Farmer's Wife Blocks 54, 55 and 56

A scrappy Farm Girl Maple Leaf

Block 54 – Kitchen Woodbox

Block 54 - Kitchen Woodbox

This was a really simple block to paper-piece.  I used up some of my fabric scraps.

Block 55 - Linoleum

Block 55 - Linoleum

Block 55 is a lovely little block that should be added to everybody's pattern library.  I paper-pieced this block in less than 20 minutes.  And it turned out perfectly to size.  

Block 56 - Maple Leaf

Block 56 - Maple Leaf

Nothing new here either.  A very traditional block that has been recreated time and time again.  The last time I pieced this block was in the Farm Girl Vintage sew-along (see top of blog for that block).

Talking of Farm Girl Vintage - do you know there is a new sew-along version - Farm Girl Vintage 2 which will be kicking off later this year?  But before that there is the Granny's Garden quilt sew-along which starts August 26th.  

Farmer's Wife 1920s Blocks 46 and 47

Block 46 - Hill & Valley

Block 46 - Hill & Valley

Block 46 was a lovely block to paper-piece.  It is created from two idential halves.  It turned out perfectly to size and so pretty.

Block 47 - Homemaker

Block 46 - Homemaker

Inset seams are always tricky - more so if foundation paper-piecing.  English paper-piecing really is brilliant in this regard but as I am paper-piecing I tackled the four inset seams with gusto.  They are not perfect but they are more than good enough for me.  Notes read "Very tricky with the inset seams - second attempt worked well!".

That is another two blocks "done and dusted" as we say in England! Until next time ....

Farmer's Wife 1920s Blocks 39, 40, 41 and 42

Farmer's Wife 1920s Block 39 - Friendship

Block 39 - Friendship
I used my own patchwork pattern from The Patchsmith's Sampler Blocks pattern book.  

Block 14 from The Patchsmith's Sampler book

Block 40 - Friendship Block

Block 40 - Friendship Block - already sashed.

I paper-pieced this block in mid December and it is already sashed.  Notes remind me to "paper-piece the four corner triangle units and add them onto the middle square."  When adding the corners to the middle square, do so with the corners facing down so you have the wrong side of the corner triangle units facing you.  This will enable you to see where the points intersect.

Block 41 - Friendship Star

A favourite block deserves a little fussy cutting

It is no secret that the Friendship Star is one of my favourite patchwork blocks.  "So quick - I patched it whilst my computer was loading."  

Block 42 - Fruit Basket

Block 42 - Fruit Basket

"Lost a point when stitching the units together."  And so I did but it is still a pretty block in blue and yellow.  And I know from the other sampler quilts I have made that nobody will notice the odd missing point.

That is me totally up-to-date I do believe.  YAY.  Be sure to come back next week for more fun with fabric.  Until then check out all the Farmer's Wife 1920s blocks on Pinterest.  

Farmers Wfe 1920s Blocks 35, 36, 37 and 38

Block 35 - Flower Basket

Block 35 - Flower Basket
I used a floral background for this block (photo above) as it seemed rather plain without it.  Journal notes state "A very easy block.  I was away from my sewing room so I drew the handle freehand and only had white cotton for the blanket stitch."  I think it turned out very pretty.

Block 36 - Flower Garden Path

Block 36 - Flower Garden Path

My notes identify this as "a tricky block."  I paper-pieced it in a different order by creating four triangle sections before patching them together with 1¼" wide strips for the cross.  I am pleased with how it turned out - I was quite lucky that it turned out to size and that the print of the small gingham pink fabric wasn't too skewed.

Block 37 - Flower Pot

Block 37 - Flower Pot

What looked like a relatively simple block turned out to have two inset seams when foundation paper-piecing.  The leaves are also not lined up exactly and neither is the stripe on the main section of the basket.  But it is good enough to be sashed into row 4 and looks pretty good there.

Block 38 - Four Winds

Block 38 Four Winds

And finally, if you think the previous two blocks were tricky then watch out for Block 38.  My tip is "mark the paper-piecing templates with the colours before stitching the block as the layout is complicated".  Even doing this I still had to redo one strip as I didn't look at the markings - doh!

I am all up to date with Gnomeangel's Farmer's Wife sew-along having made blocks 39, 40 and 41.  But more on those next week.  You can see all the blocks made to date on my Farmer's Wife 1920s Pinterest board.   Until next time .......

Farmers Wife 1920 Blocks 29 and 30

Block 29 - Economy

I am not sure which block we are up to in the Gnomeangel Farmer's Wife 1920 sew-along - it has all got a little confusing as Angie's last post was for block 26 back in November.  I think we should be up to Block 34 or thereabouts.

Block 29 – Economy (shown at the top of this blog)

I love this block - I loved stitching it, the fabric combo and how it turned out.  My notes scribbled in the book reflect this: "So simple - so elegant".

Block 30 - End of Day

Block 30 - End of Day

This block was "easy to patch using block 13 from my Patchsmith Sampler book".   All that was needed was a turn of the four quarters before stitching them together. Click on the photo below to see how easy it was to patch.

Patchsmith Sampler Block 13 - Slice-and-Dice

Next week I will be back with another two blocks.  Until then .....

