Bowtie & Snowball

The Bowtie is one of those patterns that I thought was more contemporary, but it turns out to have a longer history.  Bowtie quilts have been dated back to the late 1800s.

Snowball quilts are one variation of a bowtie; when grouped without blank blocks, the bowties can also create a round-ish octagon. 

I'm a fan of bowtie quilts that use shirting fabrics (it seems appropriate), but scrappy bowties are equally as charming.