Farmer's Wife Wrap Up

So I have these two frames I got from one of my Grandmothers years ago. 

I've had them on my walls empty for who know how long.  I've never really known what to put in them.   No art work popped out at me.  Our home is a mix of Shabby chic textiles and mid century modern-ish furniture.  The frames totally don't go, but I love them.  

I changed them 5 years ago from gold to silver with a black oxidized look.  This is the smaller of the two.  An awkward center size of 11 1/4" x 23 1/2".  My larger one is over our master bed.  Last week I had set my mind to put the famous love Scripture you hear at weddings form Ephesians.  You know, Love is patient, love is kind...  I even finished working on the text and made a pdf to print at Kinkos on poster board. 
Then... I remembered how once I'd seen a framed mini quilt and how lovely that was.  Then,  I remembered my Farmers Wife Blocks from the FWQAL just sitting there with nothing to do.

I wondered if any would look good in the frame.  So I rushed and to get them taped on the wall in the empty space and they measured perfectly!  Once I factored in the seam allowances, of course.  

So I picked 8 of my favorites, keeping in mind my green curtains that hang on both sides of the fireplace and Wow!  It was all coming together.  Don't you just love it when that happens?

Now I know that without the sashing, the blocks are a little less defined.  But I think it invites you to take a closer look.  What do you think?

I find it so funny how much green I have in my home.  I guess I like the color more than I realized.  I still have 4 more blocks left.  I don't know what I'll do with them.  Or if I'll get bored of looking at this frame and pull them apart and finish what I started with the FWQAL.

Ooo and I have to share this cute swag lamp I found at Ikea for $20.  

I think it works perfectly in my sewing corner.  I might embellish it as time goes by, but for now I really like the white cotton with little faux grey fabric buttons.

Well my little man is up from his nap, so back to mommy business.

Lindsay

Whole Lot of Sewing Going On

Prepare yourself for a long update and many photos.  I've been really busy at home the last couple weeks.  I love being home with Jack.  Together we garden... 

My Garden :: Week 5

and when he naps, I sew...

Swoon Block 4

Swoon Block 5

Swoon Block 6

Swoon Block 6

And... I've finally pulled out my Farmers Wife Book again.  Remember those cute little 6.5" blocks that were inspired by the Farmer's Wife letters that answered the question, if you have or had a daughter would you want her to marry a farmer?  Well here are two more:

[85] Square Dance

Quote from the letter that inspired the block:  "Yes.  I have two young daughters, although not yet of marriageable age but I wish them both to marry farmers.  First, because the country home life is more nearly complete in itself, and therefore productive of real happiness.  Each member has important duties which make him necessary to the whole.  The city draws from the home, not toward it." Mrs. J. J. T., Cascade County, Mont.

Fabrics Used: Bliss, by Bonnie & Camille for Moda;  Hope Valley, By DS Quilts for Free Spirit;  Heath, by Alexander Henry

 [22] Corn & Beans

Quote from the letter that inspired the block:  For my children I covet happiness, development and service and that they may 'live in a house by the side of the road.' Happiness is not a matter of locality but of training and congenial companionship." Mrs. W. R. Hutchinson County, S. D.

Fabrics Used: Peas & Carrots, by American Jane for Moda;  Hope Valley, by DS Quilts for Free Spirit;  a vintage sheet

Here are my 12 blocks.   Only 38 more to go!  Ha ha ha,  maybe I'll pick up the pace a little.  Opening up this book and reading the letters again, really makes my heart long for the open country and a simpilar lifestyle.  Man these ladies really make me appreciate things I often take for granted.  Now that I'm gardening, I feel a little bit more connected to the farmer's wives.  But only just a little.  They did it all without modern conveniences.

Well, my heart is happy to have made so much progress in my sewing room.  I'm truly loving it.

xo,

Lindsay

FWQAL :: WEEK 5

Okay I know I'm a day late, almost 2 days, this week with my blocks.  I try to pick one hard one and one easy one each week, and this week... I picked a really really hard one. 

