My Annie's Farm Stand fabric arrived over the weekend! I was so excited to get started making my Farmer's Wife blocks, that I jumped right in. Sara and I worked on our blocks together, and I finished a dozen of them. Actually 14, but one is much like another so I didn't take its picture, and the other one is too ugly to live. Sara made great progress too, go check out her blog and have a look.
The blocks are loads of fun to construct, for the most part, and I can see why others have said that making them is addictive. You just have to see what the next color combination and block layout will be.
I'd like to have a discussion with you all about techniques for making these blocks. When Sara and plunged in, we made the decision to use the templates. I had read that if you print out the 111 templates from the book on the cd which is included with the book, they just print out one per page. Definitely did not want to do that. A fabulous gal with a blog called Liz Quilts posted a LINK with the templates combined many to a page, which was more what made sense to me. I printed out the templates, bought some template plastic and set about making my templates for the blocks. I cut out each paper template, then used Elmer's glue to stick it to the plastic template, let it dry, then cut it out on the line.
Sara and I found that every block made with the templates comes out 6 1/4 inches square, not 6 1/2 inches as they are supposed to be. Is this a scaling issue that resulted when I printed out the templates? The blocks are consistent, so this could end up not being a problem if all our blocks are template made.
However. We soon tired of using the templates. Cutting out all those little triangles and sewing them together got old real fast, plus we found it was a challenge to get all our pieces and seam allowances to line up perfectly. Rotary cutting was looking VERY appealing after we had made a half dozen blocks or so from templates. So, we did the math and started making our blocks with a half square triangle method that guarantees success every time (making them with 2 7/8" squares and cutting them in half after stitching on either side of a drawn diagonal line). Ta da, every block a perfect 6 1/2 inches square, just like they are supposed to be.
So here's the dilemma: Can we use both the template made 6 1/4" blocks in the quilt along with the rotary cut 6 1/2" blocks? Will the quarter inch size discrepancy create a nightmare when we sew all the blocks together in the finished quilt?
Many of the blocks in the book can be made by doing the math, since they are simple 9 patch or 4 patch blocks. But there are loads of blocks that are fantastic that we want to include in our quilts, that seem to require templates.
The block below for instance. I could probably figure out how to make this using all half square triangles, but I like the look of the larger pieces that template construction permits.
How are the rest of you coping? I found some excellent tutorials on Lori Holt's blog Bee In My Bonnet for blocks made by doing the math. Someone also told me that if you buy the Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates sets A, B, D, N & S (for $90!) you can use them for most all the Farmer's Wife blocks with a 6 1/2" block result. Has anyone used Marti's templates?
Should I bite the bullet and print out the templates from the cd included with the book? I wonder if they will be 6 1/2", or if my printer will scale them smaller some how.
Please talk to me about how you are making your blocks and what your experience has been. I'd love to learn about some other options.
78 responses to “How The Farmer’s Wife Kept Busy”
Nicole, from experience, all those little 1/4″ seams add up and can distort the whole quilt if you sew them with the larger block. I know that some will say it won’t make a difference just stretch them. After doing all that work, why? Choose which size you want and use the others on the back or for a pillow. Just my small opinion. BTW, we had our grand-daughter on July 14th. Beautiful as expected.
Dee
Nicole, from experience, all those little 1/4″ seams add up and can distort the whole quilt if you sew them with the larger block. I know that some will say it won’t make a difference just stretch them. After doing all that work, why? Choose which size you want and use the others on the back or for a pillow. Just my small opinion. BTW, we had our grand-daughter on July 14th. Beautiful as expected.
Dee
This is the first FW put-together that I just love. Good choice Nicole. The fabrics make it sparkle. Love the fabric, little bitty pieces not so much. This is your version of putting together a 1000 piece puzzle while you do the WAIT?? Have fun with Sara.
This is the first FW put-together that I just love. Good choice Nicole. The fabrics make it sparkle. Love the fabric, little bitty pieces not so much. This is your version of putting together a 1000 piece puzzle while you do the WAIT?? Have fun with Sara.
thank you so much for that link for the templates . . . I just printed the pages off using NO scaling . . . that should make them accurate . . .
remember I told you the problems we all had in my class . . . with different size templates . . .
some of the blocks came out 6 1/2″ and some came out 6 1/4″ . . . that was the frustrating part . . .
the bigger problem was that the 6 1/4″ blocks the points were cut off once I sewed them to the sashing . . .
