One of the first "real" quilts I ever made was when I got married almost 18 years ago was a traditional Irish Chain quilt. (I'm embarrassed to say it's still not finished.*insert cringe here* sigh. I am publicly shaming myself so that I will get it done. One day...) There's just something so classic about an Irish Chain Quilt! There still some of my favorites.
Which is why I think it's so fun that Melissa Corry has written a book of new quilt designs all inspired my the Irish Chain motif. She has taken that basic diagonal "chain" design and run with it in new and creative ways! (This post includes pictures from the book itself taken by Brent Kane [courtesy of Martingale publishing] as well as affiliate links.)
Melissa's book is called Irish Chain Quilts
and there is a great variety of patterns and designs to inspire you too.
Here are pictures of a few of them from the book. This one is called Two Paths Crossed. Love the classic spin on a traditional design and colors. Such a pretty quilt!
This quilt is called Breaking Up. It is another take on a traditional Irish Chain motif, but gives it a little asymmetry and a modern spin on the design. There are more quilts that take the diagonal motif in an even more abstract direction.
One of my favorite quilts from the book is this cute little neighborhood quilt called The Village Square. Such a fun design and really fun to get together.
I put together my own version of this quilt to contribute to a quilt Melissa is making for charity with a combination of all the block designs from her book. Can't wait to see how it turns out. This block was so quick and FUN to make - especially playing with the fabrics for those houses.
To see more blocks and designs from Irish Chain Quilts, check out these other stops on this blog tour:
, or from publisher Martingale (hard copy includes a free Ebook.)
Lee says
What darling quilts! I love the Village design!
Renea says
Your block is sew cute. I love this book.
Karen says
very nice looking quilts - count me in!
KATHE says
Have never tried this type of quilt but I see it in my future - thanks.
Elsie Pop says
What gorgeous quilts! I love the Two Paths Crossed - it works really well. xx
Lee Ann L. says
This looks like a very interesting book!
Toni says
Variations on Irish Chains are always winners. I bought a book on Irish Chains when I first started quilting and I'm ashamed to say I haven't made any! but they are on my list. 🙂
Doris mccarty says
I want to make a red and white one.
Joan M says
Love your sweet block! Looks like a great book to add to my library.
Lu says
Nice job on the cutest of the Irish chain quilts. I love the colors you used.
Marly says
I like your block: I fall for red ad white quilts in a big way! This looks like being a great book. Thanks for sharing your favourites.
Susan says
Love those little houses! This looks like a great book!
Lisa E says
That Village Square quilt is so cute!
Lori Smanski says
your block is darling. I cant wait to see the finished quilt
Sara says
Amy I love your story and your lovely quilt!
Ashley says
Love two paths crossed!
Cecilia says
Your house block is so adorable! I would never have thought of using house blocks like this. Thanks for sharing.
VickiT says
Really cute block you've made. I like how the houses are not the traditional type you see on so many other patterns. Love these. Great block. Thank you for showing us.
LJ says
So far, I'm loving all the different Irish Chain blocks/qults. The block you made is absolutely adorable and such a unique take on the IC quilt.
Colleen says
I do like your quilt block shades of red and white and houses very classic with a newness
Glenda Penner says
How romantic that you have a quilt whose beginning goes all the way back to the beginning of your marriage. Both are unfinished works in progress don't you think? Glad to have come upon your blog. Lovely.
Amy Smart says
True! That's a good way of looking at it. And makes me feel less guilty about the unfinished quilt. lol
Sherry says
This looks like a book I would really use. Your little village block is great.
Rita says
Beautiful chain quilts! I especially like the little houses!
Rochelle says
I like all of the quilts. The variations are so interesting it's hard to make a choice as to a favorite.
Sharon Powless says
I just love the batik Irish Chain!
Laurie says
The quilts look amazing what a great book. I love the one on the cover.
BEtH says
Now there are three quilts I absolutely must make from this book that I thought I wasn't interested in. I love how you did your block and I can't wait to see the charity quilt either. I think it's going to be awesome with all of the different blocks, but I guess we'll have to wait and see 🙂
Amy Smart says
I'm excited to see it too!
Susan G says
I really like the blocks and quilts I'm seeing. Two Paths Crossed is really pretty. I love the little houses too.
Donna Murdock says
The house one is just too cute! Gotta add this to another quilt I must do.
Janet says
Great block! This book looks very inspiring.
Lyn Kaufmann says
Your red/white village block is adorable! Love the red and white combination and the houses are so fun.
Amy Smart says
Thank you! It was a fun block to make.
Debra says
I would love to make an Irish Chain