I wanted to share this D9P that I used a panel of squares as part of the fabrics. I love how it came out. The only thing that I didn't like was they were off a bit and therefore are slightly off from each other around the edges. But the quilt is so busy, I don't think it will be noticeable. I also used a matching border print and mitered the borders. I had an issue with that, here's the post on the solution.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-66491-1.htm

I believe the fabric panel and border were called Safari Cats, but forget the maker. I don't think I have any selvedges left to look at. Sorry.

It's a gift, but not for Christmas (good thing, it will never get done in time). It's for my DIL's parents, who have the most beautiful safari animal knick knacks in their home.

Quilting suggestions? I'll be quilting it myself. Not too complicated FMQ or decorative stitching is what I'm thinking, but not sure of a pattern.

I love it! It's beautiful!! You can't tell it's off at all. I've got to find that panel. I love the big cats!! You did a fabulous job!!

Really nice job. I think it's beautiful!

Search on www.quiltshops.com - I've seen some listed. I think Over the Rainbow has it among other places.

The problem with panels is that they tend to be crooked. I think I spent more time cutting out the squares than I did the rest of the quilt. For someone who's a control freak, it would be frustrating I think. Luckily, I have changed a bit over time and don't worry so much about it like I used to. :)

I think they look perfect... the greenery in the picture helps balance out the cats in the block.
They are going to love this quilt :D:D:D

Love it and I'm sure the recipients will too.

That is so cool! Your son's inlaws will love it!

I have a similar panel and was trying to think of a pattern. D9P it is! Thanks!

I know you make a nine patch then cut it up. How did you place the panels so they would all face in the same direction? I know you would put them in the four corners, but do you have them facing four different ways?

How beautiful ... love what you did with the panels!

I only put them in 2 opposite corners. Then after cutting I flipped around the other 2 corners. If you wanted to use all 4 squares as panel, do 2 opposite right side up, the other 2 upside down. Or you could also do all right side up and swap the 2 upside down ones with each other. I think this changes where the small squares end up though. I'd suggest a trial block or doing it on paper or the computer first.

Very cool!

It is truly beautiful.

How big were these panel pics? I have some panels,but was unsure how big you can make the 9 patch squares.

I think I cut them to 5.5" squares. I didn't want to sew into the picture so I included a bit of the border around them.

That is a wonderful quilt and what a great idea!

I like that! You did a fantastic job!

love it!!

It's very striking. Great job.

I measured the ones I had in mind but they are larger I don't know if they would be too big or not. I think I may try anyway. This is so cute.

Great idea! They will love it - if not, send it my way :-)

Beautiful. You don't notice anything being "off". The colours are lovely! Good job!

see if you can photocopy one, then cut it out and other squares out of paper and sew them together/cut/resew and see what you think. that way, you will get the idea without wasting your square.

Very creative!! :thumbup:

Very cute, you did a great job.

This quilt is beautiful. I really like it alot. You did a very nice job on it.

Very creative use of the panels. It is a wonderful quilt.

Great quilt! Neat use of the squares!