I did get my book back out this weekend and I was going to do what you and Sara are doing . . . rotary cut as many blocks as I can . . .
I’m hoping these templates I just printed off will work perfectly for all the others . . .
thank you so much for that link for the templates . . . I just printed the pages off using NO scaling . . . that should make them accurate . . .
remember I told you the problems we all had in my class . . . with different size templates . . .
some of the blocks came out 6 1/2″ and some came out 6 1/4″ . . . that was the frustrating part . . .
the bigger problem was that the 6 1/4″ blocks the points were cut off once I sewed them to the sashing . . .
I did get my book back out this weekend and I was going to do what you and Sara are doing . . . rotary cut as many blocks as I can . . .
I’m hoping these templates I just printed off will work perfectly for all the others . . .
Somewhere I read how to make the templates print the right size. It had to do with the scaling. I think it might be on the Flickr site for the quilt-a-long.
Somewhere I read how to make the templates print the right size. It had to do with the scaling. I think it might be on the Flickr site for the quilt-a-long.
When you print the templates, your printer is probably set to default to the “Shrink to Fit Page” setting. You just have to change that to NONE before clicking PRINT.
When you print the templates, your printer is probably set to default to the “Shrink to Fit Page” setting. You just have to change that to NONE before clicking PRINT.
Haven’t started my Farmer’s Wife blocks yet. Still dithering about what fabric to use, a collection or just dig into my stash. I think your fabric choice is spectacular. The blocks really pop. Thanks for the many good tips on how to make these blocks. I know when I start, they will be very helpful.
Haven’t started my Farmer’s Wife blocks yet. Still dithering about what fabric to use, a collection or just dig into my stash. I think your fabric choice is spectacular. The blocks really pop. Thanks for the many good tips on how to make these blocks. I know when I start, they will be very helpful.
Hi Nicole. I haven’t taken the plunge yet but I did order the book this past weekend. I love the fabric you and Sara chose for your quilts.
I have been reading the blogs and Flicker group about the template woes. I did a little research and I found this link (see below) on the Farmers Wife Quilt website for the templates. Make sure you set your printer not to scale. As a reference, I have read that Template 1 should be 2 1/2 inches. I hope these are more accurate.
A free download of the templates for The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt is available. These templates are organized by block, instead of one template per page. https://store.marthapullen.com/t-the_farmers_wife_free_downloads.aspx
Hi Nicole. I haven’t taken the plunge yet but I did order the book this past weekend. I love the fabric you and Sara chose for your quilts.
I have been reading the blogs and Flicker group about the template woes. I did a little research and I found this link (see below) on the Farmers Wife Quilt website for the templates. Make sure you set your printer not to scale. As a reference, I have read that Template 1 should be 2 1/2 inches. I hope these are more accurate.
A free download of the templates for The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt is available. These templates are organized by block, instead of one template per page. https://store.marthapullen.com/t-the_farmers_wife_free_downloads.aspx
Hi Nicole,
When you put in your disc there is a file called “Read Me”. It explains about using the 100% setting or Actual setting. This was helpful to me because my computer automatically goes to 130% which I didn’t even realize. I have been making the simpler blocks such as #2 or #9 by rotary cutting the pieces, since they are 4 patch and 9 patch blocks the math is easy to figure. On the blocks that have odd size pieces such as #5 and #37 I have been printing out the templates for the odd shaped pieces only. This way I am only printing out templates that I need instead of printing out over 100 templates. So far all of my blocks have been coming out at 6 1/2″. Hope this helps.
Hi Nicole,
When you put in your disc there is a file called “Read Me”. It explains about using the 100% setting or Actual setting. This was helpful to me because my computer automatically goes to 130% which I didn’t even realize. I have been making the simpler blocks such as #2 or #9 by rotary cutting the pieces, since they are 4 patch and 9 patch blocks the math is easy to figure. On the blocks that have odd size pieces such as #5 and #37 I have been printing out the templates for the odd shaped pieces only. This way I am only printing out templates that I need instead of printing out over 100 templates. So far all of my blocks have been coming out at 6 1/2″. Hope this helps.
