romille

I have a box full of 2.5" scrap squares. Last night I had an idea for what to do with them, but am having trouble visualizing it. I think it will either look good, or just be too busy... opinions please?

My idea was something like an Irish chain (which I have never made btw). I would make 7x7 square blocks, with an X of a solid color... does that make sense? So the solid-color X would be the chain part of the Irish chain... with a random scrappy background. (although my husband seemed to think I should make the X chain out of paisley for some reason... I think solid is a better way to go)

Awful idea? Or just crazy enough to work?

romille

Oh oh... and what if the X chain was made of two colors? So that it looked kind of woven...

toverly

Sounds perfect to me. I think a solid is the way to go. I have found with my scrappys they need somewhere for the eye to rest.

Jingle

It should work. Solids would be fine.

ube quilting

Yes , this is a great idea and you can see some if you search the QB and other places. Most of the time they are done in civil war repros, or fall colors and the chain is white or cream and they are very pretty. You just need to make sure the chain has enough contrast and a solid or tone on tone would be a great choice.

Please post Pics as you grow your idea into a quilt! I want to watch!!
peace

PenniF

Sounds perfectly fine to me.

romille

Thanks! I picked up some solid red fabric yesterday that I think will work well as the chain... I think this will be fun! Last night I cut my solid fabric and did a little piecing. I must be weird, but just piecing random squares together is kind of relaxing. I hope I still feel that way a couple thousand squares from now.

I can't wait to see how the first block turns out! I will be sure to post pictures.

KalamaQuilts

I'm beginning the same type of thing, but I'm going to use my 2.5" blocks as leaders and enders
http://www.american-quilting.com/blog/?p=2408
While I work on something else.

I know I'll feel like making lots of them for a few days... So just keep a small box of them by your machine

Happy stitching! Irish Chains are stunning in any colorway!

ube quilting

KalamaQuilts, that is a very nice site, TFS.
peace

anothernancy

That website did not credit the wonderful woman who wrote the book on leaders and lenders Bonnie Hunter. Check out her Blog Quiltville. She has a lot of free scrappy patterns. I love her Blog.