Shoofly Pattern quilt
By Scotsgran
19 Mar, 2012
5 likes
Shoo fly pattern quilt by Gwen Bruno of Daves Garden.
The Shoo-fly quilt pattern, a simple geometric design made of half-square triangles, takes its name from a plant, according to the Quilting in America website. Nicandra physalodes, commonly called shoofly plant or apple of Peru, is a member of the nightshade family. Juice from its poisonous leaves and roots was mixed with milk to lure and kill flies, hence the name. The pattern name might also derive from an Amish dessert called shoo-fly. Its main ingredient, molasses, no doubt attracted flies
Comments on this photo
Interesting
19 Mar, 2012
Thank you both. The story about the fly killer was definitely interesting. I did my first quilting project when I was still at school. My sister was married and having her first baby. I did a lovely pram quilt with elves and spiders webs in Italian quilting. It was gorgeous and should have been well looked after as an heirloom piece, but, being a proud young mum she used it constantly which meant it was in and out of the wash a lot. It was in Swiss slipper satin which did not take too kindly to washing. I had a friend who taught me and a few others to do real quilting using shapes. I did a few small things and intended to make a bed quilt but just never got around to it. I find the poly cottons are not as good as the 100% cotton fabric and that is expensive. I keep all my Christmas cards every year and faithfully cut out templates but somehow can't find the time to sit and sew. I have not seen the sunshine pattern but it sounds lovely.
19 Mar, 2012
My daughter would like this. She's a quilter with a real interest in all the background. (The quilt she made for me is just glorious, called 'Sunshine').
Yes, the traditional designs have really interesting histories.
19 Mar, 2012