Nicole, the templates printed out one at a time also result in small blocks. If you measure your template you will see they are 15/16th instead of 1 inch. VERY frustrating and a very poor way to make a quilt book with 100+ patterns. I wouldn’t have bought the book if I had looked through it and knew that they templates were one per page, which is how I printed mine! If you want to work in your smaller blocks, right now pin one to a full size block and see how much stretch you are needing. Pin at both ends, then pin in the middle and then work in the 6 1/2 ” block to the smaller one. Love your colors
Nicole, the templates printed out one at a time also result in small blocks. If you measure your template you will see they are 15/16th instead of 1 inch. VERY frustrating and a very poor way to make a quilt book with 100+ patterns. I wouldn’t have bought the book if I had looked through it and knew that they templates were one per page, which is how I printed mine! If you want to work in your smaller blocks, right now pin one to a full size block and see how much stretch you are needing. Pin at both ends, then pin in the middle and then work in the 6 1/2 ” block to the smaller one. Love your colors
I have been printing the templates and then measuring them for rotary cutting. When I did use the templates alone, my block ended up being a quarter inch smaller. I was thinking about using the paper piecing method many people are trying. I wonder what size those will end up;) Your blocks look so great and cheery! I hope they won’t give you a problem sewing them all together-a little stretch here and there and no problem:) Enjoy!
I have been printing the templates and then measuring them for rotary cutting. When I did use the templates alone, my block ended up being a quarter inch smaller. I was thinking about using the paper piecing method many people are trying. I wonder what size those will end up;) Your blocks look so great and cheery! I hope they won’t give you a problem sewing them all together-a little stretch here and there and no problem:) Enjoy!
I bought the marti mitchell templates. They are wonderful. and worth the money!
I bought the marti mitchell templates. They are wonderful. and worth the money!
Love love love your FW blocks in this fabric they are gorgeous. I’ve not used the templates so can’t help with any problems there as I’ve either done the maths and rotary cut or drawn the block in EQ and printed out for paper piecing.
Love love love your FW blocks in this fabric they are gorgeous. I’ve not used the templates so can’t help with any problems there as I’ve either done the maths and rotary cut or drawn the block in EQ and printed out for paper piecing.
I forgot to say – for your blocks that are a little too small – could you not lose that in the sashing but stitching a narrower seam?
I forgot to say – for your blocks that are a little too small – could you not lose that in the sashing but stitching a narrower seam?
First of all, I love the fabric! It has that summery, county fair, kind of feel. Is there any way that you can print just 1 page from the CD, to see how it really does print? You could also compare the size of the templates that way. You are a prefectionist, so I don’t think you will like using the 2 different sizes of block in one quilt. Maybe you can make a smaller project with the 6 1/4″ blocks. AND, you know we want to see that ugly block, so we don’t get an ugly one, too!!
First of all, I love the fabric! It has that summery, county fair, kind of feel. Is there any way that you can print just 1 page from the CD, to see how it really does print? You could also compare the size of the templates that way. You are a prefectionist, so I don’t think you will like using the 2 different sizes of block in one quilt. Maybe you can make a smaller project with the 6 1/4″ blocks. AND, you know we want to see that ugly block, so we don’t get an ugly one, too!!
Love your blocks! I have the same fabric and your blocks are so cheerful!
Thank you for this info!! I am expecting my book in the mail today and I am glad I read your post first. Will definitely read all comments before I begin!
Thanks again!
Hugs,
Donna
Love your blocks! I have the same fabric and your blocks are so cheerful!
Thank you for this info!! I am expecting my book in the mail today and I am glad I read your post first. Will definitely read all comments before I begin!
Thanks again!
Hugs,
Donna
Did you be sure to print them with scaling OFF? Template #1 should measure at 2.5″ unfinished, I believe. On the Flickr group I gave a couple measurements for a few templates and strongly suggested that you compare a few with the actual measurements and/or with a few printed from the cd. A lot of people have been having this problem and it stems from printing them with scaling on which seems to be the default for PDF files. I’ve been using them with no problem and all my blocks are coming out right at 6.5″.
