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?

Lovin' The Layout...

Our Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt quiltalong began in February, and I admit that I "took off" while we traveled in May, June and early July. I'm not a total slacker, though. I have made over thirty blocks to date.

Nothing like a "bird's eye view" of my blocks all laid out on our bed. My plan is to make a queen-size quilt, which means I'm about one-quarter of the way through my blocks. I will have sashing between each one, and they'll be laid on-point, but I'm still going to have to make about one hundred twenty blocks to have enough for a queen quilt.

These are the blocks I created yesterday. (They're already in the layout above.)

#25 Cups & Saucers

Cups & Saucers is a nice block using only two fabrics. I decided that I needed more green (and brown) in the layout, so this was the reason for choosing this colorway. I paper-pieced this block.

#44 Gentleman's Fancy

If you compare this block with the one above, you'll see that it's actually close to the configuration of Cups & Saucers. The components are different, but they do resemble each other. This was also paper pieced.

#48 Homeward Bound

The last block I made was Homeward Bound. I realized after I assembled the first set of components for this one that I made a mistake on the outside corners. They were supposed to be a different color from the rest. I decided not to disassemble it, but I will remake it again (correctly). I'm also a stickler about wonky lines, and even though this one was spot on prior to removing the paper foundation, it pulled out of square when I ironed it. (I hate it when that happens!)

I've got a few other projects that need my attention right now, so I'll put aside the Farmer's Wife blocks until next week. I looking forward to showing you what else I'm working on, but this is enough for now, don't you think?

A Block From Brown Quilts...

 Thank you for all your kind notes and get well wishes. 

I spent the past two days taking it really easy and feel so much better.

Yesterday, I was able to get back to a more regular routine.

 Taggart and I walked out to the mailbox late in the afternoon,

and I was surprised to find an envelope addressed to me from

another of the talented quilters in our Farmers Wife Sampler Quiltalong.

Carol of Brown Quilts sent me a gift!!!

I opened it on our walk back to the house and found a beautiful

Friendship Block inside, nestled with a notepad with shaker houses

design on the top, and a gracious thank you note for leading the QAL.

I really like her red and cream color choices. So happy.

 I had to look hard, but I found it! Carol signed her block, too! See?

I love it, my friend. Thank you for thinking of me and sending a

pretty Friendship Block (and the extra goodies) my way.

You know that I'll be sending a block for you, too, don't you?

You can click on Carol's blog title (above) to visit her blog.

She's always working on something wonderful and just completed another

Block of the Month quilt. It's gorgeous!!! Be sure to tell her I sent you.

Playing With Blocks...

Churn Dash Block

I spent part of the weekend working on Farmer's Wife blocks. I've been missing working on these blocks, so I was glad to get back to them.

Linoleum Block

I love choosing the different fabrics to use in the blocks, and then giving all my concentration to cutting, aligning and assembling each block.

Wrench Block

Press (using my favorite linen spray - Fresh Cotton!), square up and measure. I always feel like I've accomplished something when I have a few more to add to the stack. At this rate, I'll have them all finished by...December! (I'm kidding! I'm hoping to have them finished long before then.)

Thimbleberries Cottagewood Print

You may have noticed that I used this fabric in my first block in this post (Churn Dash). I had a fat quarter of it. BIG HUGE COLOSSAL mistake. I love this fabric and don't have enough to make more blocks. I need more to use in future Farmer's Wife blocks.

From RJR Fabrics

Now, I'll be searching for more of this specific fabric. If anyone has any amount that they're willing to part with, please let me know and I'll be happy to purchase it from you. I've checked online and haven't been able to find any there. (I can't type any more. It's too hard while I'm crossing my fingers.)

I'll be in the studio again this week. I'm planning to make more Farmer's Wife blocks, and I'm behind on the quilt shop monthly QAL, so I need to catch up on those, too. If my schedule works out, I'll also go back over to take another of Loreen's paper piecing classes. (I had so much fun last week!)

What do you have planned for this week?

A New Month, A New List...

If you're participating in the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quiltalong with our group at Brynwood - or if you're following along on your own - April brings a new list of quilt blocks for all of us. This month's list will include twenty one blocks! (No April Fool-ing!)

Here is the list:
#11 - Broken Dishes
#12 - Broken Sugar Bowl 
#20 - Churn Dash
#25 - Cups and Saucers
#44 - Gentlemen's Fancy
#48 - Homeward Bound
#55 - Linoleum
#58 - Mother's Dreams
#62 - Old Windmill
#64 - Peace and Plenty
#71 - Puss in the Corner
#74 - Ribbons
#77 - Seasons
#80 - Single Wedding Ring
#91 - Strawberry Basket
#93 - Swallow
#98 - Waterwheel
#102 - Whirlpool
#104 - Wild Geese
#107 - Windblown Square
#111 - Wrench

If you're a participant, you'll receive a group email from me tomorrow. Remember, don't be discouraged if you're behind or haven't had time to make all the blocks so far. I still have one to do on my March list, but I won't be able to personally start any of the April blocks until I finished the Weddings Peacocks quilt I'm working on. (I have a deadline with the long-arm machine, so I need to get it done on a schedule.)

