Directions for Block B of American Chain and yes, more snow pictures.

I've discovered that unlike Dolly, birds will not stay still for photos.  The fact that I got 2 birds with one shot is pretty amazing.

 I went out early and spent 45 minutes taking pictures using 2 different lenses.  Sadly, somehow I lost about 75 shots.  

 Everything is melted off the trees now.

And even the roads are cleared.  It was pretty while it lasted.

Now on to block B of American Chain, or you could call it a scrappy Irish Chain.

I've been making this pattern since 1989 and have always had trouble with Block B.  The problem comes from using a wide variety of 2" squares in Block A.  Some were cut from starched fabric, most were not.  A lot of the squares are frayed.  Since they were cut at different times, different locations, different cutting tables, and under different lighting conditions, you could say they measure . . . . differently.

I cannot starch them after assembly, they shrink too much.

However, I have come up with a solution.  It's only taken 24 years to figure this out, proving once again that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

To begin, use a square ruler that has increments of 1/8th.

Measure the 3 center rows from side to side, include the seams.

That is the width of the center unit of Block B.

Measure the length of the 3 center rows and that is the length of Block B piece, PLUS, add 1/2"

My measurement came out as 5-1/8" x 8-1/2".

To create the side pieces of Block B, I first measured the length of the center 3 squares on Block A.  Including seam allowance.

My measurement came out to 5" long.

Here are the pieces for Block B.  Center section measures 5-1/8" wide and 8-1/2" long.

The side pieces are cut 5" long, but 2-1/2" wide.  That's 1/2" wider than the original squares in Block A.

I'm also using 2-1/2" squares as the cornerstones. 

By finger pressing in half, I was able to pin together and sew after aligning on the center line.

After pressing, Block B was trimmed down to the exact size of Block A, which is 8".  To trim evenly, the ruler must be set at the center point horizontally and vertically of the block.  Not along the sides.

In this case, I put a small pencil mark at the top center and side center.  The rulers' 4" mark was aligned on those pencil marks.  I recommend making a test block before cutting all of your fabric.

Of course the tan/light fabric was starched well before cutting for Block B.  This helps stabilize Block A even more.

Soon I'll show you the assembled quilt.  Today I'm working on the borders.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

"Why do mornings always come so early?"

 Asks Dolly.

 Because we were up late working on the latest version of American chain.

I'm actually working on 2 different versions of this pattern and will share some tips and tricks to create this design very soon.  If  you'd like to play along, assemble a variety of dark 2" squares and some background fabric.  Oh and be sure to locate your ruler which has 1/8th inch increments.  You're gonna need it.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .