Being away from my sewing machine for a few days is likely to put me in the mood to sew very long hours! Yesterday I had planned on just spending some time sashing the on-point blocks, but then one thing led to another and before I knew it the Christmas version Farmer’s Wife quilt top was finished…and it was midnight!
I am really pleased with how it turned out. I initially planned this quilt to be quite a bit smaller, but I’m happy it’s a terrific twin-sized quilt (it’s pictured here on a full-size bed).
I really didn’t have to play around very long with block placement–I just tried to make sure the blocks with a heavy emphasis on one color or another were spaced well.
And I love the border fabric. I bought 4 yards of this poinsetta print at a 40% off sale last fall, planning to use it for the backing. I used 1 ⅛ yards for my border and will use the rest for a pieced back.
Initially I was going to use the setting in the book for my Fig Tree version, but now I’m definitely going to use this setting for a couple of reasons: first, I love the increased size you can get with this version. Using the Farmer’s Wife book setting all 111 blocks will just make a queen-sized quilt. With this setting I’ll be able to have a king-sized quilt without making any additional blocks. Second, I love the open spaces with this setting. Since I’m planning to have my Fig Tree version custom-quilted, the open spaces will allow for the quilter to work some magic in those areas. I’m just going to do an all-over design on this one and plan on using it a lot this winter! And finally, the ease of putting this together was wonderful. Because all of the blocks are sashed and then trimmed, it was super simple to put together. This is an especially good setting if some of your blocks don’t measure out to a perfect 6 ½″ unfinished.
Here are the details for this quilt:
- Pattern for blocks:
- Fabrics: Flurry by Kate Spain for Moda and Moda Bella Bleached White 9900-97
- Number of blocks: 56 (just about half of the patterns in the book)
- Finished Size before quilting: 72 x 80 ½″
- 2″ cut inner border (Moda Bella Bleached White)
- 5″ cut outer border (Joy poinsetta print)
- Straight set blocks sashed with 2 ½″ strips, trimmed to 9″
- On-point set blocks sashed with triangles cut from 5 ½″ squares cut on the diagonal once (I can’t take credit for the sashing instructions…info. found here and here and here).
The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920s Farm Wives and the 111 Blocks They Inspired
I will definitely share more pictures when it’s quilted!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Sheila says
Love the "city girl " setting, i do wish i had seen it before i pieced mine together.. It looks really good with your Christmas fabrics.
Can't wait to see your Fig tree version with the "magic added"
Anne says
The on-point/straight setting of the blocks looks fab. And to get such a big quilt out of only 56 blocks is even better! Great job! :o)
Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet says
Can't wait to see the whole thing, to check out the settings. I was eyeballing the straight/on point combination, and thinking it was fabulous. Great job!
Quilt Hollow says
You worked like crazy on this one! It's going to be ready to use this holiday season too..congrats girlfriend!
Stephanie says
Super pretty. I can't sew in the late evenings…mistakes happen. :o) I love the mix of on point and straight setting. Do you have a long arm or do you machine quilt on your regular machine?
Patchwork and Play says
Your "Christmas on the Farm" looks fabulous Sherri! The border is perfect! It is a great setting, isn't it! (Thanks for the link!)☺
Carol says
Oh Sherri it is absolutely spectacular! I'm really loving it! The setting is PERFECT!
Chris says
Sherri, its already beautiful!! I agree with you about the white sashing and baorders around each block, it really does give you a chance to enjoy each block and not be so busy. The poinsetta boarder is PERFECT!! That was a great purchase and a GREAT price. I can hardly wait to see the finished product once its quilted. This will be such a fun quilt to snuggle under all winter. 🙂
Kate says
Looks fab!!
Margaret says
Sherri, the Christmas quilt turned out beautifully! I love the setting of the blocks (I don't know that I've ever seen blocks set like that before, and I find it very attractive), and the bleached white sets them off perfectly and makes the blocks sparkle! Isn't that bleached white wonderful? I'm using it right now, on a Swoon quilt, and loving the way it looks. I know you'll enjoy this quilt for years to come!
