So I really like organizing my projects - keeps me on track and knowing what I am doing. Do I go overboard - maybe, but then it works for me :)
Here is my schedule of blocks I need to make for the Jack's chain - the first page. There are 46 whole blocks, and when you add the border blocks, you have a total of 86 block combinations requiring 350 nine patches and 12 half-nine patches
I am using Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC)to help me move along throughout the year and ensure I have a balance of color in the nine patches....each made with different fabrics. The column is the block #, followed by the # of nine patches needed for that block. Then there is column for each month in the RSC and I check which month's nine-patch is used in that block. Still with me?
I keep my nine patches in baggies sorted by month. I just love these little bags of nine - patches.
I have started assembling some of the Jack's Chains blocks - and have 10 under construction. Each is in their own little bag, which includes that large hexagon center, six connecting triangles (both EPP Prepped) and then the nine patches that go in that blocks. I include a slip of paper that identifies the block number and what month's nine patches go on that block. Once one is completed, I start another.
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| One partially completed Jack Chain block. |
I taped a picture of the quilt to the top of my box as so many people tell me they don't know what a Jack's Chain quilt is - so I just show them the picture.
So funny...they are talking on TV about people with OCD - surely that is not ME!
Gotta go sew, thanks for stopping by,
Teresa
I think your system to stay organized is quite amazing! I know the Jack's Chain pattern is pretty complicated, so I can see why this would be helpful. Looking forward to seeing how you progress!
ReplyDeleteI am blown away by your organizational skills--very worth while for such a big and long term project, i think. OCD--maybe; but aren't we all when it comes to quilting?? I know i am..my hubbie keeps calling my room the manufacturing plant..(as in:"how was work at the plant today"--he thinks he's a riot...lol)
ReplyDeleteLove seeing how your blocks are coming together..hugs, Julierose
Quilters NEED a plan, if they don't want leftover blocks from making too many!!
ReplyDeleteGreat project. Thanks for showing us how you keep it organized. Also thanks for showing us the photo of what the chain is. I kind of thought it might be but I was not sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a system! Like you, I use spreadsheets often to keep my head from exploding al over the studio (grin).
ReplyDeleteAren't you organized! Gosh, very unlike me!
ReplyDeleteI do know what a Jack's Chain is...there's one in my hope chest for my grandson when he gets married (he's only 9 now) and I have another in the works for me in a different colorway. I machine pieced mine and used the pattern at Quilter's Cache.
Good luck with yours! I really think they are fun and unusual quilts.
You're too funny. What a great system and a wonderful way to get a complicated quilt finished. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress!
ReplyDeleteVery organized project! Well done! This is a challenging quilt design for sure!
ReplyDeleteSo .... just how big are those 9 patches? LOL They look pretty tiny to me! Still, you do have great ideas for keeping you and us organized.
ReplyDeleteHow do you attach the epp pieces to the nine patch? Love the organization
ReplyDeleteI would like to respond to your question about how to attach the EPP pieces, but you do not have an email for me to respond to. I made the nine patches by EPP as I did the entire quilt. The nine patches are sewn first to the center hexagon, then the triangle shapes are sewn between the nine patches forming a circle of nine patches in the Jack's Chain.
ReplyDeleteWow! I have been looking at this pattern for months, but felt so overwhelmed I didn't know how to start. Thank you so much for sharing your method of organizing.
ReplyDeleteHi! So did you buy a pattern or find one? if so, would you mind telling me (and others) which you purchased and where. I believe I could figure the math to make all the block and triangles.....but no idea the best and/or easiest way to sew them together.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a beautiful quilt. Extraordinary! I am not an organizer by birth! It helps so much to have you tell how you did it. Thank you.
Bonnie Hill, Reno, NV
Bonnie, I started with a pattern called Ring Cycles that I ordered from Lissa Siegele in Australia, but it is also available on etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/217011346/ring-cycles-quilt-by-lessa-siegele-quilt I did modify the pattern a little to make it suitable for English Paper Piecing.
ReplyDeleteYou can google Ring Cycle's Quilt Pattern and find many sources. I have also found a much simplier method of putting it together in a very old quilt magazine and if you are interested I can look it up for you.
Good Luck with your quilt.
Yes, I would be most interested in receiving this easier method for putting the lock together! It’s lovely! Thanksforyourtips and help! Greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteSylvia