Farmer's Wife QAL blocks 49 and 50: Katherine and Lady

Welcome back to the half-way point for block construction in the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along.  First [ this week is Katherine (p.208, letter p.28):and Sarah from Pretty Fabrics and Trims has written a guest post on this block on her blog.  I loved sewing this block.  I foundation paper pieced as usual, it's a fast block to make with only two sections to join together!  Here's my version.

Fabric credits:

Kona Melon

Kona Candy Green

Toy Chest Florals Pink Pressed Flowers

For block 50, Lady (209, letter p.142),  I used a mix of foundation piecing and rotary cutting.     I foundation pieced the corner sections A, C, D and E  (adding ¼"- ½" to each of the rotary cutting dimensions allows for this) and rotary cut the large rectangles and centre squares at the correct size and pieced that section without paper.

Fabric credits:
Kona Carnation
Ayumi Mills for Kokka Lighthearted Kitchen Floral in turquoise
{Please note:  I have linked to my sponsors on items bought through them and elsewhere for anything that has come from other shops}

Rotary Cutting Dimensions 
(cutting ¼" larger for foundation piecing)
A1, C1, D1, E1: cut (4) 1 ½" squares
A4, C4, D4, E4: cut (4) 1 ½" x 2 ¼" rectangles
A2, C2, D2, E2: cut (2) 2" squares, subcut each square diagonally to make a total of 4 half square triangles
A3, C3 D3, E3: cut (2) 2" squares, subcut each square diagonally to make a total of 4 half square triangles
 For A6, B1, B2, B3, C6- refer to CD for exact rotary cutting dimensions

Top tips for this block

• Pre-cut all pieces
• Use a water based glue stick. I use Sewline, to stick the first piece of each section
• Chain piece sections A, C, D and E 
• Press section seams towards the centre square

Remember you can:

• Hashtag  #fw1930sqal on Instagram and add photos to the Flickr group if you like to share there.  
• For individual blocks, you can use #katherineblock and #ladyblock on Instagram, Fat Quarter Shop and Angie are using these hash tags, #fw49katherine,  #fw50lady, I'm using both hashtag systems.
• You can also copy and paste links to any blog posts you do on these blocks in the comments and I'd love to visit and take a look. 

If you've been sewing along, congratulations for making it to the 50 block point!  Only 49 to go and you already have an impressive stack of blocks made over the last few months!  Next week, Charise returns as guest blogger.

The Splendid Stitch Blocks 4, 5 and 6

For those of you taking part in The Splendid Sampler project, how are you getting on?  I'm dipping in and out of the blocks as time allows.  I loved Jen Kingwell's Happy Happy block.  I used Perfect Circles and the appliqué technique that Charise covered in detail here:

Those tiny circles took a while but I do like the end effect.  I ended up with two versions of the Simple Simon block (designed by Celine Perkins) as I was't totally sure of my choices.  I'm still not sure I got it quite how I wanted but I guess they'll both end up in the final quilt:

I am enjoying the range of blocks from straightforward rotary piecing, through to appliqué and embroidery.  It's good to mix it up a bit and I always like the chance to challenge myself- although I felt at home foundation paper piecing a 6 inch block with Natalia Bonner's Focal Point design.

If you feel you've missed anything, Pat and Jane have a very useful catch-up post with lots of handy links. Which techniques are you enjoying so far?

Farmer's Wife QA: blocks 47 and 48, Joy and Judy

Welcome back for another couple of Farmer's Wife blocks in the quilt along.  This week Jessie returns as guest blogger for the first of these blocks, number 47, Joy (p.209, letter p.94).  Read about her block here.

Fabric credits:

Moda Garden project: vintage floral pear

Toy Chest Floral Purple Flowers

Lecien Blue/white pin dot from this mini bundle

Block 48, Judy was certainly the faster and easier block to make, (207, letter p.152)

Fabric credits:

Kona Buttercup
Ditsy flowers from this mini bundle  
Riley Blake Fancy and Fabulous Breath in Mint

I didi find a slight discrepancy in the pattern (printed from the CD).  The top edge seam allowance of section E (where it will join to D) came up well under ¼".  All other seam allowances were fine so I'm not quite sure what happened but I'm mentioning it in case you find the same!  Let me know if you do.

I pre-cut all the block pieces using my usual generous rotary cutting measurements for foundation paper piecing.  I used a mix of freezer paper templates and rotary cutting.   Remember to add ½" seam allowances to the freezer paper templates so that your fabric pieces are larger than needed.

Rotary Cutting for Foundation Paper Piecing

C1, C2, D1, D2: cut (4) 1 ¾" square 

A4, A6, B4, B6: cut (2) 3 ¼" squares, sub-cut each in half diagonally to make 4 half-square triangles.

A5, A7, B5, B7:  cut (2) 3 ¼" squares, sub-cut each in half diagonally to make 4 half-square triangles

For all other pieces, use freezer paper templates technique.

