On the antique block you can see some wearing away of the fabrics. The birds' legs were stitched with black fabric, and that fabric is mostly gone, as well as some of the Turkey red. But I was able to capture all the details for the patterns in the book by following the applique threads that were left behind.
However, these patterns can be done in any colors you choose! Readers and friends have been sending me photos of their blocks, and WOW, they are beautiful!
Cynthia in Texas sent me a photo of her Block B1 -- She has flown in some different birds! Cut from a favorite fabric of hers, the birds on her Baltimore Garden block are strategically cut from the French Journal Collection by London Portfolio for Michael Miller. Of course, I had to go buy some of that! :-) Cynthia inspires me to try some broderie perse!
And here is my latest version of Block B1. Plaid fabrics are a favorite of mine, and I try to use them wherever I can. The yellow birds' wings are fussy cut from a flower. I wasn't quite sure how this background would work out either -- it is a little busy -- but hey, it was fun!
I wonder what the original quiltmaker would think, if she could see these new blocks today ...
Barbara
What an interesting block. The black legs are unusual. Just posted a blog with several midcentury applique birds too.
ReplyDeleteWow! Love all the details and how color selection changes the blocks even though it's the same pattern!
ReplyDeleteI think the original quiltmaker would be having fun with all the current fabrics! love your plaids...
ReplyDeleteI love the plaid too, and that's a great background fabric :)
ReplyDeletethis is one of my favorite blocks in your reproduction of the antique quilt.
ReplyDeletejust beautiful.
Cynthia's block is fun who would have thought to use plaids, not me!
Kathie