Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Single Irish Chain with Celtic Inspired Quilting
Happy March, Seamsters!
It’s already half way through the third month of the year! It has indeed come in like the proverbial lion with snow that cancelled many functions here in our southern locale–including a day of work! I am keeping my fingers crossed that the part about March going out like a lamb is going to be true as well!
This week includes the observance of St. Patrick’s Day. As a quilter, I have become interested in the history of various blocks and patterns. In honor of Ireland, I thought you might like to learn a little about the extremely popular pattern, the Irish Chain–single, double, and triple. Some background about this pattern and others from the old country can be found at http://www.antiquequiltdating.com/Early_Irish_Patchwork_Quilts_and_Traditions.html. The Single Irish Chain was first documented in America in 1806 (see http://www.womenfolk.com/quilt_pattern_history/irishchain.htm for more information). By the 1820s the Double Irish Chain had made its appearance (http://www.reddawn.net/quilt/timeline.htm), followed by its cousin, the Triple Irish Chain.
This Single Irish Chain consists of two different blocks, a nine-patch chain and a plain block. While this pattern appears to be on the bias it is actually sewn with straight piecing. (As an aside, this would be a good pattern for a beginner, especially with strip piecing methods.) As the quilt is laid out, the resulting squares in the alternating blocks are ideal for applique, autographs, novelty prints, and of course, fancy, ornate quilting. (Perhaps a shamrock would be a lovely motif?) The layout looks best with an odd number of rows to complete the pattern. See this website for directions on how to make an Irish Chain quilt http://www.quilt.com/Blocks/IrishChain/IrishChain.html.
If you’d rather applique, another technique derived from the Land of the Leprechauns is Celtic quilting designs created with interwoven, knotlike patterns executed with bias strips. (Think illuminated manuscripts.) If you’re interested in pursuing this style, try looking up Philomena Wiechec Durcan, a modern designer of Celtic patterns. Another good resource for this type of design is The Great Book of Celtic Patterns: the Ultimate Design Sourcebook for Artists and Crafters by Lora S. Irish
Obviously, green would be the favorite color of the month for those of Gaelic heritage. (Remember to have a little green about your person to avoid being pinched on St. Patty’s Day!)
Until next time,
Debbie G.