Top tips for this block

• Pre-cut all pieces
• Use a water based glue stick. I use Sewline, to stick the first piece of each section
• Chain piece- especially identical sections
• Nest seams where possible
• Remove paper when needed- I leave it on as long as possible as it stabilises the sections.  This  can mean just tearing part of a section off. I remove paper when I sew section seams. 
• Press section seams open

I found the letter for this block a slightly odd read.  It's from a farmer's wife who after many years of scrimping saving and not been able to go on a holiday, culls all her chickens and sets off for a break in a hotel.  She ends up working there to fund the rest of her holiday and only returns when her daughters' write saying they have no suitable clothes left to go to school in!

Remember you can:

• Hashtag  #fw1930sqal on Instagram, you are welcome to tag me and you can also add photos to the Flickr group if you like to share there.  
• For individual blocks, you can use #joyblock and #judyblock on Instagram, Fat Quarter Shop and Angie are using these hash tags, #fw47joy,  #fw48judy, I'm using both hashtag systems.
• You can also copy and paste links to any blog posts you do on these blocks in the comments and I'd love to visit and take a look. 

Please note:  I have linked to my sponsors on items bought through them and elsewhere for anything that has come from other shops.

Next week, Sarah of Pretty Little Fabrics will be back with me as guest blogger. 

February at Eternal Maker

Time for my monthly visit to Eternal Maker and I'm starting off with a seaside theme with a Riley Blake collection, Offshore by Deena Rutter.

The standout prints for me are the little boats in the 'Sailing' design and the Lobsters which look like they are dancing!

There is a large selection of Ombre fabrics on the shelves of Eternal Maker at the moment.   I'm never exactly sure what to sew with them or even the optimum way to cut them up to make the most of the ombre shading effect but there's a helpful post on suitable patterns at the V and Co website and a jelly roll seems like a handy way to get a slice of each colour

The bolts of Ombre Basics look rather stunning too ( this pic is from Eternal Maker's Facebook page).  

I think they would work well with Karen Lewis's Blueberry Park prints for Robert Kaufman. 

L to R;  Lib's Stitches in Yarrow,  Kite Strings in Breakers, Scruffy Daisy in Punch.

I've noticed a new dressmaking section in the 'fabric by type' options and there are some beautiful fabrics in there, including this 'People' lawn from Hokkoh.

I also found this gorgeous 'Daisies' embroidered and cutwork cotton in grey:

It would make a wonderful contrast panel on a shirt of dress or it could be lined with a burst of colour to show though the circles.  I could also see it being used on the Pauline Alice 'Carme' blouse- skip the tucks and use the daisies on the bib section.

The Pauline Alice Seda dress is another perfect candidate for a contrast Daisy panel:

Also spotted in Dressmaking was this medium weight stretch denim with a cute mini dinosaur print.

It would make very cute shorts or maybe a Grainline Moss skirt? or Maritime Shorts?  I must be thinking of summer, at least in the UK as it's too chilly for either at the moment!  There are lots of Oliver+S patterns that would be a great fit for this fabric- see them all here.

For dinosaur fans big and small there's a super collection from Lewis and Irene called Jurassic Coast which has a mix of more abstract/patterned fabrics as well more illustrative prints.  I've chosen three fabrics to showcase the designs but you can find more colour ways here:

L to R:  Pastel Dinosaur Scallop, Navy Dinosaur Silhouettes, Pastel Dinosaur.

I try and find a bit of something for every kind of sewer in these sponsor posts- quilter, dressmaker, bags, cushions and more as well as something you may not have seen so I hope I've succeeded.  Enjoy!   

Vintage Pledge 2016

I've been mulling over my choices for this year's Vintage Pledge.  It's the third year for this initiative from Marie and Kerry and I really enjoyed taking part last year and seeing the range of vintage styles that were sewn up. 

I'm concentrating on tops this year; it's what I wear and my wardrobe could definitely do with more.
These are all vintage patterns that I've had in my stash for some time and have been looking forward to sewing rather than just looking at them adoringly.   The Betsey Johnson's are always my first choice-and both these shirt patterns remain as possible options.

This is a fun pattern- looks like a dress but it's really separates and  the blouse has some neat details and style variations.  I like the darts at the neck for a little extra shaping and the sleeveless/collarless options.  The turn back cuff appeal too so I think this one is a definite pledge item.   The bust measurement is very close to mine although I guess it will need a little smoothing out and the waist will need an extra couple of inches,  I'm hoping the alterations will be minimal and relatively straightforward.

I like the look of this knit top which has a woven placket and neck.  I've bought a lot of these henley style jersey tops over the year,  I've made a modern version and this looks like a slim fit so another good candidate!  I envisage a Liberty lawn trim with a marl jersey.

I've had this Style pattern for a few years.  It is fragile and the instructions are missing but I love the pleats at the waist and lower bust- similar to the Sew Over It Vintage Shirt Dress. Not totally sold on the long or short sleeves- the cuff has a V shape and is a little overly ornate so I may simplify this.  It's a likely choice  I have made the trousers before as a mash up with Deer and Doe Chataigne and it's one of those patterns that instinctively feels like it will be a good fit and I've been looking forward to making it.

