Monday, January 15, 2007

Eleanor Burns Double Irish Chain


This is my next assignment should I choose to accept it. A double Irish chain from Eleanor Burns' book. I searched for a month for the fabrics to match this blasted wallpaper. I picked up the green locally here at Ginger's, and found the cream while at Alex's retreat in northern California. But I'm real happy to report that this pink is one of those bolts of old Robyn Pandolph that I found a year ago on the Thousand Bolts site that Judy just mentioned in her blog.

I've never done an Irish chain and I understand they go real quickly, but I'm kind of thinking it's going to be boring. Maybe not. Working from a wallpaper sample, it turned out to be more difficult than I thought it would be to find the fabric.

I also found out I don't read fabric requirements very well at all. I bought according to the requirements, but didn't notice they had been divided - blocks and borders stated separately. Oh, my. That meant I didn't have enough of the other pink I had also pulled from stash. It was the perfect fabric. This one will have to do because I have plenty of it. I know I have enough green, but I'm a little worried about the cream. I probably ought to see if I can find some more right now - before I start cutting. Of course, I can always go to Plan B on that one, but I'd rather not.
I'm going to sit on the floor and measure and measure and measure to make sure I have enough, and then I'm going to start cutting - and cutting and cutting and cutting. If you need me, I'll be at the cutting table!
Thanks to everyone who guided me on cutting strips. I've decided not to toss the pieces that I've bonded to, but will cut them in bricks. Thanks again!
Gratitudes:
~ Beautiful cool weather.
~ A productive day at work.
~ No traffic today. I forgot about the holiday!




10 comments:

ForestJane said...

Well, you may not like the project, but you did an excellent job picking the colors, WTG!

And I'll bet you'll like the irish chain once you get into it.

Carol said...

The fabrics look great...but I know right where you are...I have a hard time getting started on something that I'm not not really excited about...but once I get going it gets me excited. I guess it's the process. ENJOY!

Melanie said...

The colors match beautifully. Once you start piecing it together, you're going to love it....

The Calico Cat said...

That sounds so familiar... (I am procrastinating the heck out of a faux log cabin for the same reasons...)

I saw that "Harvest Home" quilt on Alex's site & in a magazine yesterday - it looks best in the magazine - you can really see the scrappy background... HMMMMMM

Nancy said...

Those fabrics will make a beautiful quilt. BUT I do understand why you don't want to work with them. Which is why I NEVER take commisions. Just not enough time to make the quilts *I* want to so why waste any of my precious time on following someone else's vision. Hopefully this will go together quickly and you'll find you enjoy working with it as you get started.

Doodlebug Gail said...

Those fabrics look great Vicky - I'm sure that once you get sewing you'll start to get excited about the project.

Hugs, Gail

Jeanne said...

The colors are great with the wallpaper!
I know what you mean about dragging your feet -- I'm soooo not a commission person! I want to do it MY way, not their wat!
Jeanne :)

Unknown said...

I agree with you - I've not done many commissions but boy is it difficult making something in fabrics you dislike - real grit your teeth and get it over and done with type work - good luck, they look pretty to me and I'm sure they will be fine

Unknown said...

I'm the same way. I hate working with colors that aren't what I want to be working with.

I think the colors you have will make a great Irish Chain and it will go together very quickly!

And, then . . you'll be done!!

Judy L.

Dawn's Daily Journal said...

I did one quilt for a lady..she picked out the pattern and the fabric. Oh my gosh!!! I had the hardest time with that quilt. The colors you picked out are gorgeous!!! I hope Mrs. Boss appreciates your time and effort!!! :) Have a wonderful day!
dawn