Did you be sure to print them with scaling OFF? Template #1 should measure at 2.5″ unfinished, I believe. On the Flickr group I gave a couple measurements for a few templates and strongly suggested that you compare a few with the actual measurements and/or with a few printed from the cd. A lot of people have been having this problem and it stems from printing them with scaling on which seems to be the default for PDF files. I’ve been using them with no problem and all my blocks are coming out right at 6.5″.
I love this fabric line, and your blocks are beautiful. I’ve been debating if I should join in on the fun, but these templates seems to be an issue I’m not sure I can deal with!
I love this fabric line, and your blocks are beautiful. I’ve been debating if I should join in on the fun, but these templates seems to be an issue I’m not sure I can deal with!
I have not given in yet on this craze – but just wanted to say I love the green you’re using. Your blocks are so rich and fun looking. Can’t wait to see more!! Hope your template issues get resolved!
I have not given in yet on this craze – but just wanted to say I love the green you’re using. Your blocks are so rich and fun looking. Can’t wait to see more!! Hope your template issues get resolved!
Nicole, I’ve been addicted to these little things as well! Instead of using templates, I have been “doing the math” to rotary cut. I started with the 9-patch blocks, then the 16, 32, etc. Once I do the math for one type of “patch”, I have it for all the other blocks as well. Eventually I will likely have to work with the templates, but I’m gonna try like crazy to avoid them. Your blocks look great – it must be wonderful to sew with your daughter.
Nicole, I’ve been addicted to these little things as well! Instead of using templates, I have been “doing the math” to rotary cut. I started with the 9-patch blocks, then the 16, 32, etc. Once I do the math for one type of “patch”, I have it for all the other blocks as well. Eventually I will likely have to work with the templates, but I’m gonna try like crazy to avoid them. Your blocks look great – it must be wonderful to sew with your daughter.
What a great way to take your minds off Baby E coming (as if that’s possible!)! Thanks for this post, Nicole. After reading your comments I’m convinced the $90 for Marti’s rulers outweigh the time and effort in cutting templates and doing the math for sure!
Cheers!
What a great way to take your minds off Baby E coming (as if that’s possible!)! Thanks for this post, Nicole. After reading your comments I’m convinced the $90 for Marti’s rulers outweigh the time and effort in cutting templates and doing the math for sure!
Cheers!
Great fabric choice! I started mine this weekend and they are addictive. I agree with the readers who advised you to print the templates with your printer set for “none” scaling. I first printed the whole batch with shrink to fit, then dumped them and reprinted them. And I’ve been sewing with a scant (maybe a tad less than scant) seam allowance. And they’re exactly 6 1/2 ” now. Please keep posting your progress!
Great fabric choice! I started mine this weekend and they are addictive. I agree with the readers who advised you to print the templates with your printer set for “none” scaling. I first printed the whole batch with shrink to fit, then dumped them and reprinted them. And I’ve been sewing with a scant (maybe a tad less than scant) seam allowance. And they’re exactly 6 1/2 ” now. Please keep posting your progress!
Nicole, I haven’t read the other posts so someone may have already pointed this out to you.
I understand that you would be staggering the smaller blocks amongst the multitude of blocks in this quilt so could you snudge it??? I don’t know. I’m just wanted to pass on something that was explained to me when I made a BOM with 12 1/2″ blocks,(unfinished size). Three of my blocks were only 12 1/4″, they each had over 90 pieces in them so I mush have cut something wrong. Point is, those three smaller blocks threw my entire quilt off. I had the worst time trying to do sashings, it was awful. I went to my LQS and asked the BOM class teacher about it and she pointed out to me that those smaller blocks weren’t just 1/4″ smaller. They were 1/4″ smaller on all 4 sides which made each of them a full 1″ smaller than my perfect 12 1/2″ blocks. I’ve only been quilting for 3 years and I was not thinking about the overall size, just that little 1/4″. Anyway, I’m just passing on to you what my instructor told me. I finally pulled the 3 small blocks out, Then I finished it with the 9 good blocks and added an extra border so I would still have the size quilt I wanted. The instructor also told me that if we want our quilts to square up nicely, we shouldn’t try to use any blocks that are more than 1/16 – 1/8 inch smaller than called for. That rule of thumb has served me well since then.