[38]  Four Winds

Quote from the letter that inspired the block:  "We have dried out, drowned out, hailed out and burnt out.  Always we drew together, looked in each other's eyes and whispered 'Tough!  But we have each other and the children.  We'll make it.'" Mrs. W. R. Hutchinson County, S. D.

Man this block was tricky.  There are 72 pieces in this 6.5" block.  Tough block, yes, but nothing near what this sweet lady had been through.

[92]  Streak of Lightning

Quote from the letter that inspired the block:  "But even in times of depression can not materially affect the farmers living as the do the city man's, for he has his food from his own soil, vegetables, fruits, grains, milk and meats; so, financially, I would say his is the most independent of occupations."

Mrs. S. M. M. Franklin County, Ohio

 

 

Mommy's little helper holding the blocks in place.  Sweet little hands.

Fabrics Used:

[92] Greenfield Hill, by DS Quilts and Kona Cotton Ash

[38] Greenfield Hill + Katie Jump Rope by DS Quilts, Peas & Carrots by American Jane and Vintage Sheet (white)

 

Blocks Collectively

My little helper, arranged the layout.  He loves to play with the blocks.  It was hard for him to take his hands off for this picture.

My Little Helper

He asked me to take his picture, but then he began to hide.  Hense the shy, but also curious look on his sweet face.  This two year old has got me pulling my hair out one minute and melting my heart the next.   I love this stage, just as I've loved every stage of his development.  I wish he would stop growing, but I also love it when he surprises me with the most unexpected new words.  Kids truly are a blessing from Heaven. 

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Lindsay

P.S.  I also finished the pillow to match this quilt, but forgot to take the picture this afternoon when the camera was out.  Next post, I promise;)

FWQAL :: Week 4

I know I should really be on week 7, but I started late.  This week I chose two blocks from the same letter and used some of my new fabrics.  And...I found I have a new favorite!

[12] Broken Sugar Bowl

Quote from the letter that inspired the block:  "Raised in the country, I determined young never to stay here.  I pursued an education in a large city, and then, lo, I lost my heart to a farmer!" Mrs. G.R.E. Morgan County, Ala.

Block Stats: Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt,  Peas & Carrots by American Jane, and the white one is a vintage sheet.

[33] Farmer's Puzzle

Quote from the same letter as above that inspired the block:  "We are the happiest couple I know, have more chance to enjoy each other on a farm than elsewhere and I can wish no greater blessing for my daughter than the love of a farmer like 'Dad.'" Mrs. G.R.E. Morgan County, Ala.

I love the ribbon-like design. Thankfully my extra efforts in fussy cutting stripes paid off. Just as others in this Quilt Along are saying, my husband too said at first sight, this one looks like a swastika. I see it too, but I can easily overlook it. I read once on another blog, I can't find it now, but I remember it saying before the German's used this symbol, it had a happier meaning to it. Block, #4, which I haven't made yet, looks more like a swastika than this one I think.

Block Stats: Greenfield Hill by Denyse Schmidt

And here are all my blocks so far:

 

 

Some are a little rough, but hopefully with the saching, the imperfections will disappear:/

For more info on the Farmer's Wife QAL click here or to see other blocks check out the Flickr! Group.

xo,

Linds

FWQAL + Kona Greens

My greens are here!

From left to right Kona Cotton in Green Grass, Spring, and Green Tea.  I also bought Ash, cause I thought it would coordinate well with the DS Quilt prints.  Which it does...happy me:)

And... I made up for last week.  Here are 3 Farmer's Wife blocks.  I picked some easy ones for this week.

[73] Rainbow Flowers

Quote from the letter that inspired the block:  "The mind of a  farmer's wife is continually broadening by the variety of her interests.  Bees, berries, babies, cheese, chicks, canning; grub garments, garden-do these suggest an empty mind?" Mrs. G. B. H. Richland Couty, Mont.

