Honey Bee Quilt Block
Are there honey bees in your garden? I saw one today and was reminded of this Ruby McKim Honey Bee quilt block. The honey bee block or a version of it has been around since the 1800’s for sure, maybe earlier.
This one first appeared in the Kansas City Star Newspaper in 1929. Barbara Brackman, quilter, quilt historian and author, has an interesting article on the different styles and time period for this honey bee quilt block.
In addition she offers a lot of different photos of the block, which I like. You’ll find the article here ==>>> Honey Bee Kit Best of Morris
It is in Ruby McKim’s Patchwork Patterns Series Number Three booklet. You can find the full booklet on the Quilt Index.org site.
Block Pattern
A nine patch, you can see the dotted lines in the image of the block, made with piecing and applique. The bee’s wings and body are appliqued on after the piecing is done. The whole quilt can be done with alternating plain white quilted blocks.
Download Instructions: Right-Click on the image. Select either “save link as” or “save image as” depending on what browser you are using. Or simply click on it, it will open in a new window and save it from there.
Quilting Motif
I came across a wonderful quilting motif that may be a nice pattern for an alternating block. Also from the Kansas City Star, a little later, 1938 and designed by Eveline Foland.
One-fourth of or the entire pattern may be used to make quilts, cushions, pillows and more. Love the star it creates in the middle.
Download Instructions: Right-Click on the image. Select either “save link as” or “save image as” depending on what browser you are using. Or simply click on it, it will open in a new window and save it from there.
Vintage Quilt Books
There are more than enough books out there on vintage quilts and blocks.
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Enjoy!
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