Also, just a thought…looking at the wonderful blocks you have finished, they would make a really delightful table cloth/topper if you decide you aren’t going to used them in your quilt. I love your fabrics, absolutely gorgeous. Hugs…
Nicole, I haven’t read the other posts so someone may have already pointed this out to you.
I understand that you would be staggering the smaller blocks amongst the multitude of blocks in this quilt so could you snudge it??? I don’t know. I’m just wanted to pass on something that was explained to me when I made a BOM with 12 1/2″ blocks,(unfinished size). Three of my blocks were only 12 1/4″, they each had over 90 pieces in them so I mush have cut something wrong. Point is, those three smaller blocks threw my entire quilt off. I had the worst time trying to do sashings, it was awful. I went to my LQS and asked the BOM class teacher about it and she pointed out to me that those smaller blocks weren’t just 1/4″ smaller. They were 1/4″ smaller on all 4 sides which made each of them a full 1″ smaller than my perfect 12 1/2″ blocks. I’ve only been quilting for 3 years and I was not thinking about the overall size, just that little 1/4″. Anyway, I’m just passing on to you what my instructor told me. I finally pulled the 3 small blocks out, Then I finished it with the 9 good blocks and added an extra border so I would still have the size quilt I wanted. The instructor also told me that if we want our quilts to square up nicely, we shouldn’t try to use any blocks that are more than 1/16 – 1/8 inch smaller than called for. That rule of thumb has served me well since then.
Also, just a thought…looking at the wonderful blocks you have finished, they would make a really delightful table cloth/topper if you decide you aren’t going to used them in your quilt. I love your fabrics, absolutely gorgeous. Hugs…
Love the blocks and fabrics!
Do the Farmer’s Wife blocks require going together in a certain placement order? If so, I’d suggest remaking these few blocks for the quilt and use the 6 1/4″ blocks for a wall hanging to go in the room where the quilt is on display.
If you can put the blocks together any way you choose and add any border in your imagination, these blocks be scattered in the corners and along the length of a border. On way or another, they wouldn’t go to waste.
Busy day here with AMIL. How delightful you and Sara share the love of fabrics, sewing, and quilting!
Hugs!
Love the blocks and fabrics!
Do the Farmer’s Wife blocks require going together in a certain placement order? If so, I’d suggest remaking these few blocks for the quilt and use the 6 1/4″ blocks for a wall hanging to go in the room where the quilt is on display.
If you can put the blocks together any way you choose and add any border in your imagination, these blocks be scattered in the corners and along the length of a border. On way or another, they wouldn’t go to waste.
Busy day here with AMIL. How delightful you and Sara share the love of fabrics, sewing, and quilting!
Hugs!
I bought the book at BN this weekend when we went to visit the new grandbaby, so I’m excited to read all the thoughts about putting the blocks together. Love looking at all the different fabric combinations too! It was the last book in the store – now we’ll see how long it takes me to get one block completed.
I bought the book at BN this weekend when we went to visit the new grandbaby, so I’m excited to read all the thoughts about putting the blocks together. Love looking at all the different fabric combinations too! It was the last book in the store – now we’ll see how long it takes me to get one block completed.
I just finished making the last of the 111 blocks and I did use Marti’s templates for quite a bit of it. They were a life saver actually for quite a few things. I did have an advantage though as mine were through a BOM from Primitive Gatherings and there were template cutting instructions included in each month which saved a lot of time. I have found MM’s templates excellent for other projects as well though, so I think they’re worth the money.
I also printed off the templates from the CD and didn’t have a problem with those either. Just make sure that your printer is on the correct settings and you should be fine.
And as far as your 6-1/4 and 6-1/2 inch blocks. I had that happen in a couple instances (operator error) and I drew a line on the back of the blocks all the way around for the seam allowance (1/4 for the correct sized block and 1/8 for the smaller blocks, pinned to line up the lines and sewed away. Some of these blocks – no matter how careful you are in sewing tend so size up a little small. I mainly had trouble with the ones that you had some wonky template shape. One block came out looking like a volcano. I will probably paper piece that one. The paper piecing patterns are in the Yahoo Group.
