The fabrics certainly fit the 40s - 50s time frame but the pattern looks more contemporary! It might have been very innovative for the time. What a great find!!! Now, this pattern would more likely be done with paper piecing I think.

I am not familiar with the pattern but I like it. Have you tried looking though the blocks at quilterscache.com? Maybe start with the pinwheels?

Kate

Here is a link that might be useful: Quilters Cache

My first reaction was this must be paper piecing...but I don't know the time line on when PP started in quilting...sorry, no help from me. I would go w/ Kate's suggestion or google paper piecing.

V.

Valerie, I don't think this block was paper pieced. It looks like it might have been hand pieced, actually. Probably with templates.

I was thinking paper piecing too, but this can't be paper pieced. With inset seams like this, paper piecing won't work.

If I have a chance, I'll look in one of my block dictionaries and see if I can find it... It could make a really neat pattern if done in modern fabrics/colors.

I wasn't able to find it in my block dictionary or EQ5 libraries, but I was able to redraw it in EQ. It makes a really neat pattern when put with multiple blocks!

Do think it's fun to look back at old patterns and try to figure them out!

Bumping this up. Im just wondering if anyone found the name to this block?

I found it in Jinny Beyer's 'The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns' on page 145. It was first published as "Double Pinwheel" on Dec. 18, 1940 under the Alice Brooks by-line in the Bismark Tribune. I also found it re-advertised in 1964 so you can see for yourself.

Ms. Beyer says it is designed on a 6x6 grid, which is much easier to see with the book and transparent overlay that she provides in a back folder. Imagine a little nine patch grid over one of the quadrants, and you can see how the proportions make it a 6x6.

Here is a link that might be useful: Double Pinwheel by Alice Brooks.

Thank you Petalpatsy!!!!!! :)