This week's farmer's wife is from Shawnee County, Kansas. She begins her letter with a quote from George Washington: "The tilling of the soil is the most healthful, the most useful and the most noble occupation of man." She asks, "What other position requires the knowledge and skill as does that of the farmer's wife? She must be a home-maker, that is, she must be skilled in cooking, sewing, washing, ironing, making beds, setting tables, sweeping, dusting, cleaning, buying, nursing, educating the children, as well as social manager and anything else her hand finds to do indoors."
Okay. Maybe she did not have a relaxing holiday season...
"Then outside she must be a livestock breeder, that is, raise chickens, turkeys and so forth..."
#28, Duck & Ducklings. So let's just pretend that this farmer's wife jumped on the Pantone Color of the Year bandwagon, Tangerine Tango, to make this block. It's not quite the deep reddish orange of tangerine, but she worked with what she had on hand. Good for her.
"...she must be a gardener, know how to can, preserve and store her fruits and vegetables, how to care for her meat in winter, how to make soap and many other things...she is a financier, a bookkeeper, a home-maker, a manufacturer...."
I have to admit that just reading the list made me a little weary.
#87, Star Gardener. This 6" block has 57 pieces! And making this block made me a little more weary.
But yet, after that list, she goes on to say that the "so-called privileges of city life are few in comparison to the contentment and love for nature we enjoy in the country....men have deeds to land, but the beautiful view they do not own." That was an interesting thought. "Even night in the country with its stars and its dews is a wonderful blessing...."
I can say for certain that the stars do not shine as brightly here in the city where I live. There is competition with street lights, neon signs, buildings.... When we are out of the city,away from all the artificial light, the stars are almost blindingly bright. I am literally "star-struck" by the sheer number of stars that we don't see in the city.
#31, Evening Star. This block was a walk in the park. I have usually called this block "sawtooth star." Whatever its name, it has always been one of my favorites. And it was nice to have a block go together quickly after Star Gardener.
"The memory of the farm home will be treasured long, long after the screen artist has married and divorced her fourth husband, or been murdered...so I want my girl to marry a farmer that she may have the best chance to live a successful life and of being a real home-maker."
#47, Homemaker. It's a good thing Evening Star was quick and easy. Because Homemaker, in my opinion, is the toughest block I have made so far in this sampler. After you do the corner segments (the green and Kona snow), the rest of the block construction involves set-in seams. Don't look closely. I finally pressed this block into submission.
Here are this week's four blocks together:
They have such a different look when set on point.
Here is the whole group of 54 (54!) completed so far. Nearly half done.
It's good to be spending time with the farmer's wives again. I'm looking forward to seeing what Carla has to say about this week's letter...and how she feels about that Homemaker block!
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Nichole
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January 13, 2012 at 5:25 AM
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Mary
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Needled Mom
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Grandma G
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Archie The Wonder Dog
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Mrs Flying Blind...
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Carla
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Sherri ~ daintytime
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felicity
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rc truck
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January 18, 2012 at 3:10 AM
I live that you said you pressed the Homemaker into submission. I've definitely been there! Your blocks look great! Yay for being almost halfway there!
wow! Cindy...I know how tricky this shot cotton can be to work with but your blocks are a feast for the eyes!!! Have you found that some colors of the shot cotton are easier to work with than others? There is a difference in the quality of the cloth? Maybe it is just me :) Great blocks Cindy!
The Homemaker looks like a tough one. Yikes! You did a great job on all of them. I love the colors.
That is going to be one.amazing.quilt!! Here's to the other half+!!!
More lovely blocks, I particularly like the orange one!!
Wow Cindy - these all together look amazing!
I'm glad to see your Farmer's Wife blocks are back! Wow...54 blocks already. I love the colors in the Homemaker shot cottons. Happy Friday!
As you read on my blog, I was a sloth this week and didn't even attempt the Homemaker block...great name for a tough block, huh! Maybe I will look up the paper-piecing instructions...better get started!
Great colors!
Had to laugh at the comment under the 3rd photo :oD
How do you do a sampler like this? I would love to make one for my guest bed, but I would not know where to start.
How do you do a sampler like this? I would love to make one for my guest bed, but I would not know where to start.
Happy sigh. You know I love how you're doing these blocks.
As always....amazingly beautiful!
They look awesome set on point! Great progress.
They look awesome set on point! Great progress.
Inset seams. Bold. I applaud you for tackling them! If there's a chance I'll come across them, I usually split a piece so that I can sew everything in a straight line. I avoid them like the plague...
Beautiful blocks.
Wow. Your blocks look great. I only have 18 done so far. Good on you : )
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