I just finished up my 81st through 85th blocks. Sometimes this Farmer’s Wife sewing takes a bit of time…these 5 blocks took the better part of a whole day! With only 26 blocks left, I’m getting anxious to finish. But, of course, I now have a dilemma…do I make the remaining blocks that I don’t particularly care for…or substitute other blocks for the ones I just can’t seem to get myself to make. Will it still be the Farmer’s Wife quilt if I make a few changes?
First up today is block 67, Pine Tree. All of the half-square triangles were in my scrap bin, so I decided to use them up, even though I could have made this block a bit cuter by using more fabrics. I did use the tree trunk template for this block. (fabrics: California Girl)
Next is block 77, Seasons. I used templates for the 4 corner pieces in this block. This is a favorite…reminds me of the Granny Squares blocks, I guess! (fabrics: Tapestry)
And this is block 88, Star of Hope. I used the Marti Michell templates for the hst’s and the small corner square. I just measured the template and cut out the larger square. Even though this block is very simple, there’s something about it that I love! (fabrics: Tapestry)
This is block 90, Storm Signal. I found this block in one of my block books (the sections of the block were reversed with the large outer triangles all in the middle, though). Anyway, I was glad I had this one in a book so I didn’t have to use the templates! What is it about those templates, anyway? I complain and complain about them, but when I have to use them they actually aren’t that bad! (fabrics: Strawberry Fields)
And finally, this is block 95, Temperance Tree. It is absolutely identical to the tree block above except that the trunk sizes are different. I’ve decided I like the proportions in this block better. (fabrics: Strawberry Fields)
Darlene says
More sweet blocks!
brenna says
I'm feeling a bit dense, but if you aren't using the templates, what are you using?
Missy Shay says
I think every quilt should be a reflection of the person making it. If there are blocks you don't like, then make doubles of your favorites instead. It is supposed to be enjoyable, when it comes to quilting – who cares about rules?
Karen M. Walker says
I think…(just me say'n) you should make all 111. I pushed through all of them, even the ones i did not like. It's such a great feel of accomplishment to have finished them all. I have posted about my journey on my blog and am a 'sewing day' or two away from completing the sashing and my border. But i know what you mean…some of these blocks are not very cute…my least favorite is 94, Tall Pine. Maybe it's just the way i made it or the fabrics i used. I wonder what it would look like if stitched alongside other identical blocks….i wonder what the secondary design would be…maybe then i would love it! Your blocks are beautiful!
~karen
Fran says
I would at least have a go at some of the blocks you don't like, to see if you feel differently when they're done in a fabric of your choice. If you still don't like them, do something different rather than make up the whole quilt with parts you don't like!
laurajane says
Wow,all those blocks.I have made 30 so far,but intend to make them all,but its your quilt,and you can do whatever you choose.I only know that if I didn't make them all, I would always wish I had.
Laura xxx
suemac says
I myself would do duplicates if I got stuck or did not like the look of a particular block. Some of those blocks are just plain ornery.
Carol says
Your blocks are beautiful…here's my thought…we do this for fun! If it's not fun, and you don't like some of the blocks…do what you like. I've already decided that's what I'm going to do. There are some I just don't want to do…if it's not fun, and I do this for fun, then I'm not doing it. Just one girl's thoughts…LOL!
Mary says
I've done both. There were several blocks in the Circuit Rider quilt that I just didn't like so I substituted others that I did. In Nearly Insane, I just did the blocks like the original quilt. This will be your quilt so the question really is which blocks would you like to look at – those you like or those you don't?
LynCC says
Those are some fantastic blocks, Sherri – Kudos! I bet they're every bit as finicky to put together as the Dear Janes blocks I work on!
Rebecca says
I would start with making one of the blocks you did not care for and see how it goes… After doing as many as youhave you might find that it goes eaiser then you thought or you do not hate it as much as you think.
if its still "no fun" forgetaboutit…
and make what you want!
carol l says
Your blocks are so fresh, I did my blocks in cival war reprod. fabs. I did all 111 of the blocks in the book, enjoyed doing them because everyone was differant. But you do what makes you happy, it is your quilt.
Carol L
Wendy says
Oh dear I do wish I had starting quilting at a much younger age…there are so many quilt patterns on my bucket list I just know I wil never get to them all, but if I could, this would be one I would love to do. I will add it and hope for the best. Wonderful blocks…looking forward to seeing it done. As far as your question; yes it will still be a Farmer's wife; (with a but…) another quilt with a story. That being said, you might like them after they are done…sometimes I get surprised like that.
Marcia W. says
You can do what feels good to you. I am guessing that since you are asking this question, you might feel more satisfied if you made the 111 in the book, or at the least more of the remaining 26. As Wendy writes above, you might be surprised at how much you will like them once completed.
Sharon Dawn says
Wouldn't a true Farmer's Wife create her masterpiece so it is a reflection of what she loved the best? I vote for making the blocks you want. The ones you have made so far are wonderful!
Janet says
Your blocks are so lovely! I especially love both of the trees :0) The templates are the main reason I haven't started this project yet. I would find other blocks to substitute. My quilting time is too limited to spend it making blocks I don't like.
Toni Selman says
So, so pretty…makes me want to start doing my own.
Thanks bunches for sharing!
Toni
http://www.lifeinapinkbunnysuit.com
Suzy says
Love them! I'm a big Fig Tree fabric fan. :o) I'm also doing the Farmer's Wife blocks, but I'm doing them in order or I'll never get around to the slightly more complicated ones or ones I didn't particularly care for. LOL!
