I have made so many Blooming 9 patch quilts. Tradition with a Twist book is my favorite. The author, Blanche Young is a dear friend and she has helped me so much, given me variations on her patterns, etc. She is well known in the professional quilting world and was the innovator behind the strip piecing methods and was honored in Houston a few years ago for her pioneering in quilting. Her patterns are a snap to make but appear dramatic and fools people to think I am an expert! Blanche is now living in a care facility but has her sewing machine, etc all set up in her room. I think she is now 93 and still feisty as ever. Love her!