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Stitch a maze of blocks from fascinating free-form Nine Patches. Author and publisher Christiane Meunier created this labyrinth of color from free-form Nine Patch blocks. "The Oregon Trail" (53" x 81 1/2") is aptly named since Christiane frequently travels to that state. (Click on quilt for a larger image) Do you enjoy puzzles? Most quilters are visual learners and usually love them, especially ones that try to fool the eye. Labyrinths are among the most intriguing to me. How could I incorporate this idea into a quilt? I began experimenting in my studio with strip-pieced panels of colorful prints. Grouping them first by value, I stitched my panels from 3 different fabrics. It didn't matter if the strips of fabric were the same width throughout. I like to work with uneven widths because, in my experience, the variation created is much more interesting. To stitch you version of "Oregon Trail" you'll need a variety of prints. Sort them by value, and then experiment with the following technique. Make several practice blocks before stitching enough for an entire quilt. Cut varied widths of strips from the assorted prints. I suggest widths that range from 2" to 3". Stitch the strips into pieced panels that are approximately 6 1/2" to 7 1/2" in total width. Make several dark panels and several light panels before progressing to the next step.
Next, cut 1 1/2" to 3"-wide strips from the pieced panels. These can also vary in width. Keep the light and dark values in separate piles.
Now, lay out 3 strips cut from different pieced panels. Keep them within the same value grouping, however. Stitch them into a free-form Nine-Patch block.
Make several light blocks and several dark blocks. Using a rotary cutter and ruler, cut the blocks in half diagonally.
Pair a light half-block with a dark half-block and stitch them, right sides together, along the diagonal-cut sides to make a light/dark block.
Alight the 45° angle line of a rotary cutting square-up ruler with the diagonal seam and square up the block. I chose to square my blocks to 5" on each side to make 4 1/2"-square finished blocks.
In the same manner, construct more blocks until you have enough to play with on a design wall. You may discover your own maze emerging as you design with these free-form blocks. The key is in the light/dark halves of the blocks. When you're satisfied with the arrangement, stitch the blocks together, finish the quilt as desired, and enjoy your creative masterpiece. About the Author: This is a series by publisher, author and quilt artist Christiane Meunier. If you've enjoyed this article but missed any of the others, you may want to order the issues in which they appeared: Issue 89 "The Cross of St. Brigit" and Issue 90 "Black Butterfly."
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