"I reckon — When I count at all —
First — Poets — Then the Sun —
Then Summer — the List is done —

"But, looking back — the First so seems
To comprehend the Whole
The Others look a needless Show —
So I write — Poets — All —"

SUMMER SUN, a classic eight-pointed star, debuted in Nancy Cabot's quilt column in the Chicago Tribune on March 22, 1936. Cabot's commennts state the following:

"The colors used in this beautiful SUMMER SUN all are the rich, warm shades of yellow, orange and gold, set against a snow white background. There is no interesting history to this beautiful block. It is not older than Methuselah, but it is a most unusual design. The center star, with squares set around it, grows through a series of eight pointed stars to a complete square measuring 19 and 1/2 inches.

"Only five pieced blocks are required and they are set together with one pieced block in the center, and each of the four blocks touches the center square at the corners. The remaining 21 squares are plain white or whatever color is desired."

SUMMER SUN is beautifully drafted and illustrated in Jinny Beyer's QUILTER'S ALBUM OF PATCHWORK PATTERNS, p. 278-11. The design is very similar to STAR UPON STARS, except for the center. See also Barbara Brackman's ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PIECED QUILT PATTERNS, #2261, and located amidst her fascinating collection of a wide mix of "Feathered Stars."
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