See the Drunkard's Path Block in a New Light
Posted by John Kubiniec on Aug 3rd 2016
So, you think you have seen everything that can be done with the Drunkard’s Path block? Well I hope my book makes you take a new look at this tried-and-true block.
This book grew out of the landmark show that took place in NewYork City in 2011 called Infinite Possibilities: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts. At that show I saw several quilts based on the Drunkard’s Path block and wondered what else could I do with it. After some 3 A.M. design revelations, playing around with it, and working with students in classes, this book was born.
The quilt Shaken Not Stirred was inspired by this show.
What is so different about what I do? Well, I begin by making pre-pieced units: half-square triangles, rail fences, or sixteen-patches, and I then use the template to cut the individual block components.
Detailed photographs show how to sew the basic block so that even the beginning quilter can jump in and make these quilts
The book contains twelve projects ranging from a wallhanging to full-size bed quilts. Many times it is hard to envision the pattern in different fabrics—so I have helped you out a bit so that you can see what it might look like. Here is one example from the book.
Peacock Alley uses the fabric line Enchanted by Sarah Fielke for Windham Fabrics.
This medallion quilt is perfect place to feature a wonderful large-scale print in the central medallion. In addition, rail fence units are created and used for the frame unit in the Drunkard’s Path block to create the outer border.
Two additional design concepts are also presented.
The light and dark values are switched.
An orphan block is featured in the center and the half-square triangle variation is used in the outer border.
This book has a little something for everyone. There are great patterns for you to make, and I also hope that you play around with the variations and create some wonderful and exciting patterns of your own making!
