A farmer and his wife went to a fair. The farmer, who had never been on an airplane, was fascinated by a stunt plane and asked the pilot how much a ride would cost. "$20 for 3 minutes." the pilot replied. "That's too much." said the farmer. The pilot thought for a second and then said, "I'll make you a deal. If you and your wife ride for 3 minutes without uttering a sound, the ride will be free. But if you make any sound at all, you'll have to pay me the $20." The farmer and his wife agreed and went for a thrilling ride. After they landed, the pilot said to the farmer, "I want to congratulate you for not making a sound. You are a brave man." "Maybe so," said the farmer, "but I gotta tell ya, I almost screamed when my wife fell out."
Ok, sorry about that. You can probably guess where this is going...I am starting my own personal Farm Journal. Yes, I joined the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along! My goodness, if you browse the Internet, you will find so many amazing people who are participating in this national Quilt Along, sponsored by Amanda and Angela. Thelma's doin' it, Camille's doin' it, Kim's doin' it, and an amazing woman who I just discovered, Lori Holt is doing it. The group has a Flickr page devoted to all the blocks that women all across the country are making. You would not believe the variety of fabrics that are being used!!! Do check out some of the links, you are in store for HOURS of entertainment, and you too could very well be hooked in. I can tell you Sara and I are hooked Big Time..
If you don't know what the fuss is about, I will tell you. A woman named Laurie Hird wrote a book called The Farmer's Wife. In it, she has letters from 1920's farm wives who answered the question "Would you want your daughter to be a farmer's wife?" A magazine of the time, "The Farmer's Wife" was sponsoring a contest that would award a prize to the best letter. The book is full of letters the women wrote, as well as 111 quilt block patterns. The patterns are all template based, and there are no instructions to speak of. This sounds like a major fault, but so many quilters have embraced the project, that there are loads of labor saving posts out there to help anyone who is interested have a successful experience making the project. I will post more about that later.
I know I just moved, but I managed to open one of my fabric boxes out in my 104 degree garage, and discovered my Civil War stash. Oh baby. I just knew I could do a fabulous rendition of this project with my Civil War fabrics. Then I started Googling "The Farmer's Wife" and saw examples of so many beautiful and amazing quilts made from more modern fabrics, bright fabrics, fabric collections etc.
And I totally went in a different direction.
Oh,groan! Bad joke, brain hurt as one of the Muppets used to say! I think it was Fozzie but I could be mistaken.
WOW! I totally love the fabrics you've shown and salute your persistence in digging into boxes in the heat. I doubt this complex quilt is in my future, but I will enjoy visits to see the Farmer's Wife quilts.
I made two Twinkling Star blocks yesterday and that may be a complex as I want to get. My fingers are still talking to me.
What's the news with Sara and Baby E?!
When is it your turn to put Bill to work in your studio?
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | July 20, 2011 at 05:49 AM
Wow! that fabric is certainly a different direction. Many years ago Judy Rothermel put out 2 books of 3-inch square (I think most of them are in her Centennial book now). I don't recall how many blocks there were-I just know it took 2 years to make just the blocks. That has cured me of any projects like that. I'm admiring these blocks but, as they say, "been there, done that"! Looking forward to seeing your blocks.
Posted by: SuzK | July 20, 2011 at 06:05 AM
I love your joke...gave me a bit of a chuckle this morning. I would have headed the same way you did, using civil war fabric first choice. threadgatherer.blogspot.com is doing this and I have seen some of her blocks as she lives close to me. I think she is done pieceing and is now starting to put it all together. Check it out.
Anyway, back to your choices - I love the "Annie's Farm Stand" fabrics. Although I am not doing the Farmer's Wife, I will have to get me some of this fabric!!
Still awaiting baby E's arrival and you have been in my mind as you are patiently (I'm sure) waiting. I would be going nuts for the arrival of my first grandchild - although with my son being just shy of his 18th birthday, I can wait!
Posted by: Sherry | July 20, 2011 at 06:09 AM
Black, Red, Yellow. How can you go wrong with those?
Posted by: Diane Linford | July 20, 2011 at 06:17 AM
Lakehouse Love, *karendianne.
Posted by: *karendianne. | July 20, 2011 at 06:27 AM
I absolutely LOVE Annie's Farm Stand. I can't wait to see your blocks. What a great project for you and Sara to work on together!
Posted by: Lisa D. | July 20, 2011 at 06:53 AM
Oi. I have been holding out. I have been soo good. I have the book at home and love the story behind it. I love a quilt with a story! I just have no time to even think about this but maybe after September! In the meantime, I'll be cheering you along!!
Posted by: Sandy (Strlady) | July 20, 2011 at 06:56 AM
I love the Farmstand fabric. It would be great in the FW blocks. I already have the book, and it is really calling to me. But, as they say, I need another project, like I need another whole in my head!! Pray for me, and I will see which side wins.
