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Thursday, April 4, 2013

Chainy Days

Chainy Days
I'm always looking to improve my skills and hand sewing is something I'm not very good at. Curves add an extra measure to the challenge. Since it was a gloomy day, I decided to put myself to work. Inspired by vintage quilt block tote bags spied at georgiapeachez, I drafted myself a modern interpretation of a chain link segment. [Be sure to visit her flickr stream and dig in, she's got top vintage style.] With the weather in mind, I'm calling it Chainy Days.

 It didn't take long mock up and I've decided to make it a freebie PDF  for others who might want to get some hand sewing practice, try curves with freezer paper or create English paper piecing templates. This is just a simple guide and assumes you have basic experience with the techniques.

The intended use was creating rows of chains,



but I must admit that I've fallen for the idea of using one side of the links as quilt borders.


Even if you decide to make just one section, it is still good practice. I found that over the first few curves, I saw remarkable improvement. I've just finished two sections so far but think this will be a great project for using up leftovers of favorite prints. If you give it a try, let us know how you go!
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11 comments:

  1. AnnabellaApril 4, 2013 at 7:54 PM

    Thanks so much for the template - I have been looking for an EPP project for the summer so perhaps this is the one!

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  2. Dianne NealeApril 4, 2013 at 8:03 PM

    Oh this looks wonderful. I'd love to be able to make a border with it, but I don't know where to start with the curves. Did you hand piece it. or on a machine?

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    Replies
    1. Amy BadskirtApril 4, 2013 at 8:10 PM

      Hi Dianne - I hand pieced most of this, but machined a few seams to get the photo done before dark. I am very new to hand sewing and curves. A great tip that I was recently given is using lots of little Clover applique pins to hold the curves in place as you hand sew.

      Via Amazon: Clover Applique Pins, 150 EA Per Pack

      Delete
  3. CapitolaQuilterApril 5, 2013 at 1:05 AM

    Great idea to use this as a border design. Love the fabrics you chose for your sample.

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  4. jednoiglecApril 5, 2013 at 2:57 AM

    Great pattern, Amy! Chain border looks wonderful - just imagine wholecloth quilt with such border:)

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  5. feliceApril 5, 2013 at 6:23 AM

    Wow! I too fear curves and am in awe of your work!

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  6. Rachel at Stitched in ColorApril 5, 2013 at 10:48 AM

    How cool is that as a border. Definitely! My scraps are calling me, but I think I need something simpler.

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  7. Georgia PeachezApril 6, 2013 at 1:40 AM

    I love your modern version with the tiny polka dots for the ground. Thanks for all the compliments too, blush :-}

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  8. CJApril 6, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    That's fantastic, I'd love to try that by paper piecing.

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  9. PipApril 8, 2013 at 10:13 AM

    Your chain looks fantastic Amy, I love your idea for using it as a border, I might try that too, although I need a new project like a need a hole in my head, I have too many projects floating :)

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  10. sewtakeahikeApril 9, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Amy thank you so much for this pattern! I love love love what you've done with it and your instructions for construction are fabulous!!!

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You are a rockstar! Thanks so much for your comments!