I bought yardage and cut my own as well. And yes you will still need 9 to get the effect. I didn't follow the layout the same on one of the ones I did, and the colors were not really me, but the recipient loved the colors and fabrics.
Click image for larger version.  Name: DSC00730 (640x427).jpg  Views: 124  Size: 31.5 KB  ID: 65477