QuiltMom2

I would also like to know if all the blocks are the same color, just curious. Antennae are different from any butterfly block I've ever seen, little black buttons on the end would do the trick and I think the wings (maybe the body) needs some embroidery to set them off, but maybe quilting could do that too. Have fun!

GailG

I like QuiltE's idea of using coordinating print blocks. The block you show is indeed primative, which is attractive to me. Detail in the butterflies could be achieved through the quilting, as QuiltMom2 suggested. What a great find! Let us see the finished quilt.

Wanabee Quiltin

Each of these blocks are of a different fabric but made the same. I think I will print out my picture of the block and then play with it regarding embroidery. I can mark on multiple copies to find something that works for me. I have many butterfly blocks made in the 1930's but this is the most unusual of all. I think originally I bought it to take the body fabric for blocks and discard the rest but I just can't do that now. I restore old quilts and use vintage blocks and try to do the best I can in making quilts come to life. I will add sashing and borders and this may not turn out my favorite, but when finished, I'll post the picture. I am also making 3 other quilts now from vintage blocks.

judith ann

I would just add french knot eyes and leave it the way it is.I like Terry D.s suggestion.j

ManiacQuilter2

I would do some stitching in the wings just to give them a bit more dimension, give them a good starch and square them up. You might look for some butterfly material that you can use as a coordinating block.

joyce blint

I like to find "vintage" embroidered blocks and "save" them. My usual method is to get them all the same size, then sash them with 30's reproduction fabrics to the desirable size. (Either all the same or a mix of colors) I would not add any machine embroidery. To me, that would take away from the original stitching.
Another possibility would be alternating the embroidered blocks with same size fabric blocks (one fabric, or mixed colors in pinwheels or 9-patch designs.) If you want eyes, you could do French knots. I have even sewn on little bitty doll-clothes black buttons for butterfly eyes. Of course, the buttons would go on AFTER the quilting. Have fun!

Kat2

Just a suggestion. Square up the blocks, Use complementary fabric for sashing and maybe put in corner stones. When you have it quilted that is when you will see the difference in the quilt. Have the quilt quilted in the wings and also in the body of the butterfly and outline the butterfly. When the body is quilted, you can have the stitching make the separation between the body and the head of the butterfly. There are a lot of good suggestions being offered. Combine all the ideas and pick out the one you like the best. Hope you post the finished project.

RedGarnet222

I would do a satin stitch around the outside edge over the straight line stitching. I have seen how these fall apart after washing.

On another note, this image looks like a white lined sphinx moth. They are fascinating to watch. They are almost as big as a small humming bird and this long tongue rolls out to suck on the middle of a flower.

Here is a few pictures of them.
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...tuTzk#imgdii=_

Rodney

I like this idea best.

I don't think the blocks will fall apart with washing. It looks like the edges are turned under so it should be as secure as any other quilt block out there.
Rodney

Jean in Ohio13452

Yes some Embroidery would bring out the wings and the head etc... even if its the same color or just a shade different would keep that Old Vintage look... Will work up nice into a Lap robe...