Love Apple quilt block

Love Apple

September 9, 1933-Did you know that the tomato was once only used for decoration because it was considered poisonous and unfit to eat? Or that is was known as the Love Apple?

This is the history Nancy Cabot provided in her Chicago Tribune column when presenting her quilt pattern using the Love Apple quilt block.

She goes on to suggest, "A tomato colored gingham and some prints of a similar shade are the popular materials from which to cut the crescent shaped pieces which combine to make the tomato."

Since this is an applique block, I did not make it.

I have not been able to find a copy of Nancy's Love Apple pattern or a quilt made using her pattern but there are a couple of good examples of antique quilts made from the Love Apple quilt pattern here and here. The second quilt is from 1849 and quite fancy.

There was also a drawing of a Love Apple quilt block in the Detroit Free Press on October 26, 1932.

Tomorrow-Tea Rose