I just finished making the last of the 111 blocks and I did use Marti’s templates for quite a bit of it. They were a life saver actually for quite a few things. I did have an advantage though as mine were through a BOM from Primitive Gatherings and there were template cutting instructions included in each month which saved a lot of time. I have found MM’s templates excellent for other projects as well though, so I think they’re worth the money.
I also printed off the templates from the CD and didn’t have a problem with those either. Just make sure that your printer is on the correct settings and you should be fine.
And as far as your 6-1/4 and 6-1/2 inch blocks. I had that happen in a couple instances (operator error) and I drew a line on the back of the blocks all the way around for the seam allowance (1/4 for the correct sized block and 1/8 for the smaller blocks, pinned to line up the lines and sewed away. Some of these blocks – no matter how careful you are in sewing tend so size up a little small. I mainly had trouble with the ones that you had some wonky template shape. One block came out looking like a volcano. I will probably paper piece that one. The paper piecing patterns are in the Yahoo Group.
Hey Nicole – they look great! I did not do this one (nor will I try anytime soon) but I was going to refer you to debbie (above comment) but I see she already commented. I knew she finished her blocks. I can’t wait to see her’s finished. And looking forward to your progress…check out Deb’s blog – it’s great!
Hey Nicole – they look great! I did not do this one (nor will I try anytime soon) but I was going to refer you to debbie (above comment) but I see she already commented. I knew she finished her blocks. I can’t wait to see her’s finished. And looking forward to your progress…check out Deb’s blog – it’s great!
I ordered the eq version. And I have mm’s templates. Can’t decide on fabric!
I ordered the eq version. And I have mm’s templates. Can’t decide on fabric!
Hi Nicole,
Besides the Flickr group for the Farmer’s Wife Quilt, there is a Yahoo group, as well. I found it on Yahoo by searching “The Farmer’s Wife Quilt”. The author, Laurie Aaron Hird, has also made comments and answered questions from time to time. The group began in August 2009 when the book was released. There are photos and files with tips, you can access. Thank you, Nicole, for your input here on your blog, re:FWQ. It is helpful to me as I am trying to gather information before starting my own FWQ blocks. Very good to know about the sizing problem you encountered!
I think it is great you and Sara have this time to be near each other again.
Beverly in WA state
Hi Nicole,
Besides the Flickr group for the Farmer’s Wife Quilt, there is a Yahoo group, as well. I found it on Yahoo by searching “The Farmer’s Wife Quilt”. The author, Laurie Aaron Hird, has also made comments and answered questions from time to time. The group began in August 2009 when the book was released. There are photos and files with tips, you can access. Thank you, Nicole, for your input here on your blog, re:FWQ. It is helpful to me as I am trying to gather information before starting my own FWQ blocks. Very good to know about the sizing problem you encountered!
I think it is great you and Sara have this time to be near each other again.
Beverly in WA state
Can you say “dilemma?????” Wow. I’m not making this quilt, but I love it. It looks like so much fun with a little migraine mixed in. LOL! So, I am living vicariously through everyone on the Net making it. I most definitely think you should invest in the MM templates. Those sound like they would pay for themselves in saving you a lot of grief! Love your fabrics and blocks so far!
Can you say “dilemma?????” Wow. I’m not making this quilt, but I love it. It looks like so much fun with a little migraine mixed in. LOL! So, I am living vicariously through everyone on the Net making it. I most definitely think you should invest in the MM templates. Those sound like they would pay for themselves in saving you a lot of grief! Love your fabrics and blocks so far!
Oh my goodness! your blocks are fabulous and the green really makes a statement!
Oh my goodness! your blocks are fabulous and the green really makes a statement!
I have to say, once you start using the marti templates you will see the seams just start to lay flat and with an accurate seam allowance things will be a lot easier. I signed up for the PDF instructions from Marti and they make the difference. I am sure several of us have them and are willing to share. We are on chart 5 I signed up on her website.
