I Think I Will...

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Applique' Project

 

When I was still in Florida, I taught a basic hand applique' class at Crazy Quilters quilt shop in Venice, Florida. Of course, I designed something with acorns and oak leaves for the class project, and my piece is still unstitched. I came across it when I was sorting through some of my teaching materials.

I've decided to do the hand applique' stitching, add some embroidery, square it up to 6-1/2", and add it to my Farmer's Wife quilt. I'll be working on this in the next couple of days, in between homekeeping and caretaking. I'll share it again when it's completed.

Friendship Block...

Brynwood Needleworks - Friendship Blocks

Remember when I shared Friendship blocks I'd received from my blog friends? I decided to add them to my Farmer's Wife quilt. Well, someone in my Brynwood Needleworks Facebook group (BTW-Have you joined the group yet?) suggested that they'd like to contribute a block to my quilt. 

I decided to invite anyone who would like to participate, to send a completed and signed Friendship block to be included in my quilt. Of course, I would make and mail a Friendship block in return to everyone who sends one to me.

The finished blocks are 6.5" square, and if you look at the photograph (above), you can see where these two blocks were signed using a permanent Pigma™pen. These blocks are assembled using paper piecing templates. If you've never done paper piecing, I'll be doing a video that I'll share on Facebook next week.

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmer's Wife Quilt Layout With Friendship Blocks

I'm sharing my blocks again to show you the colors and prints I've been using. You can tell from the Friendship blocks I've already received that my choices lend themselves to a number of options. See how lovely the Friendship blocks look with mine? So, there are really no restrictions for fabric choices, if you'd like to send one.

Please let me know if you'd like to exchange a Friendship block with me. Of course, be sure to include your return address, so I'll know where to send your block. 

In case you're wondering what you might do with a single block...You could make a mug mat, a pincushion, or add more fabric to turn it into a pillow. You might even frame it on its own for a little conversation piece. Do you have any other ideas? Please share in the comments so others can see.

I've uploaded the pattern and a photo to print out your own paper piecing template to make your block. Once you download the template, be sure to print it out full 100% size onto paper piecing paper (it's a little lighter weight, making it easier to pull off the back of the finished block).

Click THIS LINK to download the Friendship Block. 

Of course, please let me know if you have any questions. You can leave a question in the comment section. Come back and check in a day or so, and I'll answer right below your question. You can also feel free to send an email to me through the link in my sidebar (there -->).

 

A Different Layout and A New Name...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmer's Wife - Layout Two

When I shared the layout for this sampler quilt a couple of days ago, my friend, Marrianne asked about the friendship blocks that some of my online friends had sent to me as a surprise. Of course, I still have them, and agree with her suggestion that I add them to my quilt.

As a result, I needed to do a little rearranging on my last layout, and this is what I came up with. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Friendship Blocks

 

There are two more blocks that are about a 1/2" smaller, so they won't fit in the body of the quilt. However, I'm still going to make them a part of the finished design. I think I'll place them in one of the borders of the quilt, so they're still on the front.

These blocks were such a special gift from some of my friends, that I'm so happy Marrianne mentioned them to me. I thought I was saving them for their own creation, but I think being a part of this quilt is so much better! Thanks for the suggestion, my NZ friend!

 

I also think that adding these friendship blocks to the Farmer's Wife quilt, warrants a name change. I think I'm going to call the finished piece my "Farmer's Wife's Friends" quilt. Do you like it?