Irish Chain - a Simple Quilt Block for Project Linus

If you have watched the channel for a while, you will have heard me talk about my Mum and the vast numbers of quilts that she made in her lifetime. One of the things she was really passionate about was making Project Linus quilts. Project Linus is an amazing charitable organisation, that encourages quilters to make quilts for children who might be in need of the sort of comfort a quilt can bring! From newborns to teenagers. So using a fat quarter bundle that had been sitting in a drawer for some time, and some leftover fabric of my Mum's, I made some Irish Chain quilts for Project Linus. I will pop a link to their website below, so perhaps you or someone you know could make some quilts for them as well!
projectlinusuk.org.uk
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Please check the Playlists where we have grouped together themed videos for you to enjoy. You might like this one - the series I made about my Mum's quilts • Mum's Quilts
The music in this week's video is from Epidemic Sound.
Take care,
Love,
Kate xxx

[@thewildcrafter]

When my son was born sleeping at 38 weeks. I was given a small quilt at the hospital before I left, which a charity group called Blankets of love made and donated. Im in Australia. This quilt is one of the most cherished things I have to remember him. Its a beautiful thing to do, and recipients absolutely appreciate them.

[@HRHDMKYT]

I’m so sorry for your loss Natasha, that must have been devastating. I’m glad you were given a tiny memento by which to cherish your son’s memory and pray that you may find some small peace in your grief. ~Diana K.

[@vallang4832]

I am so very very sorry for your loss. 💔

[@quiltygal6981]

So lovely to hear it brought you some comfort. My sister and I both make for Little Blankets of Love ❤

[@TheShmoo123]

💛

[@Adoptiveangel]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace.

[@meenakirubalaratnam1338]

I am from the U.K. I am going to 87 next week. I am a quilter and done a few quilts for project linus. Your ideas are great and looks so easy to make. Lovely explanation in your soothing voice . Thank you so much. It's a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@doloresjanewills46]

I am 93, 😂stage 4 cancer, long time quilter.And just received a Linus quilt during a recent hospital admittance. It touched my heart. I’ve given so much😂 in all my years of volunteer work and to receive the quilt was a wonderful surprise

[@trixiessalonct4501]

God bless you!

[@debbiejohnson7199]

Praying for a complete healing for you.

[@christi4169]

I think of quilts as Hugs and so many children need more hugs.

[@user-ww4il3pt6x]

Kate is live in north Seattle and after watching you, im now going to make quilts for project Linus. Thanks

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

Precious. All three.

[@joannaaustin278]

lovely lovely as always I may do a baby quilt...I am making them for future great children in the event I am no longer here I will give to my daughters to keep till the time comes...no one married yet and Nana is not getting any younger..love my Jenny videos..I live to the north of the US

[@lauralake7430]

I also feel so happy when my seams nest!

[@nancyarchibald9095]

I'm yearning to make an Irish Chain in ALL Red with White... or Greens with White and so forth. Purples/Lilacs... heavenly dreams, thinking about my stash of these colors.

[@julieh4816]

Well Kate's video made my Monday worth getting out of bed, how could it not! I subscribe to hundreds of youtube channels but none of them could ever replace you Kate. What sets you apart from the rest is you are not just demonstrating your talent but you also show us joy, compassion, graciousness, appreciation, affection and patience. A lot of that resonates within us. There are unfortunately, a lot of lonely people out there and I bet you just might make their day!

[@nicolapepper3354]

Simple, elegant, beautiful. My youngest received a PL blanket many years ago. He loved the colours and textures and wanted it with him all the time. It was special to me to think someone took time out their life to think of us. It's been three years since he passed and his blanket is a treasured part of his memory. You and your Mum are very kind, thankyou.

[@HRHDMKYT]

I’m so sorry for your tragic loss Nicola. Thank you for sharing your story, I am glad your son received some comfort from his Project Linus quilt. May you eventually be able to find some peace in your grief. ~Diana K

[@pegrichard2820]

So sosrry for your loss. I lost a child quite young. Every memory is a gift.

[@brigittesalvdor4761]

Hello, I'm French and I love your channel. My niece just had a baby boy who was born today at 6.45 am and your quilt is a wonderful idea to celebrate the arrival of this baby and offer one to his big sister and her doll for which my father (his great grandfather) made a small bed. Tomorrow I will choose my fabrics and get to work. Thanks for this idea! I love it. Thanks Google translate !!🤩

[@robertagellner9573]

I love these traditional blocks. A good scrappy project!

