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!

Patchsmith Sampler Block 33 - Scrapbox

Block 33 - Scrapbox

For this week's Patchsmith Sampler block all you need are twenty four 1½” squares and a nice contrasting background fabric (I like Kona Snow as my go-to background fabric).

Alternatively you can reverse the Scrapbox:

Reverse Scrapbox 

If you want to reverse the Scrapbox you will need to cut:
      One 2½” square for the center;
      Twelve 1½” scrappy squares;
      Two 4½” x 1½” strips; 
      Two 1½” x 6½” strips.

Stitch two scrappy squares together and stitch to either side of the center square to create a unit measuring 4½" x 2½". Next stitched four scrappy squares together and stitch to the top and bottom of the unit so that the unit measures 4½" square. Stitch the 4½" x 1½" strips to the top and bottom of the unit to create a unit measuring 6½ x 4½". Finally sew the two 1½" x 6½ strips to either side of the unit. You now have a Reverse Scrapbox measuring 6½" square.

Next week we revisit Skinny Triangles to create the perfect nesting place for a home-bird! 

Block 34 uses Skinny Triangles

 Until then be sure to check out all the blocks made to date using the tab above and over on Instagram (#block33birdhouse). See you there.

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.