I have been looking forward to making this particular quilt for some time; it is inspired by a quilt that I saw at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City back in 2010:
 |
| Hummingbirds Quilt Artist Unknown Indiana 1920-1930 |
It seems the traditional name for this quilt block is Hummingbirds but it is also known as Periwinkle, Four Pointed/On-Point Star. I think I am going to go with the Hummingbirds name - which is also the name of the above Amish quilt. [Check out this short YouTube Video: Hummingbirds Quilt by Elizabeth Warren - Exhibition Curator for more information about this quilt.]
I used EQ7 to draft up the block and decided that for me foundation paper piecing was the best way to sew this particular block. Each block is made up of four foundations and although it was slow going I do admit that I actually enjoy paper piecing. I like structure and routine as well as the accuracy that comes effortlessly with paper piecing.
I have enjoyed choosing fabrics and as my block is fairly small (5.5 inches x 5.5 inches) I have used primarily small scale prints as well as some solid fabrics for a stronger contrast. I haven't as yet sewn any of the blocks together but what I did do was ensure that all seams will nest together when I do start sewing the blocks together into a quilt top.
I am working on making the foundation paper piecing pattern for this block available as a free download (hopefully by the end of this week) together with details for successful project completion. So much to do, so little time!
Thank you for stopping by,
Rita
RELEVANT LINKS:
American Folk Art Museum - visit in 2010
Hummingbird Block Tutorial and Foundation Paper Piecing Templates
The Finished Hummingbird Quilt
Gorgeous! Thank you for writing the tutorial. There's only so much time everyday and that is super generous of you!
ReplyDeleteI could look at your wonderful blocks all day, they are so perfect!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to you pattern and tutorial, this is a great pattern. I have a sister who has lots of hummingbirds and it would be fun to make a small wall hanging for her. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular!
ReplyDeleteThat was my favorite quilt of the exhibit, too. Too bad i didn't bump into you there! Beautiful quilt blocks.
ReplyDeleteThese look great! Can't wait to see it finished!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're going to provide the pattern! I definitely would love to make this one. It is gorgeous! Can you also provide me access to your stash? ;)
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled that you are doing a tutorial and pattern! This is a wonderful block and am excited to give it a try. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the paper piecing pattern...need to give this a try
ReplyDeletethanks!
I look forward to your tutorial and foundation download. Missouri Star has a tutorial for this block on YouTube but there version makes a much larger block; I think I prefer it small.
ReplyDeleteThey also have a small / mini version
Deletemuch predfer your colour choice, the black on the origional was too much for me!
ReplyDeletesorry about the spelling, saw the mistakes but had hit the publish button, must be more careful smack on the hand!
ReplyDeleteLove your work Rita :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! And I love that you've gone with Hummingbird for the name, it makes it seem that much more magical.
ReplyDeleteI picked up some antique blocks someone was throwing away with the same block. I have not made one myself... and the blocks I saved were not pieced well... but I dearly love this pattern. I love yours and the colors are very similar to the antique that I have. Very nicely done.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful block and can't wait for the tutorial. Thank you for taking the time to write one up!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! Love your fabric choices, Rita and think you are so generous to want to give us a tutorial for this design.
ReplyDeleteLovely block. I'd love to see a free pattern for this available!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved this block and your style! What a treat to see the two combined~ Since this quilt has been on my wish list, thanks so much for your efforts in putting together the template and tutorial.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I would love to see a kissing cousin with the background mult-print, and the stars in white and cream.
ReplyDeleteMaybe next time?
Rita, this is a beautiful quilt pattern. I look forward to seeing your tutorial. Thank you so much for taking the time to put that together. It is very generous of you and very much appreciated. I have never tried paper piecing but am curious.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and so generous of you to take the time to provide the foundation for paper piecing!
ReplyDeletesimply lovely. can't wait to see the finished quilt!
ReplyDeleteare our brains on parallel plains? I just started cutting out Hummingbird pieces... bizarrely happy!
ReplyDeleteHey Rita, it looks lovely and I am looking forward to seeing the finished quilt. The pattern is new to me but really nice and appealing. Thank you for making foundation piecing pattern for us!
ReplyDeleteRita, a paper piecing pattern would be great. Thanks for all your great ideas and work that we get to see on your blog!
ReplyDeletelove love love it! this pattern has always been a favourite of mine. Just gorgeous
ReplyDeleteLike your colour choices. I prefer the white over the black of the original.
ReplyDeleteWow it is beautiful! I am looking forward to your tutorial :) I will give it a try. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThat is fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colours and fabric choices, but I expect nothing less from you Rita. Thank you for making this available as a free pattern. This and your tips will make it an easy(?) project.
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful. Thanks for creating a pattern for this.
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful. Thanks for creating a pattern for this.
ReplyDeleteWow that is beautiful. It looks like a great way to use up scraps too. I'll watch for the tutorial to come out. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI instantly fell in love :-)
ReplyDeleteYour Quilts are allways so beautiful!!!!
I'm psyched for your tutorial--looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! You have a really good eye for choosing colors in your quilts! Looking forward to your tutorial. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt.
ReplyDeletebeautiful blocks
ReplyDeleteThese are so cute! I can see the hummingbirds flying! :-) Really love your colors and patterns. Thanks for sharing. K-
ReplyDeleteLooks really pretty! You need a nice job.
ReplyDeleteLove it! It looks great Rita :-) I must get over my fear of paper piecing then :-)
ReplyDeleteI like your contemporary interpretation of this traditional quilt!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and a great take on the antique Amish quilt! I was not surprised to hear in the video that it could possibly be from Indiana, as I live in the middle of many Amish communities in Indiana and see many of these type quilts. They have influenced many quiltmakers!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rita. I have always wanted to make this quilt and now I am inspired.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteOh this is on my list and it's next up as soon as I finish some other projects. Now you're making me want to start it early!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteJust breathtaking--really!
ReplyDeleteYou are a dream come true! My sister gave me a little taste of paper piecing recently and now I want to make a whole quilt. This looks like THE one!
ReplyDeleteLove the small prints & white background...anxious to see the border?? Or does this quilt require a border??
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful with the white. I'd love it as a regular pattern since I don't paper piece just yet. Anyone would be proud to own this wonderful quilt.
ReplyDeletejlblvn@gmail.com
It's wonderful with the white. I'd love it as a regular pattern since I don't paper piece just yet. Anyone would be proud to own this wonderful quilt.
ReplyDeletejlblvn@gmail.com
This is great! I am working on my very first paper-pieced quilt now (an iris wall hanging for my husband's grammy--my quilting inspiration). I definitely will put this quilt on my list of to-make one day! I must ask, though--the quilt in your blog banner with the color wheel star and coordinating triangles..... is that a pattern!? Where did you find it? I LOVE it and can you please direct me to the pattern? I'm new at quilting so I'm not familiar with all of the traditional patterns. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze me ! This is totally awesome!! I two much more love the white background to the black ! Good job,,, as always!!!
ReplyDeleteI so so completely adore this pattern and your fabulous fabric choices! So excited to see the pattern! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet quilt! you are so generous for sharing your pattern!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing! I might just have to try a few blocks!
ReplyDelete