[@erineddy7999]

Quilters should get more recognition as masters of geometry, even if they might have trouble with maths. Another great video! Thanks Kate❤

[@quiltygal6981]

I often think my Maths teacher would be amazed that I use measurements and calculations daily with my sewing, I was always bottom of the class😂😂

[@geraldinekraus4800]

Just have to tell you, I love to watch you work. I am going to be 78 years old in July and I, too, find my joy in sewing quilt tops. You inspire me because of your joy, your smile and your positive attitude. I sew for Quilts of Valor and for local children's hospitals in Atlanta, GA, USA. I pray you continue to enjoy what you do and share with us what makes you smile.

[@heidim7732]

It's lovely when an experienced quilter explains a quilt block in a way that simplifies it and makes it less intimidating. Thank you.

[@elizabethwilliams3267]

😊

[@HeartWorX.Creations]

Indeed, her British accent & energy & unique authenticity, truly make her a gem of a gal and excellent teacher…She is so relaxing to listen to, like an old friend to sew/craft with! ❤️🙏🌞

[@becunningham8850]

Thank you for sharing your time and talents. I felt like I was in your sewing room with you.

[@catharineking8640]

In the U.S. where i live I am knitting Baby Blankets for Project Linus

[@lindadove6708]

I have been donating to PL for about four years here in Michigan, US. I did not know it was a world wide organization. I am proud to be part of a large group that donates locally for the children in my region/area. I make larger quilts for adolescents, approximately 60 by 75. Adolescents so often are nearly adult in size but they are still young emotionally and need the warm hug of a quilt.

[@seakinireland]

Hi Linda! I’m in Michigan too!

[@beth12svist]

I don't think it really is worldwide, unfortunately. From my Google search, it seems to only be in the US and UK. I'm Czech, so if I ever wanted to donate a quilt (I'm not really a quilter, but I do have two in the works from years ago, so you never know), I'd have to do it through a local organisation. Luckily, there absolutely are local organisations through which you can donate to people in need. 🙂

[@HRHDMKYT]

@@beth12svist We have Project Linus in Canada as well. Donations include blankets, quilts and afghans (knit or crocheted) for children who are sick, traumatized or in need of a “hug” they can have for their very own. But I agree every country likely has charities that accept quilts for children who need them, either in foster care or orphanages, or hospitals, hostels, refugee organizations. In Canada we also have a charity called Quilts for Survivors, which was established by a young woman who makes, collects and distributes quilts to indigenous survivors of residential schools which traumatized generations of indigenous families, separating children from parents, siblings, elders and from their homes and culture. So many opportunities to share a bit of healing.

[@beth12svist]

​@@HRHDMKYT Thinking about the sorts of charities I know of in my own country, another thing that sprang to mind was safe houses for women. (Domestic violence victims, obviously often fleeing with children and very few material possessions.)

[@kathrynriggs2489]

Linda, I'm from Michigan too! I have a friend who's special needs daughter was hospitalized at a local children's hospital. She received a quilt there that happened to have been made by a local quilting group at one of our churches here in town. It made the family feel very special.

[@dianemiller7417]

That is my happy place also. Sometimes I wonder when will I be able to finish all I have to do and get back to my happy place.

[@wandawalker4191]

Our quilt guild makes and gives quilts for 3 Hospice groups near us. It's a privilege to bless and encourage others! We collect quilts twice a year, and at our May meeting 264 were collected.

[@lynette.]

This is lovely idea for a series working on blocks but also knowing that Project Linus will benefit. Much more satisfying than a pile of orphan blocks.

[@kdhawes7999]

Thank you for this episode. It is a brilliant idea to not only teach the art of quilting but it is a manageable project and it gives value and purpose to the time spent making the quilt. Thank you for fostering ideas to help ourselves and others. Again, Brilliant!

[@janhatchett7834]

I made my parents an Irish Chain quilt for their 25th wedding anniversary. It was the second quilt I had ever made. Thank you for bringing back such lovely memories!

[@nancyarchibald9095]

I'd like to see some type of decorative border on these quilts. Irish Chain is a tad Plain Jane and would look really cute with a border 😍.

[@mscscottage1277]

I haven't quilted in several years. You may have just inspired me with that quick strip piecing! Thank you...

[@raymondgabica4696]

I love you, your projects, the way you share, your house and all the plants. Thanks for sharing.