What you pledge is up to you.  It doesn't have to be clothing,  Kerry from Kestrelmakes has included  a glorious animal themed cloth book using a Vogue pattern from the 1970s as part of her pledge.    Unfinished items can also be part of the pledge.  I have an unfinished unblogged jacket from last years pledge that is mid-construction and I'm undecided whether to continue with it.  The fit is not right, despite tissue fitting and alterations before I started sewing.  It seems a shame to abandon it but I have a sneaky feeling that it is never going to look quite how I want it to.  My pledge is going to concentrate on tops as an incentive to get them sewn!

"I, Kerry Green of Verykerryberry,  pledge to make three tops- woven or knit- using vintage patterns from my collection." 

Farmer's Wife QAL: Blocks 45 and 46: Jenny and Jewel

This week's Farmer's Wife QALblocks share similar constructions although Jenny is easier to than Jewel when it comes to joining the sections.  First it's block 45, Jenny, (p.204, letter p.150)  I really like these blocks that have a swirling effect when placed on point.    As with some previous blocks, as the patterns on the CD have not been reversed, the block is a reflection of the book photo.

Fabric credits:

Kona Candy Pink

Repro yellow 1930s print

Windham Tiger Lily Cats on Grid Green by Heather Ross

As with last week's  Iris block, I used  freezer paper templates.  As all the shapes involve 45 degree angles and diagonal lines, it is easier to cut the templates out with at least a ½" seam allowance or larger .  Even on blocks with larger pieces like this one, diagonals need more fabric to prevent errors!   This block is made of 4 quarter square triangles and the sections are pieced together like a basic four-patch block.   

You might want to start thinking ahead to final layouts when you come to sew your blocks up to make a quilt top.  If you plan on following the book's on-point layout (shown in lap size above), you may want to start thinking about either making the occasional half block or two halves from blocks like this one (and also Jewel) that easily halve to make two triangles.

Top tips for this block

• Pre-cut all pieces using the freezer paper template method. 
• Use a water based glue stick. I use Sewline, to stick the first piece of each section
• Chain piece- there are four repeated sections but watch the change in ordering to allow for seam nesting.
• Press the  section joining seams open.

Jo from a Life in Lists returns as a guest blogger to share block 46 Jewel (p.205, letter p.27),   She found this a tricksy block- the diagonals are at more extreme angles than Jenny and that does make  piecing harder.  Her post is here.   Here's mine:

Fabric credits:

Kona Candy Pink
Moda, Mary-Jane Butters, Glamping, Blue Daisies (Out of Print)
Bonnie and Camille Daysail Green Hatch

{Please note:  For all my fabric credits I have linked to my sponsors on items bought through them and elsewhere for anything that has come from other shops.}

Remember you can:

• Hashtag  #fw1930sqal on Instagram and add photos to the Flickr group if you like to share there.  
• For individual blocks, you can use #jennyblock and #jewelblock on Instagram, Fat Quarter Shop and Angie are using these hash tags, #fw45jenny,  #fw46jewel.  I'm using both hashtag systems.
• You can also copy and paste links to any blog posts you do on these blocks in the comments and I'd love to visit and take a look. 

Back next Monday with guest blogger Jessie from Sew and Quilt.

February at Plush Addict

It's been a chilly week so I'm going to start this month's virtual trip to Plush Addict with some warmer fabrics.  Starting with this check which I've just bought for some trousers:

It's a poly/viscose blend but don't let the poly put you off, you would never guess it's there.  It feels like a great quality suiting fabric, but is machine washable, soft and warm with a lovely feel.  Good for  dresses, jackets and skirts too.  I would say it has less formality than a medium weight wool suiting.  Also comes in light grey, blue and tan. 

If you do want wool, this wool blend diagonal twill coating looks like a classy fabric

Looking for coat inspiration?  I like the look of this Simplicity pattern.

It is a lined coat with all the fastenings hidden by the outer finish- there's a zip and a giant press stud. I like the gentle princess line fitting and the hood option.  Some YKK open-ended metal zips have just arrived that look good for this style.

Flannel makes the cosiest pyjamas and there are a couple of Robert Kaufman prints that have caught my eye, especially for dog lovers.   First up is this  Mini Dogs on Midnight Flannel- might have to persuade my husband that he could wear these!

and next, the same print but bigger and more colours- Urban Zoologie Dogs in Sky

Looking at the quilting cotton arrivals, I've already declared my love for Sommer by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller, I find it a very uplifting set of designs and colours.  Kelli has a selection of prints available in a soft coral/aqua colourway.  

A couple of classic dot fabrics are new in store, Makower polka dots in red and navy:

 

Vacation fabrics also by Makower are now in stock.  I wanted to mention these last month but they were still arriving.  A zesty colour palette combined with retro prints- there's a lot to like!

Still feeling chilly?  There's a hot water bottle template PDF, ready to download for free and Kellie's instructions to make it are here.

Enjoy x