Just What I Need?! Not!

FaceBook is all a-twitter with a new sew-along. It's hosted by Gnome Angel, The Fat Quarter Shop (one of my personal favorite places), and Marti Michell templates.the nexus is the new book by Laurie Hird called "The Farmer's Wife 1930's" (nb: there was an earlier book called The Farmer's Wife from th esame author...which I also happen to own).

This not a project I need of course, and I certainly had not planned to be involved in yet another project! Perhaps what called to me was an opportunity to use up some of my stash of 30's reproduction fabrics. The books comes with a CD that provides all of the necessary templates as well as all instructions and templates for paper piecing. Of course, as a confirmed acrylic template fan! I was happy to know that Marti Michell templates make the project even easier. They are, of course, an extra expense. Thus far I have just used the paper piecing templates and a combination of hand stitching (I found hand sewing easier for some of the tiny half square triangles). The paper piecing templates work very well.

 

I played with the paper piecing templates ... the block below required two tries ...and still the points are below standard. I will, most likely, use these two blocks on the back and will remake the block again using the templates and hand piecing instead. These are 6" finished blocks- so large in comparison to Dear Jane blocks, but not all that large.

 

I am eagerly waiting for my pattern called "Sweet Surrender" to arrive from the Land Down Under...it's supposed to ship at the end of August. That quilt will be a combination of hand appliqué and EPP. I figure that once I start on that project this one will fall by the wayside and go on a back burner for some time. I am still chaffing at the bit to make some more shirts, plus I have a knitting project going - so I will be prioritizing very soon. Retirement has made my extremely grateful that I enjoy sewing so much. I am never, ever lacking for something to do!

The block in the photo below was a bit like a jigsaw puzzle- but I had fun making it! I took my time and enjoyed the process.

The FaceBook group does not officially start the project until September 28... And there are already over 1500 folks involved...that a whole lotta quilts in the offing! The group will not be doing the blocks in order, but rather, as I understand the plans, blocks will be presented as skills are built- from more simple blocks to more complicated ones. There seems to be a wide diversity of skill levels and folks are joining in the fun world-wide. It will be fun to follow the group. I so enjoy seeing people discover new skills and building on their knowledge of sewing techniques.

If you want to have a peek at the FB group search for "the Farmer's Wife 1930's Quilt Sew-Along".

Enjoy your last bits of summer. Here in the Pacific Northwest hinterlands we have had the driest summer on record...as well as the hottest. I am astounded that it is the middle of August already. I blink and another month has gone by! Enjoy each day as much as you can....Fall is right around the corner!

 

 

 

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