Grandpa's Farm Block of the Month

Grandpa's Farm

Grandpa's Farm continues to be one of our most popular block of the month programs! First created in 1981 by Roxy Burgard of Calico Hills Farm, we've revamped and retooled the program with color photographs of each block, plus crisp, clear copies of each pattern and current fabrics.

Roxy says she was inspired to create this quilt after visiting her husband's Grandpa in Kansas. Grandpa Miller farmed his entire life in Yates Center, Kansas. Dave (Roxy's husband) fondly recalled boyhood summers spent on the farm, and reminisced about the activities he did while there. Intrigued, Roxy created this quilt as a tribute to Grandpa Miller.

We've broken the quilt down into 16 monthly installments so that you can construct the quilt over time so it's not so difficult to work up all at once. The block of the month program includes fourteen 12" quilt blocks,  a center panel, and border kit. It can be created using either fusible web or traditional applique. Details on many of the blocks include simple embroidery work. Club participants receive the pattern and fabric to make each of the fourteen blocks. The center panel pattern and fabric is sent in the 15th month and the Border pattern and fabrics in the final month.

We believe you will enjoy creating your own Grandpa's Farm quilt. Finished size of the quilt is approximately 72" x 90". Join the fun by clicking this link.

Honeybee Quilt Block

Honeybee Quilt Block

According to Quilt Historian Barbara Brackman, the Honeybee quilt block dates back to at least the 1840s. The block was pieced with a solid square for the center; then "bee wings" were appliqued in place.

Sometime in the 20th century (1920s or so), quilt designers of the time began to use a nine patch for the center square. Ruby McKim created a Honeybee pattern showing a nine patch center for the Kansas City Star in 1929.

More recently, Roxy Burgard of Calico Hills Farm, published her version of the Honeybee quilt block as part of her traditional quilt pattern, Honey Bees, in the 1990s. She used a traditional nine patch layout to create her pattern, with five Honeybee blocks and four Bee Skeps. Popular for the past 25 years, the pattern continues to be available at Grandma's Attic by clicking here. If you would like to read a more in-depth history of the Honeybee quilt block, you will want to read Barbara Brackman's Material Culture post by clicking here.

Honey Bees Quilt Pattern

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas at Grandma's Attic! Every day from now until Christmas we will feature a different item from our quilt shop. You'll want to check the posts each day from now through the 24th to see what Grandma has for you this holiday season!

 If you're looking for Turtle Doves to celebrate Day Two of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Folkhearts and Flowers  by Calico Hills Farm is delightful. Designed by Roxy Burgard, the pattern features doves, tulips and hearts. Whether you or your gift recipient chooses to create it in contemporary colors, or the traditional styles of an earlier era, this wall quilt is a timeless classic for sentimental occasions. You can make it using traditional applique methods or try fusible web with buttonhole stitch by machine. To order, click here.

12 Days of Christmas Fun Fact:  According to the 2013 PNC Christmas Price Index, one partridge in a pear tree costs $199.99. Two Turtle Doves cost $125 ($62.50 per bird). The total cost for both days of gifts would be $324.99.

Christmas Quote:  "Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." < Norman Vincent Peale, 1898-1993 >