Posts from the ‘Wonky Patchwork’ Category

Nov 22

Wonky Patchwork: Nine Patch

In searching the blog world for November’s wonky block tutorial, I discovered the Nine Patch. This classic block in its most basic form consists of nine equal squares, arranged three rows across and three rows down. Early block designs allowed frugal quilters to use very small scraps of fabric and were often made from pieces of left over cloth or cut from old worn-out clothes.

The Nine Patch Quilt was a favorite among quilters and was often used for utilitarian purposes. Consequently, many of the historically preserved quilts are unfortunately dilapidated from use. But the first known and dated Nine Patch Quilts were made at the beginning of the nineteenth century and they are still a popular form of quilt making today. In fact, because of its simplicity, my very first quilt was a hand pieced, hand quilted traditional Nine Patch. So, it is of no surprise that the modern quilt world has created a Wonky Nine Patch Block.

5″x5″ Wonky Nine Patch Blocks

Both Jen Eskridge and Elizabeth Hartman have a Wonky Nine Patch Block tutorial via their blogs that are simple, fast, and easy. As you can see, Jen’s blocks are more traditional looking in nature while Elizabeth’s blocks have a more modern composition. Enjoy!

Wonky 9-Patch Quilt by Jen Eskridge of Reanne Lily Designs
http://reannalilydesigns.com

Crazy Nine Patch Lattice Quilt by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson!
http://www.ohfransson.com

Oct 27

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Wonky Patchwork: Crosses

In the last ten years, ‘wonky patchwork’ has become a prominent genre in the modern quilt world. From wonky stars, wonky log cabins, wonky houses, wonky monkey wrenches, wonky flying geese, and wonky squares, this out of the box approach to block design is redefining tradition. But what is wonky?

Urban Dictionary defines wonky as “weird, whacked out, messed up, askew, non-intuitive, poorly designed, not right, odd”. And yet, cutting or trimming a traditional block at a new angle creates an eye-catching dramatic pattern and fun effect. So to embrace the freedom of improvised piecing, I am going to abandon my traditional restrictive roots and feature a monthly wonky block tutorial from the quilt blog world. The end result … a wonderful Wonky Sampler Quilt.

5″ x 5” Wonky Cross Blocks

To get things started, here are my Wonky Cross Blocks from Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson! via the blog of Sew, Mama, Sew! I was introduced to this wonky pattern at the Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild meeting earlier this month and was astounded by its simplicity and versatility. Try it out!