Welcome to my stop on the Island Batik + Accuquilt Irish Chain BlogHop.
Directive - Create a stunning quilt using the GO! Irish Chain Die from AccuQuilt!
Here is my response!
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| A Stunning Finish, as requested! |
But let's start at the beginning.
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| The Challenge |
These fabrics should be available in stores in May 2025.
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| Fusion by Jerry Khiev for Swan Amity Studios |
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| Inspiration Board |
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| Accuquilt Die to make 10" Finished Irish Chain Block |
EQ8 Designs and so many of them.
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| Dull |
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| Meh |
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| Whatever |
I have always used the Irish Chain as an alternate block, not the focus block. Naturally, I was stumped. May be try using it as an alternate block...
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| Slightly Better (Alternate Stars) |
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| Maybe (Alternate Trees) |
When everything else fails, put the blocks on point.
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| Far from Stunning |
It was time to think outside the BOB (Block on Board). The Accuquilt Irish Chain Die cuts these four shapes:
Shape B Square: 2 1/4"W x 2 1/4"H (5.7 cm x 5.7 cm),
Shape C Rectangle: 3 7/8"W x 2 1/4"H (9.8 cm x 5.7 cm),
Shape D Rectangle: 7 1/4"W x 2 1/4"H (18.4 cm x 5.7 cm).
Using these shapes, and keeping the overall size the same, can I come up with anything else? After some trial and error, I got here.
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| EQ8 Block, with Units A, B and C from the GO! Die |
And here is the mock-up.
Finally!!! I had a winner. It doesn't look like a traditional Irish Chain. Will I be scolded for not making a "Traditional" Irish Chain? But it was certainly Stunning :-)
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| First Block Cut |
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| First Block Completed! |
Full Steam Ahead!
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| Piecing in Progress |
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| Secondary Design Emerging! |
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| Basting |
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| Cotton Batting from Hobbs |
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| Binding |
I used Schmetz Microtex Needle 80/12 for both piecing and quilting. I used Aurifil 50 wt for piecing and 40 wt for quilting. The batting is Hobbs Natural Cotton with Scrim Binder. I used Oliso Iron to press seams open. The background, border and binding is made with Island Batik Neutral Meringue. I used 18 out of the 20 fabrics in the collection.
I used my Walking Foot to quilt squiggly lines, following the seams.
Lights, Cameras, Action! And lots of Wind!!!
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| You are a Beauty! |
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| Best Model Ever! |
I really, really wanted a reflection shot, but neither the sun nor the water worked in my favor.
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| We tried |
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| This was fun! |
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| Where did you go? |
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| Yes, I have Tunnel Vision |
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| But you fascinate me... |
I am absolutely thrilled with this finish. I have named her Honi.
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| Pink Rectangles Kissing or Just Touching... |
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| Quilting Detail |
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| Walking Foot Quilting |
And one last look...
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| Could the Picnic Bench match any more perfectly? |
I am in love with Honi and will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties, including Yvonne's Favorite Finish for May. See full list on the sidebar.
Visit Island Batik Blog for weekly giveaways and make sure to explore all the amazing creations on the Ambassadors’ blogs and join in on their additional giveaways for even more chances to win. I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.
Here is the complete list of Ambassadors, the collections they’ll feature in their projects, and their scheduled post dates:
WEEK 1
May 5:
May 6:
May 7:
May 8:
- Leah Malasky, Quilted Delights
- Preeti Harris, Sew Preeti Quilts (You are here)
May 9:
Blog Hop Round-Up Week 1 and Giveaway
WEEK 2
May 12:
May 13:
May 14:
May 15:
May 16:
Blog Hop Round-Up Week 2 and Giveaway
WEEK 3
May 19:
May 20:
May 21:
May 22:
May 23:
End of Blog Hop + Final Round Up
In other news, I made some green blocks for the May Rainbow Scrap challenge, using Island Batik scraps. Here they are. Will be sharing with Angela's Linky party on Saturday.
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| Framed 4-patch Blocks, May RSC |
