Chatelaine- Free BOW Sampler Quilt Block 40

This weeks block is the lovely Broken Dishes. There are a few blocks with this name and each of them are equally as beautiful, but this is the version I prefer. It is such a classic block and when researching its history I found a few interesting theories, as to what this block represents:

Broken pieces of pottery called potsherds that have been uncovered in archaeological sites are a clear indication of the art history or culture of that time.
Broken dishes, along with other items such as lamps and tools, were used by African American slaves as traditional grave decorations, representing the practical continuum between life and death.
As slaves were forbidden to read or write, quilt blocks were used as a code and the Broken Dishes block represented a future landmark.
The pioneers were great at recycling and broken dishes were used in the bottom of planter pots, before the soil was added, to aid in proper drainage.
And of course, broken dishes (or pottery) are synonymous with those beautiful mosaic tiles, planters, table tops etc. that we find everywhere.

Regardless of the history, this is such a pretty block and it will look lovely in our quilts :)
To download this weeks free pattern, just visit HERE.
Happy sewing :)