Ps I really do enjoy your log. Thanks !!
I have to say, once you start using the marti templates you will see the seams just start to lay flat and with an accurate seam allowance things will be a lot easier. I signed up for the PDF instructions from Marti and they make the difference. I am sure several of us have them and are willing to share. We are on chart 5 I signed up on her website.
Ps I really do enjoy your log. Thanks !!
Mine were also too small from the CD and the Liz site the CD were actually even smaller. I check my settings in the printer and I even end up scaling the 100% the original was only at 91% witch made them even smaller. I cuold have tried maybe to do like a 103% and check but I think if they are all at 6 1/4 I just as well live it at that and move on, there is not a template for the sashing and its not a brainer to figure out, you could also do another row of the light sashing, two or three inches if that is how short things turn out, and the add another inch or so to the darker one. Just saying, you could always try to be perfect and do it the “right way” but I think since we are trying to add our own personality to this BOM lets just do it our way. Main reason of all: Enjoy…
Mine were also too small from the CD and the Liz site the CD were actually even smaller. I check my settings in the printer and I even end up scaling the 100% the original was only at 91% witch made them even smaller. I cuold have tried maybe to do like a 103% and check but I think if they are all at 6 1/4 I just as well live it at that and move on, there is not a template for the sashing and its not a brainer to figure out, you could also do another row of the light sashing, two or three inches if that is how short things turn out, and the add another inch or so to the darker one. Just saying, you could always try to be perfect and do it the “right way” but I think since we are trying to add our own personality to this BOM lets just do it our way. Main reason of all: Enjoy…
Love your blocks Nicole! I shouldn’t get started on discussing the Farmer’s Wife blocks! I have had to make several blocks over as they do not turn out using her rotary cutting instructions. And I am one anal person so it isn’t the cutter making the mistake! I made that basket block 5 times and the angle is off so I finally threw in the towel and paper pieced it. I am having problems with several of the other blocks too – the ones with the funny angles. I have now purchased a ruler by Marsha McClosky for her feathered stars (cost was $14.95). I am going back to EQ and changing the settings to 1/16th as this ruler has those markings. I have been told that this takes out all the headaches but haven’t tried a block yet so the jury is still out. There is also a Flicker group which has made all the blocks and supposedly has all the correct rotary cutting instructions. Access is thru the author’s web site I am told. Again, I just heard about this the other day and haven’t had time to investigate it further. I think you have to join their Flicker group to get the instructions.
Can’t wait to see more of your blocks!
Love your blocks Nicole! I shouldn’t get started on discussing the Farmer’s Wife blocks! I have had to make several blocks over as they do not turn out using her rotary cutting instructions. And I am one anal person so it isn’t the cutter making the mistake! I made that basket block 5 times and the angle is off so I finally threw in the towel and paper pieced it. I am having problems with several of the other blocks too – the ones with the funny angles. I have now purchased a ruler by Marsha McClosky for her feathered stars (cost was $14.95). I am going back to EQ and changing the settings to 1/16th as this ruler has those markings. I have been told that this takes out all the headaches but haven’t tried a block yet so the jury is still out. There is also a Flicker group which has made all the blocks and supposedly has all the correct rotary cutting instructions. Access is thru the author’s web site I am told. Again, I just heard about this the other day and haven’t had time to investigate it further. I think you have to join their Flicker group to get the instructions.
Can’t wait to see more of your blocks!
There is a cd that the author has put out that contains rotary cutting directions. It is EQ5 or above dependent. While it does make many of then blocks easier, there are some that would still be easier with templates or paper pieced. This add on cd will also print out templates for one block on one or two pages…together. Be prepared for 1/16 inch increments! I too have gone thru the book and done the blocks that are straight forward rotary cutting. Good Luck!
There is a cd that the author has put out that contains rotary cutting directions. It is EQ5 or above dependent. While it does make many of then blocks easier, there are some that would still be easier with templates or paper pieced. This add on cd will also print out templates for one block on one or two pages…together. Be prepared for 1/16 inch increments! I too have gone thru the book and done the blocks that are straight forward rotary cutting. Good Luck!
