Lou's 9 Patches

At our April quilt-in, reference previous post, one of our members, Lou, came in with ten or twelve large (16 inch) 9 patch blocks in orange, brown and various print fabrics. Think mid '70's. They were very dated. She bee-lined over to me and flopped them on the table and said, "what can you do with these?" I gave her several great suggestions thinking, "I can't wait to see what she does with these." Lou is a very gifted quilter and artist. I just thought she had to many ideas and was hoping that I could help her narrow down her possibilities. No, that wasn't the case. After I had made all my suggestions she said, "that sounds good, now they are yours." WHAT? These aren't my colors - okay, maybe the orange - but not the - okay, maybe I am getting to like brown somewhat and am using it more - but, these? They are so dated!! My mother sometimes says I am a child of the '70's, but it's usually because I choose more bright, hip, mod colors and lean a little toward the bohemian. Not because I am into orange, brown and avacado - wait, I like that color, too. uhh. . . .

Anyway, today while the dogs were at the groomers, I decided to cut those blocks apart and do something with them. (Saturday is our monthly meeting and Lou might show up and I wanted to surprise her) I didn't even lay them out and arrange them. Once I had them all squared up, I would pick up a couple of blocks and sew them together. I didn't worry about whether I had too many browns together, I was just intent on putting this top together whichever way it turned out.

Doesn't look too bad in the picture. I haven't decided if this is the end of this top or if more is to come before it gets basted and quilted. The left and bottom sides have that sashing/cornerstone look that is not on the top and right hand sides. It bothers me a little, but I don't have any of these prints to "fix" it. I am thinking about slicing it and adding. I don't know. Tell me what you think.