[@sharonwilson8208]

When my daughter was born 2 months premature, the hospital had quilts for the micro-preemies. It gave me comfort that people took time to make a quilt. So, I make quilts, and knit caps and scarves for a few organizations. Thanks Kate. ❤😊

[@zormier2002]

Who do you do scarves for? I would love to make scarves for charity

[@sharonwilson8208]

@@zormier2002 We have a local shelter. The churches in our small town have been great at providing meals, hygiene products, etc for the people staying there. But, the shelter was a brainstorm of a few of my classmates. We got together and got the data, the paperwork, and location in 18 months time. That's who I send them to. Some who find employment need clothing, and household supplies, bedding, curtains, etc. There's always something I have that I can donate.

[@annrubino6252]

These quilts will be cherished. Thank you for your generosity in so many areas of your life.

[@kathosim501]

My mom had started quilting twenty years ago but gave it up when it didn’t suit her new husband a few years later. 😡 She died in December and I started sewing for her, in a way, as grief therapy. That’s how I came to quilting a few months ago! Well today I got her fabric stash from that husband and am trying to wash their cigarette stink out of it all 🤞🏻🤞🏻 so I can use it in quilts for family.

[@friedareading6814]

I make quilt tops for the kids quilt program at theSouth Plains Quilt Guild and will turn one in tomorrow at our meeting. I use pieces sewn together, scraps, no design, I call these Gone To Pieces as those who receive them have had their lives to go to pieces! 🥲

[@marciaz5346]

I made some of my first ever quilt blocks yesterday and quickly learned that my seam ripper is now my new best friend. 😂 As always, thank you for sharing your day. Kisses to baby Emil 🩷

[@shannoneaster9311]

Who is baby Emil?

[@chrisberry9017]

@@shannoneaster9311Kate’s Grandson - Agnes’s brother. Bless them!

[@mrgarner4796]

I was just admiring your sewing area with the wonderful windows. Your room is so peaceful. Thank you for sharing this tutorial.

[@chrisberry9017]

Aren’t those little quilts delightful! Although each is made in the exact same way, the different sizes give them each a different ‘feel’. Thank you so much once again Kate! X

[@Mindfulnessification]

You are inspiring me to make quilts again! ♥️🐑♥️🐑♥️

[@peggyshippee6354]

Hearing you on your sewing machine today took me back to a lovely memory of my grandmother sewing. She made beautiful quilts and I have many of them. Sweet memories that live on.

[@MadNaduk]

That's a lovely block, and I will add that to my list of blocks I use for my Project Linus donations. One tip for you and your viewers - if they are thinking of donating, PL (certainly here in the UK anyway) don't mind, in fact encourage it due to cost savings for their quilters, that instead of buying wadding and backing fabric, to use a non-pil fleece fabric with no wadding. It makes the quilts really snuggly for the kiddos. You can even get an organic cotton fleece from Empress Mills, which doesn't afford the same cost saving, but you know that micro plastics wont end up in the water from your quilts being washed.

[@margaretmcgregor5686]

That's very good to know - this will be my first quilt to donate.

[@brendastajkowski502]

What a lovely looking quilt and not too difficult. I make charity quilts so I will add this to my list. Really "delicate" and uses small pieces of leftover fabric.

[@inge6280]

I think this is a good idea for my first quilt

[@kathymcguire8287]

I am so glad that you did this for charity. That is my goal. So a lot of scrappy quilting. I plan on making them look a little colour coordinated. I just have begun collecting scraps from people who don't want them. ❤😊

[@rdavis134]

Hi Kate, all 3 are lovely quilts, your mom would be proud!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

Project Linus, named after the Peanuts character who always had his blanket, I assume. How wonderful!!

[@penelopesadlo8348]

Hi, Kate, hello everyone. I do so like the smaller squares. Need to use up my scraps. Very therapeutic and gives one a sense of achievement. Take care

[@HeartWorX.Creations]

Such an awesome thing to do!! I’m planning on making some rag quilts for animals to donate to some animals rescues in my state! ❤️🙏🌞

[@koalasez1200]

I love Jenny Doan - have learned a lot from her videos. Thank you for sharing these, there will be lucky little ones who receive them. The doll is lucky too 😀

[@sjchan3199]

I made a triple irsh chain quilt before rotary cutting. Everything had to be cut with scissors you can imagine what fun that was

[@erineddy7999]

Don’t forget the ruled cutting mats, those and rotary cutters made quilting fun. My grandma used to hold to the practice of making one block at a time and that took forever! I’ve never seen a triple Irish chain pattern and will now have to go and research it.

[@carolemayer8151]

I have been watching your videos from the beginning. Loved the ones with the kittens. Ginger Harry. And when you took the goose swimming. Thank you

[@joanneferguson3784]

i just love watching..It is like having a friend over for tea..Thank you..