Posted by: Carmen | July 20, 2011 at 07:06 AM
Gasp! Those colors and designs are so cheery and happy! It will make a fabulous quilt. Will be anxiously awaiting some pics.
C'mon Baby E! We're waiting!
Posted by: sillysally | July 20, 2011 at 07:12 AM
Nicole, I look forward to seeing your progress. I am not as brave and will lurk out there watching others do this task. Lizzie
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 20, 2011 at 07:13 AM
Nicole, I also have those SUPER WONDERFUL Annies Farm Stand fabrics. I fell in love with them the minute I saw them. Then there is of course my Civil War collection that has been patiently waiting for me to start using it. I have to tell you though, I was going to to this quilt along using my Annies Farm Stand, until I found it was 'template' based. My hands don't work just right on the very best of days and I am lucky to get a nice straight cut with the finest of rulers and rotary cutters, so I won't be joining in after all. I will however be enjoying checking out all the beautiful pictures of those that are doing this quilt along. Now I'm especially anxious to see yours since we chose the same fabric. Enjoy enjoy, enjoy!!! Keeping Sara and baby in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs...
Posted by: Nancy | July 20, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Thanks for the laugh...love your fabric choices!
Posted by: Debbie in Alaska | July 20, 2011 at 07:53 AM
I am following all the links now to see what this is all about! Your fabric choices are gorgeous...if nothing else, the history lover in me needs to read this book, right? I am reading Luncheon of the Boating Party right now that you showed recently and loving it. I read Girl in the Hyacinth Blue last week. Thanks for the tips...love this author. Still waiting....
Posted by: Kayte | July 20, 2011 at 08:59 AM
I can't wait to see your rendition of this quilt - I'm in love, love with those fabrics you chose. I just finished up last block and starting putting it together, but mine is out of repros and now I want one like yours! Maybe I will make another one! :o)
Posted by: Debbie | July 20, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Where ever do you find all this wonderful fabric? I LOVE the Annie's Farm Stand fabric. I must admit I was disappointed when you first mentioned civil war fabrics. I am thinking it could really be dangerous going on a shop hop with you Nicole!!
Posted by: Paula Zumaris | July 20, 2011 at 09:51 AM
I've had this book for several months now, Nicole! Funny thing is I've hardly looked at it! The more I see quilters doing this, the more I think I'd better have a look! Plus after seeing your fabric choices, I'm more motivated than ever!
Cheers!
Posted by: Candace | July 20, 2011 at 09:53 AM
I've printed the templates and let me tell you, they don't measure up to finish at the right size. Be prepared to redraft patterns, it will be a great learning curve and challenge. Your fabrics are amazing that you picked for this project!
Posted by: Sharon | July 20, 2011 at 09:54 AM
You crack me up!! Can't wait to see your first blocks :)
Posted by: Anita | July 20, 2011 at 11:03 AM
I think I've had this book for a year and still haven't started. Love the Farmstand fabrics. Part of my resistance is I just recently machine quilted my Dear Jane quilt after it sat for 2 years hand basted ready for hand quilting. I finally caved took the basting out, pinned it and did it on the machine. It's hanging up in the hall now and I look and it and think "how do I do that?" I'm sure the bug will bite me soon and I'll start the Farmer's Wife. Still waiting for baby news ......soon I hope.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | July 20, 2011 at 11:32 AM
So, the farmer takes yet another wife. Seriously, how many wives can that man afford?? ;0
Can't wait to see your first block. ;0
Posted by: ina | July 20, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Can't wait.
Posted by: pam | July 20, 2011 at 09:51 PM
I have just joined in on the FW quilt-a-long bandwagon. I don't have my book as yet but it’s on it’s way. I have decided to go the paper piecing way as I have never done it before and it seems like a good way to keep myself organised. I will be doing mine with my 'old' fabric stash which is more traditional in style than my 'new' fabric stash. I can't wait to see how everyone else is doing their's. I love your choice of fabrics, almost makes me want to buy them - almost!
Posted by: Suzanne C | July 21, 2011 at 12:18 AM
I love the fabrics you have chosen and I had not seen that line before. So pretty - can't wait to see how your blocks work up. I have seen these on lots of blogs too - maybe we read the same ones? Love the pictures of the yard.
Posted by: Teresa | July 21, 2011 at 01:29 AM
love, love, love the book The Farmers Wife. Bought it and a CD to do paper piecing on some of the blocks. But haven't started it yet!!!! But I love that fabric.....where might we find the particular grouping of fabrics in bundles? I have searched, and cannot find those particular ones. Thanks, gloria g. in South Carolina
Posted by: gloria g. | July 21, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Love love love that red collection. Might have to cave and order some.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | July 22, 2011 at 09:16 AM