November 9, 1931

Detroit News Quilt History Project; Michigan State University Museum; Susan Salser

Detroit, Michigan, United States

A pattern leaflet for the Iris quilt block pattern. This is the second pattern in a series of 21 for The Flower Garden Quilt.

The Detroit News
Iris Pattern For Garden Quilt

This is the second in a series of 21 blocks which are to be designed so that you may have an appliqued Flower Garden quilt with each block in a different pattern. There is nothing monotonous about working out this kind of a quilt and just think how beautiful and different it will be when finished.

To make the top of this quilt you should have 36 blocks of white percale, muslin or broadcloth, each measuring 9x12 inches, and four and one-third yards of material will be enough for this purpose. You will need 20 of these blocks for the part which is on the bed and 16 will be used for the border which falls to the sides and end. However, if these are all cut and stacked, the making will seem easier because it is systematically done.

You will also require two yards of plain gingham, percale, chambray or broadcloth. This is to be cut into four-inch strips. This will be used for the joining together of the blocks. Select a color which will harmonize with the color scheme in the room which is to be honored with this quilt. You will find that light green, however, will be a very good choice, for it will be attractive with every one of the flower blocks which will, of course, when finished, show almost every color in the rainbow.

The leaves may be done in two shades of green, the standing petals of the flower a light lavender and the bud and the falling leaves of the flower purple. The bowl may be light green or any other desired color. The leaf overlapping the flower should be appliqued before the flower is done.

Directions: The designs should be appliqued on fine muslin or broadcloth. Cut each block 9x12 inches. If the white fabric used as a background is fine enough it may be place over paper and the pattern traced in the middle of the block in pencil. Otherwise use carbon paper for tracing. First, trace the pattern in the center of the white block. Second, trace the floral design on the different colored materials, allowing for seams for each petal, leaf and stem. Third, turn narrow hems and applique, following traced pattern on white block. Bowls may be appliqued in any color desired. The narrow stems may be embroidered in 6-strand embroidery thread. Applique the heavier ones. Join completed blocks by 4-inch strips of green material.

These designs may be done in colored embroidery threads, using outline stitch. Designs also may be used for pillows, cushions, lamp shades, wastepaper baskets, corners of curtains, bedspreads and paneled on doors of children's cupboards.

If you did not send for the pattern for the first block of this quilt, you should do so at once so that you will not be too far behind in making this quilt. Last week the Morning Glory pattern was published, which was to be the first block of this lovely quilt. To receive this pattern, all you have to do is send your request for it to the Beauty in the Home Department, The Detroit News, inclosing with it a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
864-11-9-31

Courtesy of The Detroit News Archives.

2016:5.8