Remember, anyone with a question is free to ask. If I don't have the answer(s), I pose them to our QAL group. I want this QAL to be a pleasant experience for everyone. I'm learning right along with the rest of the group, and my fondest wish is that everyone ends up with a finished quilt they're happy show off.

Tomorrow is a big day here at Brynwood. I'm going to let Tag tell you all about it. He's pretty excited, and can't wait. See you tomorrow!

Sewing And A Solution...

Prairie Queen Block

In spite of a mandatory shopping trip and a thunder storm with lightning which requires that I shut down my sewing machine to avoid damage, I was able to make a few new blocks for my Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt yesterday.

The first new one I made is the Prairie Queen block. Half square triangle blocks and tiny four-patches combine to create this block. I really like it!

Railroad Block

Next, I tackled the Railroad block consisting of more four patches and half square triangles. Love it!

I have special memories of a train trip when I was about eleven years old.  A friend of our family worked for the Soo Line Railroad which regularly ran between Stevens Point, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois. I'm not quite sure how it was arranged, but my parents allowed our friend to take my younger sister (he was her godfather) and me to the Brookfield Zoo during our summer vacation.

I remember seeing all the animal exhibits and purchasing coolie hats (like the little Chinese figures that adorned my Grandmother's living room tables wore) as our souvenirs! We spent the entire day at the zoo, and at the end of the day, we boarded the train again for our return trip to Fond du Lac. (The train always made regular stops there on the way back to Stevens Point).

My father was supposed to pick us up at the train station at 10 pm, but he didn't make it in time to take us off the train before it had to leave the station. (hmmm) Our friend said he wasn't going to leave us alone at the station at such a late hour, so we ended up going all the way to Stevens Point with him (where my Grandma lived). Once we arrived, he dropped us off at my grandparent's house, where my sister and I thanked him for a great day and then fell, exhausted, into the beds in the guest room. 

The next day, my father had to drive over two hours to pick us up in Stevens Point! I never did know exactly why he wasn't waiting for us at the station in Fond du Lac, but his punishment was about five hours of driving...and I suspect a tongue-lashing from my mother for not meeting our train.

As kids, we never thought about that part of the trip. Our adventure was our first train ride and a great day spent at the zoo!

Economy Block in Progress

By the end of the day, I'd also previewed and cut the fabrics for this Economy block. I'll sew it together today, and decide which ones are next on my list.  Then, I'll be cutting into the fabrics for my wedding quilt project. (I know. Can you see me juggling from where you're sitting? Whew!)

Photo courtesy of Home Depot

The recently deceased refrigerator has a replacement on its way. We chose this GE Profile side-by-side model in stainless steel. It's the same model that we replaced when we purchased the Amana french door model that just croaked. That fridge was moved into our garage where it's been faithfully chugging away in less than a climate-controlled environment. Never a complaint or problem. Why wouldn't I decide to go back to the same manufacturer after being so disappointed by its replacement?

Photo courtesy of Home Depot

I'd actually have brought that one back into the house, but there would probably be more money involved to "clean it up" than it's worth. So, it will stay where it is, and the new one will be delivered on Saturday. Now that that problem is resolved, I can concentrate on more enjoyable pursuits. Like sewing!

I'm so glad you enjoyed the post yesterday. Many of you said that your brains were churning with new ideas. I know exactly what you mean, and I'm so glad that I could pass on the inspiration. After I go back through all my notes, I'll share some more ideas that I learned at the meeting.

Sherry at Createology posted about her Farmer's Wife blocks today, too. You might want to stop by and see her blocks. Her quilt is going to be fabulous! Click here to visit her.   

I'll be posting more blocks in a day or so and will add more links so you can see more of the other women's blocks. In the meantime, you can always click on the Farmer's Wife QAL button in my left sidebar to go to our group Flickr album to see their progress.

One last thing, if you ask me a question and you're a "no comment blogger", please add your email address to your comment so that I can respond to you. Thanks! See you tomorrow.

Just Like The Good Ol' Days...

Our garage looks like a shop this weekend. I'm selling a considerable amount of my knitting and crochet supplies to create more elbow room in my studio. It feels like the old days when I had my needlework shop, Stitches in Wisconsin. Perhaps not as polished as my shop used to be, but definitely as well-stocked!

I have cotton yarn, wools and many high quality blends, along with sock yarns and a few bulky weights, too.

I have crates, boxes and plastic containers full of books. Knitting and crochet patterns and lots of techniques within their covers. I'm moving out about 150 books. (Don't ask how this happens. I'm sick, I tell you! I have no idea!)

Lots and lots of books. If you're looking for a specific knitting or crochet book or leaflet, send me an email. I just might have it, and I'm happy to send out anything that you might want for actual shipping costs.