Don’t know if this is of help to you now since you have already made some of the blocks but Moda Lissa just posted recently that Marti Michell is running a newsletter series on how to piece the Farmers Wife blocks with her templates which might help with the consistency issue. Information on that is here:
http://www.frommarti.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMM&Product_Code=8205&Category_Code=B_FW
Don’t know if this is of help to you now since you have already made some of the blocks but Moda Lissa just posted recently that Marti Michell is running a newsletter series on how to piece the Farmers Wife blocks with her templates which might help with the consistency issue. Information on that is here:
http://www.frommarti.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMM&Product_Code=8205&Category_Code=B_FW
Hi Nicole – I just printed off rotary cutting directions to many of the blocks from http://www.quiltingboard.com. I searched on farmers wife rotary and the block number. I know, unless absolutely necessary, templates are not for me.
Hi Nicole – I just printed off rotary cutting directions to many of the blocks from http://www.quiltingboard.com. I searched on farmers wife rotary and the block number. I know, unless absolutely necessary, templates are not for me.
Wow great advice! I have been dragging my feet on starting the FWQ just because I knew I wouldn’t do well with templates I made myself… I did read on Marti Michell’s site that she has a free block by block cutting info using her ruler sets…. sign up by 8/31 and the next mailings will go out in September in your email – I think you get 10 a week or something like that? She has permission from the author to share the info… she made almost all the blocks with her rulers and rotary cutting!!! ALSO… My sister just surprised me with the book and showed up on my doorstep with 6 blocks she did and has now done over 14… she has been doing paper piecing and has never done it before… there is a Yahoo group you sign up for and on their group site there is a free pdf section for paper piecing templates… you can print out all blocks… again… make sure your sizes are spot on before you print them all… AND mark flip horizontally so that you will get the right image going the right direction…. I was so surprised how easy the paper piecing was – her blocks were PERFECT…. go to yahoo/groups/farmerswifesampler… they ask you to sign up.. then they accept your request and walah… you are in, can see pics of what loads of folks are doing and search through the posts for questions to get help.. or post questions to get help!!! Love your color selections! :O) Bari
Wow great advice! I have been dragging my feet on starting the FWQ just because I knew I wouldn’t do well with templates I made myself… I did read on Marti Michell’s site that she has a free block by block cutting info using her ruler sets…. sign up by 8/31 and the next mailings will go out in September in your email – I think you get 10 a week or something like that? She has permission from the author to share the info… she made almost all the blocks with her rulers and rotary cutting!!! ALSO… My sister just surprised me with the book and showed up on my doorstep with 6 blocks she did and has now done over 14… she has been doing paper piecing and has never done it before… there is a Yahoo group you sign up for and on their group site there is a free pdf section for paper piecing templates… you can print out all blocks… again… make sure your sizes are spot on before you print them all… AND mark flip horizontally so that you will get the right image going the right direction…. I was so surprised how easy the paper piecing was – her blocks were PERFECT…. go to yahoo/groups/farmerswifesampler… they ask you to sign up.. then they accept your request and walah… you are in, can see pics of what loads of folks are doing and search through the posts for questions to get help.. or post questions to get help!!! Love your color selections! :O) Bari
ps… Love Lori Holt’s tutorials – excellent! She has also done a tutorial for design boards that you make from foam core boards… to die for – great to use for your Farmer’s Wife blocks!!! bye!
ps… Love Lori Holt’s tutorials – excellent! She has also done a tutorial for design boards that you make from foam core boards… to die for – great to use for your Farmer’s Wife blocks!!! bye!
I have a little patchwork shop in Australia & love your blog site. I look forward to reading your blog at the start of my working day. I have Farmer Wants a Wife Book & look forward to starting it soon. Thanks for all the tips. Hopefully they will save me a lot of wonky blocks. Congratulations & enjoy “Eva”. Grandchildren are true blessings.
I have a little patchwork shop in Australia & love your blog site. I look forward to reading your blog at the start of my working day. I have Farmer Wants a Wife Book & look forward to starting it soon. Thanks for all the tips. Hopefully they will save me a lot of wonky blocks. Congratulations & enjoy “Eva”. Grandchildren are true blessings.