I love getting inspiration from the vintage/traditional blocks from decades ago. Jack's Chain is one of those. I took an older file from my computer (from when I worked for Quilt Magazine) and tweaked it for use with 2-1/2" strips. I needed to resize the center hexagon and surrounding triangles. So glad I have Adobe Illustrator as my software!
So, what does Jack's Chain look like? Here is one block (digital).
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| Jack's Chain Block |
And the vintage, newspaper pattern? It was first called Rosalia Flower Garden in 1939.
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| Jack's Chain/Rosalia Flower Garden |
The traditional blocks made for this quilt are never this large. But because I wanted to use 2-1/2" strips, it obviously grew! I used some vintage Kaffe Fassett fabrics (ie, over 10 years old) along with some newer prints for my prototype block.
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| Jack's Chain Block: 23-1/2" x 23-1/2" |
The light gray is a Windham fabric called Mary's Blenders. The green/purple triangle fabric is an Emily Taylor/Riley Blake fabric. Maybe I should stay with the light gray for the center hexagon? Not sure yet. That's why I create prototype blocks before I even think about writing a pattern!
I have been cutting and stitching more 9 Patches that will go with another bold KF print. What do you think? There are two blocks in each print.
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| More 9 Patch blocks (6" finished) |
And the fabric I hope to use in the center hexagon:
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| 9 Patch Blocks with a luscious KF print |
No pattern yet. I have to work out the kinks! I sewed the full block all by machine. I stitched a circle with the 6 Nine Patch blocks and 6 triangles. Then I interfaced the center hexagon and appliqued it over the large hole. It works, but I think I'm going to try using a dreaded y-seam on my next block.
I'll keep you posted. While most folks wouldn't be enamored with such a LARGE block, you have to think of it this way: You get to your finished quilt a lot faster with big blocks!
This is really cool! I love looking at the old patterns and trying them out, and your new "take" on this oldie is great. Looking forward to seeing what you do with these....
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Oh, my aunt did this block/quilt last year in 30's fabrics - she cursed the entire time she worked on it which just cracked me up.
ReplyDeleteI am a beginner quilter, but I find larger blocks a little easier. It is hard for me to hold onto small pieces like 1" squares. I like the 9-patch blocks with the KF fabric in the picture above.
ReplyDeleteI always like large blocks! That could be an interesting design. It's one that's long interested me.
ReplyDeleteWow, it`s a great design.Can´t wait to see your quilt.Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHurry up with the pattern...I so love this..
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, to use 2-1/2" strips for the 9 patches. I came looking specifically for how to increase the size for the Jack's Chain. This may be my answer! Thanks for the idea! Now, if I can just figure out the size of the triangles and hexes. It'll be a good project for my brain.
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