Vintage Boomer Block

You've seen this sweet little Boomer before, all dressed up and hanging out in my garden. I've added her to my new calendar, too. This is a vintage block first published by The Ladies Art Company in 1898.

Boomer in the Garden

The full name of this block is Oklahoma Boomer. Not sure why an Oklahoma settler was depicted like this for a quilt block, but I think it's really cute. I made this quilt over 30 years ago and still own it. If you look at the border, you will notice that it is not typical quilting fabric but actually decorator fabric!

I sewed with what I had on hand and there was a designer fabrics outlet a few blocks from my house in an industrial neighborhood and I loved to visit and find big, bold prints for my quilts. I think it adds to Boomer's appeal. Don't you just love her eyelet lace skirt? I hand quilted this, too.

Yes, those are ruched roses and yoyos and buttons and pieces of ribbon (the flower stems).  Here's another vintage quilt with 3-D roses (ruched).

Ruched roses quilt

And some yoyos up close. They are such a fun way to embellish a quilt.

Yoyos made from authentic 1930s fabrics

You can find a 9" Boomer block in my new Quilter's Perpetual Block a Day Calendar. She is on the July 13 page!

July 13 block: Boomer (9")

Check your local quilt shop for a copy of this calendar. If you can't find it there, then check Amazon.