As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, I have spent most of the summer exploring my vast antique and vintage textile collection, which includes yardage, scraps, quilt blocks, quilt tops, and quilts. When I started this project, I really had no idea the sheer magnitude of the undertaking — I am amazed and delighted with the stuff I have collected and hoarded over the years. Recently I shifted my focus from yardage and scraps to quilt tops and quilt blocks. While shifting through a large crate of quilt blocks, I rediscovered this set of three antique Honeybee blocks and I knew I had to share them because they are sweet and naive and utterly delicious!
These blocks are pretty early, but because the fabrics are solid turkey red and chrome yellow, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact date, but I estimate them to be around 1840-1870 due to the turkey red/chrome yellow combination. I think the chrome yellow looks like it might have been a home dyed yellow, but I don't know for sure.
I am including photos of all three blocks as well as the back of one of the block so you can see the handwork, too. Now I’m going to let the blocks tell you their story.
So, what do you think of these blocks? Aren’t they wonderful?
I really wish there were four blocks, because with only three, there isn’t much that I can do with them. I am considering framing them and displaying them together side by side. I think that would be very eye catching.
If you had these three blocks, what would you do? I appreciate the ideas. Thanks!