[@nonyabidness1623]

As your piecing and quilting are beautiful, so are you! Not commenting much lately, but still enjoying all you share with us and the calm peaceable atmosphere! Thank You Kate, for showing us all that are interested how to apply ourselves, living in the moments, God Bless You All, Always, lis

[@user-js7kl8xg9z]

Loved this because I just made an Irish chain! Followed Jenny also!!!! Know what you mean about finding your happy place. Enjoy your “helpers”!!

[@louettesommers8594]

I love the double Irish chain quilt. I’ve made a few of them in Christmas fabrics and gave them as gifts.

[@SKochc]

Hey louette 🌹 Good evening 🌆.. how're you feeling today...?

[@marleneo2581]

Sweet quilts. Almost at a Million Subscibers, too. Yay!

[@Loridye3605]

Hey Kate. I love the idea of you carrying on your Mum’s work with Project Linus. What a great tribute to her. Hope all is well with you. I do miss seeing the cats but Frank is a wonderful addition. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us on the lime green sofa and I am enjoying your new KZbin videos in the Last Homely Garden.❤️❤️😊

[@christinephillips2069]

What a lovely quilt set and a lovely donation for children x

[@marilyn9155]

Love the gorgeous Irish chain sewn in your colors. I must say as much as I enjoy all content , and have for a few years, it saddens me that the sweet cats are no longer with us . Miss them roaming about . Love, Marilyn D xx USA

[@claudiawarren6053]

Sweet quilts for sweet children. Thank you for taking us along on this new adventure!

[@gordonakers8247]

Have donated many to Project Linus. 💖 Wonderful organization. Irish Chain is my very Favorite Quilt. Have made three of them. Thank you Kate for revisiting this lovely pattern. Patricia 86🌻💜

[@shellyssouthernways8547]

Kate I love watching your videos your voice is so soothing. I wish I were your neighbor, I’m a crafter and can do most everything. When it comes to quilting I’m awful, I can never cut my fabric straight, it seems simple enough but I can make it quite difficult. I enjoy spending my evenings with you, you are lovely.

[@magdavanzyl6141]

Thx Kate. My feel good lady.❤

[@wendypeckinpaugh1078]

Can I just say how much I LOVE your curtains!

[@vickistretch7271]

I’m from Minnesota where Charles Shultz is from. We do Project Linus too.

[@jackieheaney8246]

I made a beautiful Irish chain quilt, in greens and blues for my best mates daughter's wedding. It's off bring quilted now!! Simple but effective.

[@lizreynolds4554]

This is so fun to see how sizing down makes a huge difference. Fascinating. I love your explanation and demonstration. Very clear and concise. Your Mum's quilt stash and yours will go to such good use. Thank you for sharing this with us 😊❤🎉🍀🤟

[@dawnlunn2405]

Yes your happy place of quilt making will provide many a happy face when the quilts are received! Going to my happy place.... Blessings, Dawn

[@HildePerry-jx7nh]

😊❤ I love the quilt that is beautiful thanks for sharing. I love watching your videos can you make the beautiful quilt and beautiful projects so thanks I have a great week and a lost a loving hug to you and your family end happy showing.❤❤

[@TheAllisonLab]

I love that you talk about your happy place 🥹♥️ I have a happy place, too🙏🏾♥️

[@BrookeNC]

I love watching your videos!!! You remind me of my grandma, thank you for sharing your life and home!! God bless

[@roseprincess2155]

Looks great! It's easy when you know how to do it. Lovely, and they are for charity!

[@romonaelrod7870]

Hi Kate,Anna and Frank. Frank is so cute. I love the fabric that you used for the little quilts.

[@mariaaugustacook5124]

I LOVE MY SEWING ROOM!

[@tennysoneffie6943]

Hello from Ireland.😊

[@susiecollins6956]

I LOVE the quilt your mum made you. 🧵🪡 I made my daughter a double Irish chain when she got married 24 years ago. (pink & white)

[@carrieruston1964]

Kate that what I call my sewing room my happy place 🇨🇦

[@juliaraley9563]

What cute, cheery fabric! It’s perfect for the Linus project

[@131dyana]

Loved that pattern I will try the Irish CHAIN ON MY NEXT SMALL QUILT. Thank you.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Thank you for another wonderful idea. Yes. Those Nine Patch blocks (Irish Chain) made beautiful baby quilts. I made and turned three quilts just last week to Project Linus. I turned my quilts into the Extension Service where I am a member of one of their Homemakers Groups. None of my quilts were small baby quilts. (all three were larger) They have the next Baby Quilt Sew Inn at the Extension Service on the 20th of this month. It is a lot of fun to join in with other homemakers and work on baby quilts together.

