Quilts Inspired by Green & the Irish Chain

Green…the color for St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), shamrocks, and spring…inspires quilters and fabric artists in many ways.  You might use predonimately this color and these designs in your fabric art.  Or you might seek out the patterns connected with Ireland and the Irish, such as the Irish Chain.

                       The Irish Chain quilt pattern evolved from the 9-patch block and creates an optical illusion that has appealed to quilters for decades.  Although the single Irish Chain is most easily recognized, there also are Double and Triple Irish Chain patterns.  The Irish Chain is among the popular traditional quilts favored by collectors, along with Dresden Plate and Double Wedding Ring. 

The Irish Chain also has found its way into literature, as well as in quilters’ hands.  Mystery writer Earlene Fowler, who names her books after quilt patterns and often weaves them into the story line, wrote one titled The Irish Chain.