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......

Patchsmith Sampler Block 32 - Chunky Log Cabin

Block 32 - Chunky Log Cabin

This week’s block, although simple, is sure to become a firm favourite.  Why?  Because it is quick to make, very versatile and you can use up scraps to create it.  

Two Tone Chunk Log Cabin Block

It doesn’t even matter if your ¼” seams are not accurate – just add more strips in a clockwise direction until the block measures at least 6½” square and trim to size.

I am just finishing a table runner created using the applique block from my English Rose mug rug together with the Chunky Log Cabin block.  

English Rose Mug Rug Pattern

So be sure to check out Instagram (#block32chunkylogcabin) or the Flickr Group later in the week to see the outcome.  Until next time.

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 ...................