Farmers Wife 1920s Blocks 25, 26, 27 and 28

Block 25 – Cups and Saucers

Block 25 - Cups and Saucers

I combined paper-piecing templates 2, 4 and 5 (from the Yahoo group templates) on Unit A and started with that piece.  It just cut down on some of the seam matching.  

Block 26 – Cut Glass Dish

Block 26 Cut Glass Dish

I have a dislike of 6" blocks that contain so many half-square triangles as I get bored very easily.  However, this is where paper-piecing comes into its own as notes state - "very glad I am that I paper-pieced it as it made seam matching easier".  Leave the papers on until the block is complete.

Block 27 – Darting Birds

Block 27 - Darting Birds

This block "took two days because I was busy with other things".  It is not difficult but yet again, leave the papers on until the block is complete.  I didn't follow the paper-piecing templates as I found them confusing.  Instead I paper-pieced four quarter bear paw blocks - it was easier and quicker.

Block 28 – Duck and Ducklings

Block 28 - Duck and Ducklings

Notes state simply "nice block to make - very pretty in pink".  And so it was and is. I now have enough blocks to sash another row.  So 'onwards and upwards' as we say here in England.  You can see all my Farmers Wife 1920s blocks HERE.  And you can find all my Farmers Wife 1930s blocks and links through to their hints-and-tips HERE..

Farmers Wife 1920s Blocks 21, 22, 23 and 24

Block 21 – Contrary Wife

Block 21 - Contrary Wife

My notes state that "There is nothing contrary here.  Very pretty, very easy block to patch."  I cut the squares for the half-square triangles to 3½"and trimmed them down to 2½" once I had made them.  

Block 22 – Corn and Beans

Block 22 - Corn and Beans

Although my block is more carrots and pumpkins! I paper-pieced this block by constructed the center square (which is on-point) before adding four identical corner units. My journal entry states "only just to size - enjoyed making it though." 

Block 23 – Country Farm

Block 23 - Country Farm

I paper-pieced this block and it "went together beautifully." It reminds me of a summer picnic.

Block 24 – Country Path

Block 24 - Country Path

I limited the number of fabrics I used on the center square unit of this block to give it more balance. Like block 22, I created the center square (which is on point) and added four corner units.

I have sashed and stitched two rows of ten blocks together so I think that is quite enough for now.  But be sure to come back soon to check on my progress.  If you want to see all the blocks I've made so far you can find them on my Farmer's Wife 1920s Pinterest Board. 

Farmers Wife 1920s Blocks 19 & 20

Block 19 – Checkerboard

Block 19 - Checkerboard

I love how this checkerboard is on the diagonal. A nice easy block to paper-piece.  I used two different fabrics for the checkerboard but the contrast is not enough to notice.  

Block 20 – Churn Dash

Block 20 - Churn Dash

"Easy peasy." I patched this classic block using the pattern from my One Block Mug Rugs book (available in PDF format - for the paperback edition click on the photo below).   

Turn any 6" block into a fun mug rug

Another two blocks and this quilt is really coming together.  And I am loving the look with the country sashing and gingham cornerstones.  See you again soon .......

Farmers Wife 1920s Blocks 17 & 18

Block 18 - Century of Progress

Block 17 – Cats & Mice

I made this block three times using foundation paper-piecing and I wasn't pleased with any of the results.  My notes convey my dislike of using this method for this block:  "horrendous little block" .....

Block 17 Paper-pieced version 1

....... and "retried - still horrid".  

Block 17 Paper-pieced version 2

Finally I revisited the block and patched it as the original block had been patched at the beginning of the 20th century.  Sure enough this method worked perfectly.  

Block 17 - Cats & Mice patched using my free block pattern

So, in hindsight, standing on the shoulders of our foremothers was the best way.  You can do the same using the free block pattern I have created.

FREE CATS AND MICE BLOCK PATTERN

Block 18 – Century of Progress

I changed the fabric placement to create a symmetrical Block 18

When this block was originally created great strides were being forged throughout the world. I am so grateful for those strides especially when it comes to my electric sewing machine.  This block is one of my favourite to date especially after I made a change in fabric placement to create a more symmetrical block.  My notes simply state "beautiful block".  

I am bang up-to-date it would seem - not that it matters - this is a marathon not a sprint!

Farmers Wife 1920 Blocks 15 & 16

Block 15 - Buzzard's Roost

Block 15 – Buzzard’s Roost

I made this block before I decided on my sashing which clashes everso slightly but I really enjoyed making it.  Notes highlight a mis-placing of the checked fabric: “Easy to paper-piece although directional print is wrong on one of the side triangles.” Thank goodness I am not a perfectionist – I would never finish anything!!

Block 16 – Calico Puzzle

I patched this block and it turned out so pretty. Notes say it all “prettiest little block”.  Sometimes it is the simplest blocks that turn out the best.

Block 16 - Calico Puzzle

That’s another two blocks and I have made a couple more so I now have two strips of 10 blocks sashed. Things are going well.

