Friday, March 16, 2012

Farmer's Wife Friday: High Lights and Shadows

This week it seems all my time was spent with farmers' wives. I started the week being part of this great series, Farmer's Wife in Your Life, "reinventing" a block that hadn't turned out well. If this ever happens to you, don't discard an errant block--turn it into something else! There are lots of ideas here.
This week's farmer's wife is from Grand Forks County, North Dakota. She is a woman who has lived both on the farm and in the city, and has found "high lights and shadows in each." While so many letters before her who have praised the benefits of the farm including the fresh air, butter and eggs, she reminds us that there is much more to farm life. She makes three points:

"First, she and her husband must be real partners." They go over the work of the day, helping each other out with the tasks that must be accomplished. "It is not John's salary, but John and Mary's income."

#89 Steps to the Altar

"Second, a woman must have a reasonable number of working conveniences." She lists some of the conveniences she has, which her mother did not, and hopes that her daughters will themselves have even more than those she is enjoying.

#55, Linoleum

"Third, and not least, her children must have the best possible chance." That chance consists of not just a city yard, but "a pasture, a field, a piece of woods, a stream of water and pets."

#71, Puss in the Corner

I love the way she ends her letter, because she points out that "happiness does not rest solely on the question of city or country." And even though she sees steady improvement in the living condition on the farm, I believe she recognizes that often true happiness doesn't lie in where you live but the other choices you make.

#90 Storm Signal

When I was making the "Steps to the Altar" block, I thought, "Hmmm, didn't I just recently make the same block?"

Why, yes, #91, Strawberry Basket, from last week is nearly the same, with minor structural changes.

For some reason, all four of my blocks ended up being very low-contrast and monochromatic this week. And they strike me as rather boring. And I think there is a slight bump in my design wall, so everything looks wonky. Or I need to use a tripod so keep things straight.

I guarantee you will not be bored with Carla's blocks. Hers are always bright and cheery, so head over there.(Note: A highlight of the day yesterday was actually talking to Carla on the phone for the first time. Not sure why it has taken us so long!)

Here are all 78 blocks so far, in all their glory. I guess the monochromatic blocks look just fine among all that color.


16 comments:

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pinsandneedles said... #

They look great and with them all together, it took me a while to pick them out. Not boring at all!

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

They all look great, hanging out together on the wall!!

randi--i have to say said... #

oh wow! your blocks are looking great together!

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

Amazing and I love the monotone!

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

Amazing x

Terriaw said... #

This week's set of blocks are so rich looking! They all look amazing together!

Carla said... #

Yep, I those 'boring' blocks just fine and dandy! This quilt is going to be stunning, you know that don't you! Chatting on the phone was a highlight for me yesterday too. And, yes, why did it take us so long!

Deborah said... #

Your FW quilt just gets better and better!

Katy Cameron said... #

They're looking great! Hope there's more of that wall to the right though ;o)

Annabella said... #

Truly amazing!!

Jennifer said... #

Your blocks are looking great! The colors play so nice together and I think that part of the reason why is because you have some monchromatic blocks...

Have a great weekend!

Jennifer :)

Mama Pea said... #

I'll say your blocks look just fine with everything on the wall. How lovely!

felicity said... #

Glorious indeed!

FlourishingPalms said... #

Your linoleum block looks just like a floor I remember! Wouldn't that be a fabulous monochromatic quilt? You do that, okay? So glad you had a chance to talk to Carla. She's as pretty as her voice, as I know you are too. Happy National Quilting Day!

jacquie said... #

pretty cool...boring...i don't think so!

Rene' said... #

All of your blocks look fabulous together! So not boring. I enjoy seeing your blocks grow on the design wall. Great pillow too by the way.