Block facts: Greenfield Hill by DS Quilts, Kona Cotton Ash + Green Grass

[102] Whirlpool

Quote:  "I want my daughter to marry a farmer that they may live and work together in God's free air and sunshine.  Here is happiness.  Here is health.  The wonders of nature are all about them and even God Himself seems nearer here." Mrs. S. M. M. Franklin County, Ohio

 Block facts: Greenfield Hill by DS Quilts, Kona Cotton Green Tea

[56] Maple Leaf

Quote:  "Can you think of anything in the city that compares with an orchard in bloom?"  Mrs. G. W. N. Ingham County, Mich

Block facts: Greenfield Hill + Hope Valley by DS Quilts

Have a happy Friday!

Lindsay

FWQAL - 3rd block

 

[65] Peaceful Hours

This week got away from me, and I only managed to get one block done.  Not sure I love this one, kind of wish it had  a touch more contrast.  This one had the smallest pieces! In the midst of creation, I was not confident it would take its proper form, but in the end, it was perfect! 

Quote from the letter that inspired the block: "We know, because we have tried it, that our family life could never have been kept so intact, nor our happiness so secure, if we had lived any place other than on the farm." C. Mc. D. B. Marion County Ind.

Block Stats:  Hope Valley + Greenfield Hill by DS Quilts

I am so anxiously awaiting my solid order to arrive.  I'm really wanting to make my next blocks with some solids.  

Happy and safe 4th of July everyone!

Lindsay

FWQAL Two Blocks down

Well I got two new blocks done and they are exactly the right size!  6 1/2" square.  YEAH!  I really love these blocks:D

[21] Contrary Wife

Quote from the letter that inspired the block: "Let me tell you that the woman who can't keep her mind well-balanced and happily busy, on a farm, would probably be an entirely useless member of society, no matter where she lived." C. Mc. D. B.
 

I love the black contrast to this yellowy/green print.  

[47] Homemaker 

Quote from the letter that inspired the block: "So I want my girl to marry a farmer that she may have the best chance to live a successful life and of being a real home-maker." Mrs. R. A. S.  Shawnee County, Kan.

Boy was this one tricky.  I've never sewn an angle like that with such small pieces. Sadly the points pucker a little.  Far from perfect, I know, but I'm satisfied with the way it turned out and thats what matters, right? 

Both blocks are made of fabrics from both Greenfield Hill and Hope Valley by DS Quilts.  

Here they are side-by-side.  Cute, hey?  I know I know, you love 'em too;) 

Okay off to clean house while boys are at the park.

Hugs,

Lindsay

I'm a Farmer's Wife!

Well, I'm in.

thanks Monica for our button!

Although, I don't know what I've gotten myself into.  The letters from 1920s farm wives was enticing enough.  Then I started seeing the beautiful blocks the Quilt-a-long (QAL) group members were making.  And I had to join in the fun.  Thanks Angela & Amanda for starting the fire!  Today I made these two blocks.

Block #1 Attic Window

This block is made using 3 DS Quilts Hope Valley in Piney Woods prints and the grey one is Amy Butler's  Lacework in Grey.

Block # 55 Linolium

 Made with DS Quilts Hope Valley in Piney Woods(dark green),  Bliss by Bonnie & Camille for Moda Fresh in Lime(light green), Midwestern Modern II in Fresh Poppies Fuschia (fussy cutting out pink)

Wow!  That was tricky.  These blocks are 6" and those are not the smallest pieces I will be working with.  As you can see they are not quite perfect either.  This small piecing is gonna take some getting used to.  More to come next week!

The Farmer's Wife Quilt-a-long

The Farmer's Wife Quilt-a-long, a group on Flickr.

Okay, I'm giving in.  These blocks are so RAD!   I must join The Farmer's Wife Quilt A Long (FWQAL).  Whats that?  It a group of women I'm joining who are all currently reading The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt book by Laurie Aaron Hird .  The book is a collection of letters from 1920s farm wives and the 111 quilt blocks they inspired.  Just placed a hold on the book at my nearest Barnes & Nobel. Picking it up first thing tomorrow.  I'm only a couple weeks behind the start date.  I'm not quite sure how I will fit this in, but hey, its not a race:D

For more info on the FWQAL go here.

Thanks for stopping by.
Lindsay