birds, bow-ties and blue willows

Back in May I wrote about a collection of antique (circa 1890-1910)  indigo and double pink bow tie blocks purchased from an online auction site.

The bow ties are now trimmed, pressed and assembled into a small top. 

Being only 48 x 54", borders are neccessary to bring the top up to a useful size.

So another visit to the  online auctions secured a yard or so of a similar ('tho brighter) antique double pink, whilst in "the stash" was a hideous quilt top purchased several years back expressly to cannibalise for the large indigo setting squares.

A quick browse through some old Qulit Engagement Calendars for inspiration...

...and I remembered this template....

(x-ray films make excellent quilt templates you know!!)
We DO love a good willow tree.

The regimentation of the bowties needed a bit more whimsy... so wee birdies on strange bushes were sketched up.

Progress so far. I do like the contrast between pieced blocks and applique borders. Looking at it now, there is probably call for some kind of narrow border between the "dog bones" and the applique border...

 

Happy weekend!

xo

k