Irish Chains

The Irish Chain quilt is a traditional block made using squares of fabric that form a secondary “chain” across the quilt top.

Photo taken from quilt historian Barbara Brackman

I started doing a little research about this traditional quilt and learned that here in American quilt historians believe it was invented here in the 1800s contrary to the belief it originated in Ireland. Funny story, in Ireland there is a quilt pattern that looks just like this and appears earlier than the 1800s and over there it is called, are you ready for it, the American Chain! Interesting! Anyhoo, our quilter, Brooke, who gives us our block lotto assignment every month chose an Irish Chain for March, in green and white. Appropriate! And we decided to get a head start on our annual donation quilt for Team Shamrock’s summer fundraiser at Bar A, as well as, selecting a winner from the group. Here’s a peek at some of the blocks! I am super excited to see this come together.

The start of an Irish Chain. (Notice Denise in her Shamrock sweater)

Speaking of history, Camille gave us all a great presentation about the history of sewing and quilting right here in New Jersey.

Our quilt entry for the Modern Quilt Guilds Community Outreach Challenge is home from QuiltCon in Raleigh NC. “Motion of the Ocean” is what we call her and her next journey will be to a local charitable organization for a fundraiser. We’re in the process of finding one right now.

Inspired by a painting and made by the members of the Jersey Shore MQG

WE ARE HITTING THE BOARDS THIS SATURDAY, March 23rd at 10am Inspired by the Lake Superior Modern Quilt Guild, we will be donning our favorite quilt and parading the boardwalk in Ocean Grove. Come on down and see us or grab your favorite quilt and join us! 10am at the Beach Office, Ocean and Embury Aves.

Our once little guild continues to grow, we welcomed four new members last month which means there’s never a shortage of show and tell.