Robins are the harbingers of Spring. In our area the birds appear to be everywhere foraging for food and possibly looking for the appropriate nesting place. It's only natural that quilters celebrated the birds in their quilts.
Here are just a few examples of 20th century robin patterns!
There were plenty of state bird quilts in that century and the robin is the state bird of Michigan:
***
Ruby Short McKim designed a whole quilt of different birds called Bird Life:
***
The Red Robin Quilt Pattern was again marketed by Alice Brooks in 1976 and looks very similar to the Laura Wheeler version:
***
Applique lovers might appreciate the Robin Redbreast quilt pattern from the 1930s:
There's a completed quilt here you can look at!
***
For those of us who prefer to piece, check out Sue P.'s robin block:
***
Names can be misleading, like the Ragged Robin quilt pattern which isn't even named for the bird. It's named after the flower called Ragged Robin. I had some growing in my garden for many years and then it seeded into my neighbor's garden:
In my quilt collection, I have this lovely piece that is made of polyester and based on a pattern that was published post-war in one of those quilt booklets that were available. I suspect it is from the 1960s or 70s:
Have you seen robins where you are?
Have a safe and happy day!
I have seen a few robins, but the house finches are singing up a storm. Those guys are doing their darnedest to attract a mate! We bought meal worms to feed the bluebirds while the neighbors are further south but I don't have a good place to put them out.
ReplyDeleteNo robins here so far but the cardinals are singing away. Love the pieced robin block, very cute!
ReplyDeleteNo robins yet. I still have the winter bunch coming to the feeders. Today's rain/sleet mix won't help!
ReplyDeleteThe Robins are eating the last of the berries on our crabapple tree.
ReplyDeleteI love the soft colors of the quilt at Ruby Lane. You'd think with my name I'd have made a robin quilt. But, the closest I've come is making a few paper-pieced blocks for labels.
ReplyDeleteWe have seen flocks of robins and Redwing blackbirds in the yard and hayfield for the past couple weeks. Spring is coming soon!
ReplyDeleteA friend said a flock of robins was in her yard over the weekend -- interesting, because robins don't usually flock. We've got cardinals singing out their territories, and a lot of crows. I've seen one red-winged blackbird and I'm sure his/her companions are close by.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I am loving this bird post, Michele. Years ago I stitched a Crabapple Hill design in redwork of various state birds. Loved doing that and it is on my list to get put together this spring. Two robins have appeared here last week and the birds are singing on my morning walk. Snowing now so my feeders are active. Thanks again for providing such interesting content.
ReplyDelete