I have always admired this old Alice Brooks/Laura Wheeler pieced butterfly pattern — I think it’s from the 1930’s. I have seen several different versions of this pattern, but I like the one with solid colors and coordinating prints — I also like the two wings to be mirror images of each other.
A couple of years ago, I purchased a box of vintage fabric samples. They are all the same sized rectangle with pinked edges. There are approximately 2,000 pieces and each one is different, although there are several of the same print in different colorways. Fortunately, they were clean and didn’t have any paper residue on the back, so I was able to just starch, press and cut my butterfly templates. I drafted the pattern to fit the pieces because each little 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ rectangle would have to accommodate two mirror image templates — that took a bit of working out. The finished block is 9″ — the background is a muslin-colored percale, the solids are vintage scraps, and the polka-dot fabric new.
This is a fun pattern to piece — a little more challenging than the 9-patch and snowball. I just felt like I wanted to take a little break from the embroidery, so I’m planning to do a little hand piecing between the embroidery. The original pattern is available here and my adapted version is listed under Download Links in the sidebar.
That is a really pretty butterfly pattern! I haven’t seen one like that before. You do a wonderful job piecing. Those fabrics are going to make a beautiful quilt – how many butterflies will there be? So you starch your pieces? Does that make them easier to work with? When you hand piece do you use knots or backstitches at the beginning of seams? Sorry I’m full of questions tonight!
The butterfly is gorgeous! I can never get over your hand piecing. So impressive. And that box of samples looks like so much fun! I LOVE that brown/orange/tan piece just to the right of center near the bottom. 🙂
Thanks Ann and Amy for your nice comments — I’ll try to answer Ann’s questions.
I’m not sure how many butterflies I’ll make or how I’ll set them — I’ll start to think about that when I get more of them pieced.
I always starch my pieces — since I’m pressing them anyway, it’s not that much trouble to add a little spray starch (to the wrong side and then press on the right side so it doesn’t gunk up my iron). The slightly stiffer fabric makes it much easier to draw around a template and also makes cutting easier.
I use knots — both when I’m hand piecing and hand quilting (although the quilting knots are always popped into the batting).
I do all my drawing and cutting on a little board that I keep on my lap (it’s a 1/4″ thick piece of masonite that I sprayed with glue and covered in linen to prevent the pieces from slipping). I can also press seams on the board with my little Clover iron. Ann didn’t ask this — I just thought I’d mention it.
What a fun box of treasure! The butterfly is beautiful. It strikes me as both geometric and organic at the same time. I think the mirror image and the coordination with the solid really make the piece! So pretty!
looks beautiful
I love butterflies and just love this block, yes the solid it there is perfect.
great choice.
great idea for a lap board
I may have to make one too.
great fabrics you have there too. I am looking forward to seeing more blocks!
Kathie
What a lucky find to get those vintage fabrics in such good condition! The butterfly block you’ve chosen to do is one of my favorites too! I’ve seen quite a few butterflies, but that block allows you to use more fabrics in each..eye candy! The pattern is the perfect choice for those fabrics IMHO. ;)..and you are doing such a nice job of pairing fabrics to bring out the beauty of them.
Hi Martha, I came to know about your blog through sew mama sew.
Your work is so beautiful and inspiring! Thanks for sharing 🙂
The butterfly block is so adorable. Love those prints.
I’ve never seen that pattern before, but it is wonderful. And the fabric is just amazing – what a great variety!
Oh that box of fabric makes my heart go pitter patter!
I have a few vintage butterfly quilts in my collection, and they are fun.
I love your butterfly! I am new to quilting and even newer to paper piecing. I would like to try to make your butterfly, but am so new that I am afraid I would need instructions. Is it possible to receive instructions on how to put the butterfly together? Either yours or the original pattern you adapted from? Thank you, from a novice quilter.
I adore this pattern and am hoping to make it for my daughter’s “butterfly wedding” this next June. Like the above commenter, I am wondering if you have any tips or instructions on how you put it together? Do you think it would be possible to machine piece or is hand-piecing the preferred method?
Thank you!
Jane