I really do. Vintage notions, vintage furniture, vintage buttons, vintage fabric... I could go on and on.
Vintage quilts are what inspired me to ask my bees to make butterfly blocks, I have been thinking a lot about the tradition of quilting and wanting to try applique. Making a butterfly quilt for my middle daughter is a chance for me to try something new while keeping a vintage aesthetic. Lovely bee blocks have already flown in to play with mine - thank you Bee A Brit Stingy ladies!
One of the options for the bees was a paper pieced version by Leila, the 'Alice Brooks Butterfly'.
Since asking for these blocks I have been a bit obsessed with trying to google information about that butterfly block. Firstly one of the comments on Leila's post was from Q is for Quilter, who has redrafted the block and has a scan of the vintage pattern. After searching for the pattern I believe that it was a mail order quilt pattern, I guess that was popular with quilters before magazines! Alice Brooks was the name these patterns were published under and the design is by Laura Wheeler.
Interestingly I then came across an award winning EPP quilt using those blocks by Frances of Fabadashery. She has written about her inspiration and research on the quilt, as well as further posts about making it and showing it. I really recommend reading her blog and taking a look at her quilt!
She also mentioned that the pattern is available in the book New England Quilt Museum Quilts by Jennifer Gilbert.
And if you're into vintage (and in the UK or Ireland) you might like to know that Mary is having another vintage sheet swap. I took part last time and it was brilliant, she's very organised and I've got a lovely bundle of FQs from the first round. Check it out!
These are so pretty Lucy - I'm looking forward to seeing them all flying in their lovely vintage-y formation :-)
ReplyDeleteAll your butterfly blocks are lovely Lucy! They will have you dreaming of Spring, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like the butterfly block! My daughter says she likes your square pieced ones better. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely blocks, I've seen them popping up on IG and had no idea they were for you, you lucky lady, enjoy :o)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a butterfly quilt. Can't wait to see all the blocks together.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous blocks and thanks for the shout out. xx
ReplyDeleteThe blocks look so awesome together. Love the variation in size - makes it so very interesting to peer at. Great job bee ladies!
ReplyDeleteThose butterflies look so good all together. Di x
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are stunning and such beautiful colours - thanks for the link to Faberdashery, I think I'm going to enjoy reading her blog :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful butterfly blocks! I'm such a fan of vintage and I'm always happy to see vintage projects.
ReplyDeleteLovely flutterbies, and vintage stalking xxx
ReplyDeleteThe butterfly blocks are looking lovely - thanks for the links, I'm off to have a read!
ReplyDeleteThe blocks are amazing together! I am so signing up to this swap!
ReplyDeleteThey all look fabulous together Lucy. Sorry my pieced one is a bit ruched in places
ReplyDeleteLove your butterflies!! They really do have that beautiful vintage look about them.
ReplyDeleteLove what everyone made for you!
ReplyDeleteI just asked @poppiepoochie about her block on IG and she sent me to you! Thanks for all the info, I think this block will work as a cushion. Your quilt is looking lovely.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. Beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteAre Bee blocks are great. Can't wait to see them in a finished quilt.
ReplyDeleteThis is sucj a beautiful block! Your quilt is going to be amazing :)
ReplyDeleteVintage carpet too?? ;)
ReplyDeleteThe butterflies are super cute!