MM Quilts and Embroidery says
This is just gorgeous! You did an excellent job! I absolutely love your setting and if I ever get around to making one, I will definitely try it this way.
Darlene says
Awesome finish, Sherri. Love the setting. Can't wait to see it quilted. WTG!
Kate says
Wow, I love it with the mix of on-point and normal setting! It looks great!
Allison says
I love how you set some on point. It looks terrific!
Elizabeth and Gary says
Hi Sherri,
This has to be one of the most beautiful quilts I have seen..Its just lovely! Wow and you finished it, now I can't wait to see the top quilting.
I have two quilts just waiting for the binding but I need to finish the patio furniture slip covers first.
Have a sweet day,Elizabeth
Nat at Made in Home says
It looks amazing!
Run Quilt Knit Write says
Wow Sherri! It's GORGEOUS!!!
Elaine M says
Wonderful! Love the setting. I would leave this quilt out all year, it is so fabulous!
Brenda says
Love your quilt, never thought of doing it in Christmas fabric.
Joan says
Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous. I love how some of the blocks are on point and the others straight. Oh, you have inspired me! Thanks for sharing!
Karin says
LOVE it Sherri! What a wonderful quilt, the setting is just perfect! Can't wait to see your Fig Tree version! 🙂
Patty D from NC says
beautiful quilt. what a great idea to set some on point and some not. and i love that this idea can also help you square up blocks that are not so perfect! congratulations.
Mary says
Beautiful! I love your setting.
Julianne says
Its really beautiful!!
Laura says
I have to agree with everyone above. This is just stunning!
Bari Jo says
This looks wonderful! Can't wait to see it quilted! Thank you SO much for all the math/info etc – it is very helpful! I love this placement for the FW blocks! Congrats! I bet it feels good to get it done! Can't wait to see the Fig Tree version!
Bari Jo says
This looks wonderful! Can't wait to see it quilted! Thank you SO much for all the math/info etc – it is very helpful! I love this placement for the FW blocks! Congrats! I bet it feels good to get it done! Can't wait to see the Fig Tree version!
Aliza says
This is realy gorgeous. these blocks just speak to me. A job well done.
connieteasley says
Just Beautiful! Enjoy your blog.
Nita says
It is beautiful!!! I'd love to see a shot of the entire top. I really like how some blocks are straight and others are on point.
Diane Kelsey says
A wonderful way to finish off your blocks. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Barbara Woods says
beautiful
Carolyn Sullivan says
I like your spacing too, one of the reasons the farmers wife quilt didn't interest me was it was too busy. I need the spaces. Love it!
Sinta Renee says
Your quilt is beautiful. I wasn't a big fan of FW but now I certainly am!
Your quilt turned out and the size. Your setting for the blocks is just perfectly perfect!
maggie says
Your FW Christmas quilt is absolutely beautiful!!
Good job.
Quiltsmiles says
Your COTF is adorable! Jane
Polly says
S T U N N I N G!!!!!
kshackabq says
It's fabulous! Well done, Sherri!
Amys Crafty Shenanigans says
Absolutely amazing – and set on point is a lovely way to showcase those blocks!!
Any chance of getting rid of the advertisements? – they are spoiling your beautiful blog!!!
Jocelyn says
Wow! I love the way it turned out. It's so beautiful….almost too beautiful to put away once the holidays are over. 🙂
Carla says
I'm working on this setting for my blocks too….hopefully, one thing will lead to another for me as well and I'll have this put together by this time next week. I have a quilter waiting in the sidelines to do some fun things in all the background, just as you mentioned. Your pictures are spurring me on!
Mama Pea says
It turned out great! I think the setting looks terrific. Well done!
Two says
So beautiful! I love these colours. I plan to buy fabrics from Moda for Farmers wife, but can you tell me this: can a Jelly roll be used for blocks in Farmers wife?
Two says
…..and I wonder,…how many different fabrics did you use in the blocks?