Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Free Pattern - Five Stones Game

FREE

Way back in the early eighties we played a game called Chinese Jacks. Everyone had a set of jacks - customized in your favorite colors, of course - and if we had five free minutes we plopped down on the floor wherever we were and played a few rounds. Chinese Jacks was an American eighties version of a very old game called Five Stones (or Knucklebones, or Jackstones, or a kajillion other variations). You can find some "official" rules here, and I like this video for showing it in action.

Part of the fun of Chinese Jacks was making your own set of jacks, in your own favorite color combinations. Five Stones is also a game where you can (and should) make your own set. It's easy and pretty fast.

Materials you'll need:
  • 5 scraps of fabric - each at least 2 1/4 x 4 inches
  • small amount of rice, plastic beads, or other small filler
  • sewing machine
  • thread
  • basic sewing tools
Skills you'll need (links take you to video tutorials):
Time you'll need:
  • an hour or so
Make up your own set and give it a try!

And remember to show off your finished set over at the Flickr group. I'd love to see what you make!

FREE

Happy stitching!

Best,
Wendi

9 comments:

  1. What a great idea - thanks for sharing!

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  2. This is SO great. I used to play this as a kid, and it is time to teach my kids! Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Glad you liked it! I hope you had fun playing!

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  4. Never played this game! But its similar to one we played called jazz. With 12 figures and a jumping ball. Very curios!!!!

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  5. Interesting Ro! I haven't heard of that variation.

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  6. Anonymous6:11 AM

    Hi wendi,

    Interested on the picture of 5-stones. can you email me at Jolenet@sph.com.sg to discuss further

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  7. Anonymous10:19 AM

    Just to let you know they sell the plastic rings again... wackyjax(dot)net

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  8. Very cool! Thanks for the link.

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  9. Anonymous4:51 AM

    Hi,

    Can you send me a photo of the 5 stones?
    Reminded me my young days:)

    Thank You
    seabreezesg@hotmail.com

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