[@suedale1865]

You make that look so easy Kate sign of a good quilter Thank you ! I like being in my happy space seeing you in your happy space 🥰

[@sistermarieskitchen]

Hello Kate & Anna 😁 Thank you for going above and beyond. It has inspired me to do the doll quilt in queen size all from scraps! Cutting all those scraps has resulted in a 13 gallon trash can of less than 1 1/2 inch pieces. No, it's not actual trash. It's the bin I use to hold all my crumbs and pillow fodder. I sew crumbs together instead of using a thread bunny. I currently have 5 queen size quilts on the go for the winter season. I hope to have them all done by spring. Cheers.

[@brittawrolson5936]

Love the ambiance created by your quilt pieced curtains! So cozy and calming! Thank you for revisiting the Irish Chain and reminding us how a simple block can look so different by changing the size and colors.

[@Kaige46]

They look like stained glass!

[@labnurse1]

Thank you for your video. You are my respite from the storm of life. Always appreciate you.

[@elizabethamis9376]

You are a very talented person, kind and generous. Thank you for sharing. ❤ 👍from Somerset

[@user-mk8sh9tj8m]

When I'm sewing, it's my "happy place" too💕

[@stephaniegatien6580]

Hi Kate what a lovely quilt love them all haven’t watch for a while I am from Australia 🇦🇺 Stay Safe hugs and happy Stephanie. Iam quilt I have eight quilts on the go slow stitching there always things to stitch have a great day

[@dawnlunn2405]

Kate, delightful quilt block, thanks for sharing your quilt building and donations in Mom's memory....she would be so pleased. Blessings, Dawn

[@rhondahenderson9327]

I also belong to the Project Linus group in my area. I've donated over 30 quilts and have helped to finish many quilt tops.

[@Fenger53]

What a lovely block and what a great cause ! Thank you Kate

[@wickedsmartsanctuary]

Was so thrilled to turn on KZbin and Kate posted today🩵💙

[@joycevasey2312]

Hi Kate.....I watched this video yesterday and was so inspired I whipped up this darling Irish chain baby quilt. I feel lots more of these will be made in the near future. Thank you!!

[@virginiacollis4580]

Thank you for the easy directions I've wanted to make one as I am part Irish. Was afraid to tackle it but u made it look so easy, so thanks again. Luv to all . Delia, Oreo, and me. USA.😺🐈🙏🥰

[@19betchai]

Thank you so much Kate for this very touching video about Project Linus, and for the relaxing tutorial of the Irish chain. Your videos are so pleasant and calming to watch. I love your voice and your house and your family, cats, dog, goose and all. And even if I am not a gardener I love your Last Homely Garden series too! A massive thank you from the bottom of my heart, in the heartland of America, in the state of Indiana. Give my regards to Anna. She’s such a sweet presence and I enjoy watching you work together.

[@julibeswick-valentine3690]

The quilts are so beautiful and fresh looking. The Irish chain was the first block I learnt to do and I haven't done it for years. Shame on me.

[@vivienclark6653]

Really liked this block also a fantastic cause Kate , my daughter was a prem baby friends knitted her hats for hospital plus other outfits until she was 5lbs it was wonderful to be able dress her in items that would fit her i was so thankful ,we carried on knitting items for other prem babies at the hospital.

[@louettesommers8594]

It so wonderful to see the joy your sewing brings you. 💜

[@lindaeferraro]

Hi Kate, Loved this video, this Sunday afternoon in Pennsylvania~ I've almost finished the quilt with the blocks intended for the pillow project...hexagons. It was so nice to meet Frank in your home. Have a great week!🪡🧵

[@merrileeericson9243]

Love creating Linus quilts

[@charlottekluever180]

Love the Irish chain. One of my favorite patterns.

[@jillychandler]

I love Frank, I would love to see more of him! Love what you do Kate. I miss your cats, which maybe are not with you anymore? Would love to see Eileen the goose again please. xxx

[@vickisparks5612]

I need to make this for my husband who is Irish.

[@sallysmith6543]

Love this quilt. I have lots of children’s fabric which would be ideal for these. I’m inspired!

[@Bunefoo401]

I made an oversized throw size Irish Chain quilt for my girlfriend’s baby about 25 years ago. She wanted all greens, and it looks very nice with the white quilting. I actually did a design at the center of the white blocks. Love watching you create ❤

[@mountainsno]

Lol Kate not satisfied with one quilt.. three!!!! Awesome. You are inspiration!