There are also sewing patterns that I've pulled to share for a song (25¢ each!) and Amy Butler patterns and fabrics.

I'm "open for business" again today, and I've been asked to do this again next weekend, which I will.  In addition, I'll be listing up many of the items on eBay to make the items I have after the sale is over available online.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the studio. You know, my fingers ache when I'm not working on something! I need to get back to my Farmer's Wife blocks! What are you doing this weekend?

Sneaky Peeky Saturday...

While patiently awaiting the next installment of the Scrappy Plate Club, I decided to start a few of the Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt blocks. I can already tell that this will be interesting...and a bit challenging.

I'm hoping to work out the bugs before the rest of the QAL members join in so I can share what I've learned with them. I already have a few ideas.

If you're looking for me this morning, I'll be at Sandy's Quilt Shop catching up with my quilting friends.  I'm going to take my blocks and ask for some expertise from the masters.

Remember those assorted green blocks from the hands of all the quilt guild members? Ivory/Tan was the fabric color that won in my poll last week. That's next on my machine. Perhaps I'll work on that this weekend. Next week for sure. Thanks to everyone who voted. I appreciate seeing what y'all thought.

Have a great weekend, and make sure you take time to do something you love!

Bunny Hill Scrappy Plate Club...

One of my favorite quilting blogs to visit is Anne Sutton's Bunny Hill Designs blog and website. She has the prettiest designs, and I own more than a couple of her patterns.

When stopping by a couple of days ago, I found that she's hosting a six-month long quiltalong (QAL) on her blog. She'll be posting tutorials on her Dresden Plate design scrappy quilt, and has already posted Part One.

Let's see...scrappy quilt, Dresden plate (I've always wanted to do that design), free tutorial, six months long. Yup. I'm on board! I figure that I'll work on the Farmer's Wife blocks one week, and then work on the Dresden Plate another week. Two quilts accomplished for sure in 2012! I'm going to add her button to my sidebar to link to her blog (and you can click here to learn more about her Scrappy Plate Club).

Don't forget to tell your friends about the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt QAL I'm hosting. I'm adding the names of participants as soon as I'm contacted. (Remember, I'll need your first name, url for your blog - if you have one - and your email address.) Click here for more information.

Also...Today is Handsome's birthday. I think I'll take the day off so that we can do some fun things together. Happy Birthday, Husband!

Are You Ready?...

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope all of you enjoyed the holidays. Christmas and New Year's were quiet around here, but we had a nice time celebrating the season and now I'm ready to start putting some of those resolutions into action!

You might remember this little fabric assortment. It's going to be the basis for my 2012 ongoing quilt project - The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt. I'm going to host a quiltalong (QAL) right here at Brynwood, and you're all invited!

Now, please understand that this will be the most low-pressure, fun and mostly unscripted QAL you'll probably ever participate in. You'll be choosing your own fabrics, which squares you'd like to create, and the finished size of your quilt.

I'm going to suggest that once you choose your quilt size, you just make the number of blocks needed to complete one horizontal row per month. That's it. (If you're making a large quilt, that might be seven blocks, but if you're doing a wall hanging, your number of blocks will be less.) The large quilt has nine rows, so you'll be finished before November, and if you're an over-achiever, you'll finish long before that! I just want you to know there won't be any pressure and you can finish and show off your blocks - and completed quilt - at your own pace.

Even if you're new to quilting you can participate. You'll be choosing your own blocks, so you can decide on your own level of difficulty, and you can repeat blocks, if you'd like. No one says they all have to be different!

I'm going to show you which blocks I'll choose to sew, and I'll give you my reasons for making them a part of my quilt. I'll also share my thoughts as they relate to the original author of each block. I'll be setting up a Flickr group so that you can upload photos of your blocks each month to share with each other, as well as those who won't be sewing along with us.

If you'd like to participate, you'll need a copy of this book. I've found the best price at Amazon, and if you can click here to purchase your copy.

I also have a set of the templates from the (included) disc, which will print out in one document, so once you've decided that you want to participate and you have your book, please let me know (via email) if you'd like the templates and I'll share them. Understand that you have to have the book, or the templates will be of no value to you.

 

I'm going to start this project on February 1st. I'll post the names and blog links of everyone who chooses to participate. Now, don't worry if you don't have a blog. I'd still love to have you join in the fun. You'll be able to post your photos in the Flickr group and the only difference will be that there won't be a link back to a blog address.

Please respond in the comment section, or via email if you'd like to participate in my Brynwood Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt QAL. (Please include your blog url if you have one.) I plan to have special giveaways throughout the year for the participants, and will be surprising members of the "party" with a few other things as we progress.

Feel free to share this QAL on your own blog, too. I've made this button for you to put in your sidebar, and you can link it right back to this post.

I hope you'll agree that this will be a fun way to start the new year.

UPDATE: I've added a list of participants (and their blog links) to the menu bar at the top of my blog - 2012 Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt QAL. Just click on it to see who will be joining us. If you want to have your name added to the list, just let me know!