Farmers Wife 1920 Blocks 13 and 14

Block 13 - Buckwheat

Another week and another two blocks in the Farmer's Wife 1920s sew-along - all the details of which can be found HERE.

Block 13 – Buckwheat (photo above)

My journal notes for this block state "Didn't enjoy this at all.  Paper-pieced and came out ok but didn't like sewing it."  My points didn't match perfectly but it was good enough.

Block 14 - Butterfly at the Crossroads

Block 14 - Butterfly at the Crossroads

I paper-pieced this block and it turned out 1/8" larger than needed.  It is not possible to trim it down due to the design but I hope to lose that 1/8" when I sash the block.    

Another two blocks sewn and sashed (I am sashing as I go along).  Until next week......

Cats and Mice Patchwork Block

Cats and Mice 6" Block

I will be blogging about the Farmer's Wife blocks 13 and 14 later in the week.  For now I want to concentrate on an upcoming block and provide an easier alternative to paper-piecing this tricky-little-sucker!

The Cats and Mice block is a traditional patchwork block that dates back to the end of the 19^th century. You may first encounter it in Laurie Hird’s excellent Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt book as it is block 17 in that compendium of traditional blocks.

Whilst Laurie's book includes templates to hand-stitch the block, if you are thinking of paper-piecing it my advice would be DON’T DO IT!  I paper-pieced three versions and I wasn’t pleased with any of them. There is a much simpler way to create this block and that is patch it – in which case you will be wanting my

FREE CATS AND MICE BLOCK PATTERN

Give it a whirl and let me know how you get on by tagging me in your block photos over on Instagram (@thepatchsmith).

Until next time ...................

Farmers Wife 1920 Blocks 11 and 12

Block 11 - Broken Dishes

Are you sewing along with Gnomeangel to create a Farmer's Wife 1920s quilt?  The nice modern fabrics add an up-to-date spin on the blocks.  

Block 11 – Broken Dishes  (photo above)

My journal notes for this block state "Pretty block.  This block is the reason paper-piecing was invented."  My comment refers to the fact that I left the paper on each section to help with matching points and seams.  It wasn't until the block was complete that I took the paper away.  

Block 12 – Broken Sugar Bowl

Block 12 - Broken Sugar Bowl

This block is also known as 'Rocky Road to California' and dates back to the end of the 19th century.  My notes read simply "a nice hour sewing this block".   And so it was.  Until next time .....

Farmers Wife 1920 Blocks 9 & 10

Block 10 - Bowtie

I was working with blue fabrics this week and it carried over into my Farmer’s Wife 1920s blocks. But I wasn’t blue making these blocks – they were both very, very simple. The first was paper-pieced and the second was patched.

Block 9 – Box

Block 9 - Box

My notes state that I “combined the pieces of the paper-piecing chart to reduce the number of seams”.  If you want to do the same the easiest way is just to glue the templates together.  On the top and bottom sections start with the background triangle (white fabric in my block) as paper-piece 1 and stitch the additional pieces to either side.  On the middle segment make the center paper-piece 1 and add the two background triangles to either side.  Try it - you'll find it makes this block really simple to paper-piece.

Block 10 – Bowtie

I made this block back in November 2013 and my notes for that time state “After work – very tired – fave colours”. And here is that block.

This week I patched a softer version (see top of blog) and my notes state “Easy – 15 minutes maximum”. 

Tip: The secret to getting those points to match perfectly is to press the top left and bottom right seams away from the quick corners and then press the top right and bottom left seams towards the quick corners as shown:

Press your quick corner seams in opposite directions to help when nesting the points

And hopefully you will end up with points to be proud of..... 

Points match up perfectly.

Come back next week for another two blocks - I can't guarantee they will be as quick and easy but hopefully they should be just as pretty.  Until then ......

Farmer's Wife 1920s Quilt Blocks 7 & 8

Block 7 – Birds-in-the-Air

Block 7 - Birds in the Air

My notes in the Farmer’s Wife book state “Very pretty in scraps but what a lot of work for a little block.” I paper-pieced two versions of this block – the one above in co-ordinated scraps and another really scrappy version below. I prefer the former.

A very scrappy Birds-in-the-Air

Block 8 – Bouquet

Block 8 - Bouquet

Quite simply “very pretty block to paper-piece”. There is also a note from 2013 which states "Easy to patch".

So there you have it - another two blocks - one quick and easy and one a lot of work - but both very pretty.  Until next week.

Farmer's Wife 1920 Quilt Blocks 5 & 6

Another week and another two blocks - one paper-pieced and one patched.

Block 5 - Bat Wing

Block 5 - Bat Wing

Nope – not those flabby bits under my arms but the bat wings that fly at night. And this block certainly flew together as quick as any bat. My notes state "Very easy paper-pieced block." When stitching the three sections together lay the bat wing sections face down onto the middle strip. That way you will be able to see the 'points' intersection.

Block 6 – Big Dipper

Block 6 - Big Dipper

I used four 5” charm squares and patched four quarter-square-triangles using the super-quick method used by Julie over at The Crafty Quilter.  My journal entry states "not sure I like the asymmetrical look" but the fabrics are so pretty it is a keeper.

Another two blocks sashed. Anybody else think this is going quickly?