form?
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| A simple cross-hatch for the win! |
I know that the QuiltCon quilt show is rather difficult to get in to. I have seen some of the rejects over the years, and they are beautiful. I’m happy with this submission, however. I enjoyed making it, I know it is an accurate reflection of me and my taste, and I look forward to cuddling under it. If it doesn’t get into the show, I’ll be using it before year’s end—ha!
In general, I don’t quilt to enter contests; it’s just not my thing. Is it yours? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments. : )
Update 12/15/2016: Mix and Mingle was accepted into QuiltCon. Hurray! I look forward to seeing it when I attend my first-ever quilt show. : )
Linking up to Finish It Up Friday and Let’s Bee Social ...
I love this and think it is fantastic. Being that you did actually start with a nine patch, it is still a nine patch -- just shifted!
ReplyDeleteLove your quilt! Definitely a nine patch. Hope you get in QuiltCon.
ReplyDeleteLove your interpretation of a nine patch (which it is).
ReplyDeleteI love this interpretation of a 9 patch!!! One of my favorite things about the modern quilting movement is how it has stretched the definition of traditional blocks. Best of luck getting in to Quiltcon:-)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Michelle! I hope it is chosen, it really is a clever design.
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous, Michelle!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have no answer to your question but your quilt is pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteI think this is just right as a modern interpretation of a nine-patch! Good luck with getting juried in. That would be neat! I've only ever entered two shows--both were Blogger's Quilt Festivals sponsored by Amy's Creative Side. (I won in the art category for my first one, which was a real boost for my self confidence.) That first experience was what really got me hooked on reading quilt blogs!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt! I certainly would consider it a 9patch. Good luck with your QuiltCon submission. I have only been in one little local show when I belonged to the guild that held it. It was my first show and submission as well. No awards, but it sure put a smile on my face to see it hanging up there and watching people appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm loving this something fierce! What a great finish! And I definitely vote that it's a nine patch.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome idea! I wanted to enter this category but I ran out of time. I have entered stuff though I just don't expect to get in. I have my fingers crossed for you.
ReplyDeleteI really, really love this interpretation of the challenge, Michelle! And honestly, if you are happy with the quilt and were excited to make it, then that is the best possible outcome. I have entered quilts here and there, but in general I stick with submitting at my local fair and trying for QuiltCon (with varying degrees of success).
ReplyDeleteLOVE your version of a nine patch. It absolutely is! The abstract-ness of it is astounding. I can't WAIT to finally meet you!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is stunning. Good luck getting in. Love the stretched pieces and how they overlap into the other patches. As a nine patch fan, I think this is a winner.
ReplyDeleteI entered a quilt into the Michael Miller Luxe challenge for Quiltcon, we will see.
I love this! It is such an excellent and successful variation on a 9-patch. I hope it gets in and I get to see it and meet you in person in February!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great piece. Good luck with QuiltCon.
ReplyDeleteThis is a genius interpretation of a nine patch. Your colors are spot on! Have fun at the quilt show! I bet you get your quilt in!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your unique perspective. I've had quilts in my local guild shows, but I entered my first piece into a juried quilt show for this Quilt Con (also a 9-patch challenge quilt as well as a second, smaller piece). I'm excited to see what assortment of quilts are selected for the challenge, and for the entire show. The thing about making selections for a show is not just choosing the best, but choosing a good assortment. I hate this waiting part, though! I hope we can meet in Savannah. :-)
ReplyDeleteLove. Love. Love! This is so awesome-sauce! I'm serious. So, so good!!! <3
ReplyDeleteOh I love it, it's a really clever interpretation of a nice patch - and it reminds me of those cracker toy puzzles we used to get as kids where you had to make all the pieces form a cube! Good luck and many fingers crossed that you'll be seeing it on the wall in February!
ReplyDeleteI am no quilt con judge, but I would grab this one up as the perfect example of modern, unique, creative, smart and lovely 9-Patch.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Yes. This is a nine-patch! You started with a nine-patch, and I can still detect it in there. I like it!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure which I am more surprised by: that you have only been quilting for three years or that you have never been to a show. Many people start after seeing something in a craft show.
I have only had stuff 'on display' at a show and it was never judged, and my local guild accepts all entries. They like to show diversity and a range of skills.
This is wonderful Michelle! I love how it's oversized and the color combo and fabric choice is great. It's awesome that you entered for QuiltCon!!! Way to go!!!
ReplyDeleteI can absolutely see the nine-patch. You have a great design idea and I would be disappointed if the quilt didn't make into the show. That said, the first time I entered a quilt, it got in. The second and third times, none of my quilts made the cut. Honestly, the quilts had more going for them and were better made, but that's just how things go. Try not to be too disappointed if it doesn't get in. Tt's beautiful, unique, and creative; the colors definitely play well together; and the quilting looks perfect. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThis is really cool. I would not have guessed that you started with a 9 patch, and then sliced and shifted it. In really like it! Hope it makes it into the show.
ReplyDeleteIt's so not my thing to enter contests, but I love how you revised the 9 patch. Fingers crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteI love this, it's so clever. I've never entered a quilt show, i'm too much of a novice
ReplyDeleteI hope this one makes it in! I love how you interpreted the challenge of a nine patch! You wouldn't be the first to wonder if your design has gone too far for the challenge...I don't think so. It is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a creative modern interpretation of the humble 9 patch. You have hit this one out of the park! Love your fabric choices and the grid quilting. Congratulations!!! I don't quilt to enter contests either, but it is rather exciting to give it a go once in a while. Your Mix and Mingle quilt is a winner in my books!
ReplyDeleteA very creative and contemporary feeling quilt.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is definitely a 9-patch! And it's gorgeous! I love looking at the quilts in quilt shows, but I'm not that fond of the judging aspect, mostly because I seldom agree with the judges!
ReplyDeleteLove, love this! So clever!! I have never entered anything in a quilt show as I quilt for my own entertainment and am humbled by what I see in shows! My heart breaks when I read the disappointment from people whose work is not accepted. Judging must be an extremely difficult job!! So excited that I will see you in Savanna!!!
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