I think I prefer the first one.

Number one for me too

Number 1 - black in #3 takes away from the other colors.

I like the 1st one.

I like #3 then #1

Be sure to check out the link provided by Prism99. This shows what the quilt looks like when many 9-patches are put together.
When you show a little picture of just a few patches, you don't see the effect of the rows of blocks that will appear in the quilt when you have more together. So no. 3 is an Irish Chain, but instead of black, put the background fabric there. Using background fabric in the 4 patches of the 9-patch, and 5 randomly placed colors for the 5 other patches will give you the effect seen in the link.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwErBFItPi...ish-Chain-.jpg

First or last. I like black so I am drawn to that but....in the end it is what pleases you and your eye.

They are both very pretty but I like the first.

Ditto Nativetexan, 1 and 3.

No 3 gives more contrast

First and third are great. BUT...it's not about what I think :)

If you're shooting for the Irish Chain, then others have had very valid points.
As a Nine-Patch, either of 1 & 3 are very nice (again, IMO)

If you are really liking one in particular of these three, perhaps the IC is not the pattern you should shoot for with these fabrics. It's very easy with these blocks you're using to take a different road at this stage of the game. If you don't like ANY of them, you're not so far in that you have to be pained with finishing something you don't like.
Perhaps research more images of nine patches (any variation...I'm betting that a DP9 would look fantastic with your current fabric choices), and also check other Irish Chains to see what you really are drawn to, and go from there.

I like how the colors pop in the one with the black

I have a problem with the green squares in the 9 patches. They are too similar in color and value to the background - in both 1 and 2.

I like the second one best. Guess I am just different? That's okay. I am glad we don't all like the same things. How boring would that be?

Dina

Love the fabrics in the first one, but I also like the block with black, probably not much help, but you asked. Actually, any of them would work, as I love the fabric for the plain squares, gives the block more depth.

I'm a turqoise and teal person. I vote #1

Love the first one.

1 and 3 if you used a black border. Love the colors.

I like # 1. Very pretty.

Nr. 2 or if you want the pop--use ALL black for the background and the colored batiks for the 9 patches corners/center. It would be gorgeous!

I like #1 best

number #1 I love batiks.

If you are going for an Irish chain, and want more colors, your center square will to be larger to be able to get the chain look. If you are doing two colors, the nine patch is fine. Also, as much as I like the jewel tones, the contrast ( in the blocks without the black) isn't nearly enough to accent your chain fabric. It would be a shame to do so much work, and have the colors just blend into one another when the quilt is one the bed. I think you need a MUCH lighter, of the black, background for those jewel tones.

Absolutely the first one!

first one.

Either #1 or #3.

i love the first one. the colors are really pretty together i think!

both are very nice-but I would chose #1 as my first choice

I also like #1 the best...

I guess I am a little outside the norm....#3 catches my eye. Since I am not into the pattern, or don't know enough about it, #3 may not fit the design, but I like it best!

The first one gives the Irish chain effect, the others don't in my opinion. Besides I like the color choices better in the first one as well.
I would use additional colors to increase the randomness if that is your intent. Otherwise keep your colors in the exact same positions in each square (not my favorite choice).
This is going to be really pretty in the aqua with the random additional colors!

I love number 1... then number 3

First one does it for me.