Friday, April 20, 2012

Farmer's Wife Friday: The Joy of Achievement

Before I introduce our farmer's wife today, I would certainly say that I have felt the "joy of achievement" this week. The Colorbox quilt raised $5,900 at the MCC auction for Third World Relief. When I mentioned my giveaway of scraps left over from Colorbox, and also said that Mark and I would donate an additional $1 per comment, you guys really kicked into high gear! The last time I checked we were really close to 500 comments! Impoverished people will benefit from each and every dollar, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Today's farmer's wife is from Fulton County, Ohio. She mentions, as many other wives have mentioned in their own letters, the benefit of country life, although she doesn't downplay the hard work involved. She realizes that the cities "are vital to the Nation," as are the rural districts. "Each has a bright and dark side." She recalls the "joy of achievement," and rejoices in the advances made that allow for a brighter future for farmers, "elements of progress" that are enriching farm life.

I kind of chuckled when she mentioned the farmer  rising in the morning, "greeted by the sun's beauty and the voices of his 'dumb' friends." He probably encountered various critters while doing his work, including pesky little spiders.

#82 Spider Legs

When I first looked at the pattern for this block, I groaned, partly because yet again I put off making it until the end of the week. All templates, mostly odd little pieces. During the construction it wasn't looking good. I should have taken some pictures. And then when it was all together and pressed, voila! I'm pretty happy with these little spider legs!


I love the way this farmer's wife started her letter: "If a young farmer, educated, industrious, honest, congenial, seeks your daughter's hand, straightway procure a minister, give them your blessing and be assured of their happiness." In other words, put a ring on that girl's hand!

#101, Wedding Ring

On the other hand, when I looked at this block, my first thought was, "Piece of cake." It was all squares and half square triangles. Small degree of difficulty. Until I realized that it was a 5x5 grid. So the squares weren't a "normal" size. They were more like 1 5/8+. Ugh. It didn't turn out as well as I thought. However, in the scheme of things I'm sure it will settle in nicely with its neighboring blocks.
I took all the blocks down from the design wall while working on other projects, so I'm not sure how many Carla and I have made to this point, but they made a nice little stack. We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Carla's blocks are sure to be bright and cheerful, and she always has a very interesting commentary, so don't miss it!

13 comments:

05 08
Katy Cameron said... #

Oh, all that preciseness might have done for me, but they look great!

Amy Friend said... #

Your blocks all look fabulous to me. Any flaws you think you see, aren't really there!

Cass said... #

Congratulations on the amazing amount your quilt raised! :)

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

Your blocks look great!!

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

I hate spiders, bit that block is beautiful!

Unknown said... #

I can't wait to start my own! These turned out beautifully!

pinsandneedles said... #

Cindy, a great job on these blocks again! I love how these shot cottons are coming together!

Carla said... #

I sure like the way to colored the wedding ring block. As usual your piecing is so precise! I counted and we have 25 more to go...woo hoo!

Terriaw said... #

Cool blocks! They look so intricate, so I would have groaned at first sight. Good for you for keeping up with such a big project.

And good for you and Mark for your charity and contributions to others in need. Very admirable.

CitricSugar said... #

Ooooh, love the spider legs! The colours alone are swoon-worthy but the design is lovely. Your sewing skills are far better than you ever give yourself credit for, dear!

So thrilled that so many folks are costing you two money for charity! :-)

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

more great blocks and I love the spider legs (but not real ones!!)

felicity said... #

I am constantly amazed at how beautifully precise your blocks are. I bow down to your accuracy, Cindy!

OPQuilt said... #

Before I crashed tonight, I had to check in and see what your total was up to on your donation check. Bravo to you for getting so many comments, and bravo to you and Mark for being so generous. I hope you have a warm feeing in your heart for all that you have done--you are a lovely woman and fabulous quilter and I'm so glad that I know you!