Circle of Nine Quilts

I found this book in my library when I was sorting things for the move and noted that it had an interesting layout for blocks.

It is an old book (2013) but my online research revealed that there is a newer one, Best of Circle of Nine, available from Keepsake Quilting. It looks like that book includes the “best” designs from my Circle of Nine book and the one that preceded it, which I do not own.

So in December when I should have been doing other things, I used the book to make two quilts from orphan blocks.

The first used blocks that finish 8″, and made a quilt that finished 36″ with the border added. That is perfect for a preemie incubator covering, so it’s a win for the orphan blocks.

I should note that the book offers many interesting ideas for pieced sashing, but I thought the blocks were busy enough by themselves so I just used plain sashing and it went together fast.

The second quilt was made with orphan blocks that finished that finish 10″. The quilt was 40″ square without borders, also perfect for Ronald McDonald House.

Of course I couldn’t just leave it at that, so I used EQ to expand the “Circle of Nine” idea to use 25 blocks. Here’s what it looked like:

Design made with Electric Quilt 8

The Circle of Nine quilts were great for using up orphan blocks. I don’t think I’ll make the 25-block version 😀

16 thoughts on “Circle of Nine Quilts”

Such a great way to use up orphan blocks and scraps! I like the circle of 9 idea as it allows the eye to flow around in a pattern, absorbing each block’s beauty.

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zippyquilts on January 9, 2022 at 3:24 pm said:

It was a great idea and I was happy to find the book. I’m hoping I can come up with some similar designs on my own now.

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Someone mentioned that book last year. I meant to look into it, but didn’t. Thanks for the reminder! Looks as though it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this?” design concepts.

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Yes, it’s one of those ideas that’s obvious once you see it. It worked out well for me.

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Oh, wow, Mary. You outdid yourself with that purple one!!!
Kathleen 🙂

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zippyquilts on January 9, 2022 at 8:33 pm said:

Thanks, Kathleen 🙂

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Filing that setting idea away for later–very attractive. And a great use for color coordinated orphans.I too think I’ll stop with nine.:-)

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zippyquilts on January 10, 2022 at 8:21 am said:

I’m going to try other blocks as whole quilt designs next

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Oh my goodness – this is a great layout idea! I might go play with it on something I am working on now. Thanks for the inspiration and I like those pieces your worked on when you should have been doing other things – ha! No you were doing what you were supposed to be doing 🙂

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zippyquilts on January 10, 2022 at 7:56 pm said:

Yes, using those orphans counted as getting rid of UFOs 😀

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- tierneycreates: a fusion of textiles and smiles on January 14, 2022 at 12:54 pm said:
  
  I think we all have a secret “orphanage” in our stash and it feels so good when you place them in a permanent situation 😉

I love that these blocks are in a different-than-usual layout. You made those orphans into lovely finishes, especially the one you’ve designated for Ronald McDonald House. What a blessing that will be to some child.

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