The LYRE was an ancient stringed instrument that had 3 to 12 strings. Loosening and tightening the strings would change the pitch. It was commonly strummed with the hand. Evidence of lyres dates back to ancient Sumaria, dating from 3000 BC. It is thought that King David played a form of the lyre called a “kinnor” as mentioned in the Bible. The lyre was most popular in ancient Greece and appears in Greek Mythology where it was believed to have been invented by Apollo, the son of Zeus. He played the lyre and the sound conjured huge heavy stones to move into place while the walls were built around the city of Thebes. The lyre was a popular applique motif used to make the beautiful Baltimore Album quilts of the mid-1800’s, perhaps because it is the easiest musical instrument to draw.
These are paper patterns for applique, embroidery, or other art projects. Each pattern purchased contains three regular, instructional pages (8.5 x 11 inches) plus one over-sized pattern page (16 x 16 inches) for the making of one block that will finish 15 x 15 inches square.