Nancy says
Hi Sherri. Your blocks are so beautiful! I see versions of this quilt done in screaming brights and do not like it at all, and then almost immediately comes a post from your blog, reminding me how beautiful they can be. Oh I just love the fabrics you have chosen and hope I can find similar when I finally decide to make this. Yours is so restful. Will you use sashing? Even if you do not like all the blocks, if you have enough fabric, make them anyway. They may just fit somewhere in the final quilt, or they could be the biggest quilt label ever, but you could say you made them all! Hm, maybe you could make them half sized and work them into a border, or as I said, for a label, but allowing it to be smaller. Just gorgeous. The tones of your fabric remind me of the whole collection of Folk Art Wedding I bought in 1999 – no, I have not used a piece of it yet because it needs just the perfect quilt.
Patchwork and Play says
Make what you LIKE! I made only about half the number of FW blocks but it is still a FW quilt! As Carol said, we do this cos it's fun! Have fun, not obligations!
Dana says
You should make whatever your want to…after all, this is YOUR Farmer's Wife quilt!!
hilary says
Wonderful fabrics! I love them.
Best regards
Kimberly says
I would try a couple of them first, in fabrics that you like and if you still don't like them don't put them in. Put in more favorites.
Terri in BC says
I plan on ditching (not do them)the ones I don't like, and replace them with other 6" block patterns I have collected (i.e. from the Just Takes 2 collection, etc.) That way, they will still all be different but I will like all of them!
Gwen says
Are the quilt police waiting outside your door to arrest you? If not, do what you want. I had a co-worker once whose mantra was "If you can't see it from the moon – don't worry about it!" 🙂
Donna says
Make the blocks you want to see in your quilt the way you want to see them!
Sheila says
Its your quilt , do as you please. I did them all and find they all look good together, If some are more "ordinary" it gives a place for the eye to rest in what is a very busy quilt. The only change i would make if i could do over would be to make one more block and make the quilt more square. I found the 111 blocks put together as Laurie suggests is too long and too narrow. One more block would allow you to do one less horizontal row and give enough for an extra vertical row, making the quilt a bit square-er
Lorri says
This is a work of art made by you! Make it with blocks that make you happy!!!!!
Melody says
I agree with most of the comments here. It's your quilt, you're putting a lot of time, effort and fabric into it so it should be something you like. Also – I find that when I do something I don't especially like,it comes out wrong over and over. Find blocks you like so you'll like the end product.
Jan Quigley says
I think you should substitute blocks you love. I'm currently working on a quilt with lot's of other ladies sharing our journey on a blog, & a lot are replacing blocks, & changing blocks, to suit their taste. I've started doing the same thing, & I'm glad I did.
http://stitch-a-long.blogspot.com.au/
Polly says
Your blocks are beautiful! You choice of fabrics make the blocks really pop! I hope to make them myself once day…just haven't come across the right fabric collection yet!!
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
Beautiful again Sherri! Make the blocks that you like I say!
Cyndi says
Do you want to be able to say "I made them all"? Then do both–make the ones you don't like with some ugly scraps, and then substitute with some blocks you like.
ria vogelzang says
Gorgeous blocks! And I love the fabrics you used; so sweet!!
Have a lovely day!
dianehobbit says
Congratulations on getting so far with this quilt. I am working on my 20-26th blocks this week, so I am way behind. I haven't tried the templates yet and have been holding back, maybe next week. As for which blocks to use, I have been thinking the same thing. I am tempted to swop to some blocks I prefer, but I do think I will feel that I haven't made the FWSQ then.
Mama Pea says
Beautiful blocks. I can see why they took you the better part of a day to do. I'm planning to use Marti Michell's templates as much as I can when (not if) I ever get started on this!
Anita says
I love all your blocks! I would just make the ones from the book unless you totally can't stand the look of them…then you can put them on the back. You might change your mind once you see them done up 🙂
Wanda says
I have to say, as I watch your progress, there are blocks I like and ones I don't. It's not your color choices, they are beautiful. You've made me want to get the book and start a Farmer's wife quilt. I'll have the same dilema as you. Make the ones I don't like or just extras of the ones I do like. Can't wait to see what you decide and the quilt when it's finished.
Betty says
I think you have to ask yourself if you will possibly ever regret not making all of the blocks. If there is the slightest chance, then you should make them. No one can answer that question but you. It will be beautiful, whatever you decide!
Sherry says
Such pretty blocks Sherri. Your productivity is inspiring! I say make the blocks you love. It will be YOUR farmers wife quilt. With so many patterns, fabrics & projects we quilters want to make, why waste time on blocks you don't particularly care for – just my opinion. Have a great weekend!
Marie says
I always consider a quilt pattern just the inspiration and often end up customizing it to suit myself. If this quilt is for you and there are blocks that you don't care for, I say replace them with blocks that you love. That way every time you look at it you won't go looking for the negative and will be thrilled with the entire thing.
Patti says
I just love all your fabric choices. But I think I've said this a few time before so I'm repeating myself. You are such an inspiration but I've said this before too but you just are. I love following your blog and love everything you do.
OPQuilt says
Life's short.
Do what you want.
(I'm skipping some of the Lollypop Tree blocks, and don't feel a bit bad about it.)
Elizabeth E.
opquilt.com