12 November 2013

To be a Farmers Wife or not?


I can not tell you how much fun I had making this mini quilt.  The pattern is called Christmas Star and it's Block B-7  from The Loyal Union Sampler by Jennifer Chiaverini.  I made it with the intention of using it as a Christmas decoration, but to be honest it's up now and the chances of it going down after Christmas....zip!!  I used a selection of gorgeous red Tilda fabrics from my stash, including one of my favourite, now out of print ones.  I don't know about you, but I have a huge stash of fabrics from my Buntings days and amongst these I have a pile of precious ones bought JUST for me, waiting for JUST the right project...but then I find myself struggling to use them, because then they would be gone, silly isn't it!!


I machine pierced the block rather than English Paper Piercing, because I want to expand my knowledge of this style of patchwork.  As I said in my previous post, it was all going tickity boo and the middle section went together like a dream, I did however struggle and I mean really struggle with the second row of triangles getting the points to line up in the right place, but in the end... and after several cups of tea, I got there....almost..



It's amazing how something so small, it's 7 1/2" square and sweet can give you such a thrill, but then isn't that was crafting and sewing is all about, she says smiling.


So here's the thing.......I have been wanting to make a sampler quilt for ages, but I haven't found the time to do so.  But I've been thinking, when am I ever going to have the time..... BUT if I were to aim to make one/two blocks a week, by this time next year, I would have the bones of something rather lovely...does that sound mad...do you think it's achievable??????  So the big questions is which Sampler quilt do I make?  I have seen lots of my favourite bloggers making The Farmer's Wife quilt and there are some amazing examples of completed quilts on Pinterest, which are totally inspiring and beautiful....I also love the concept and origins of this quilt, however on a practical front, there are no detailed instructions on how to complete each block in the book and baring in mind my intention to machine pierce, this could be a problem.  On the other hand, each of the blocks in The Loyal Union Sampler contain thorough instructions for both paper and machine piercing, a plus, but I'm not as drawn to the Union quilting story in such the same way.  But does this matter, as the blocks themselves are gorgeous....oh decisions, decisions, I think the Union Quilt has it, but what I do know is, that maybe this is JUST the right project to use up some of those precious fabrics.


In the meanwhile, whilst I cogitate and ponder, I'll carry on working on this little project...... 





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11 comments

  1. Gosh Sarah, I am more than a little in awe ! I have never made a quilt as I just don't think I would have the patience. Your little red square is just gorgeous. I love all the fabrics and prints - I wouldn't want to take it down either.
    Kate x

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  2. It's wonderful Sarah! It's making me want to do some more patchwork, very inspirational! Well done xx

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  3. It is beautiful Sarah. x

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  4. Love it! How did you hang it? Out of interest - desperate to decorate the walls of my sewing room with mini quilts but don't know the best & easiest way to hang them!

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  5. Thank you so much everyone.....I couldn't stop looking at it last night!! Hi Naomi, it is hung using a little bakers twine loop, which I simply tied securely around the star button, which I sewed on to the back. I find this works perfectly for little mini's and hangers. Sarah xo

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  6. Hi Sarah, just popping over after seeing your comment on my blog...goodness me, I'm very humbled that you joined as a follower, your blog and your creativity have bowled me over! I'm so new to quilting and sewing, and I find your posts very inspiring indeed! This little quilt you've posted is such a charmer, of course you should leave it up year round! :-) The jolly Tilda fabrics and pretty design will see you through the dark, wintry days of January for sure! Hmmm, is there some more wall space around it I see, perhaps for a few more mini quilts? ;-) Chrissie x

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    1. Hi Chrissie and thank you so much for popping over and your lovely comments. Do you know now I look there is some space for some more mini's...humm I wonder if my husband would notice if I added some more :) Have a super weekend! Sarah xo

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  7. Your little quilt us just gorgeous! I love the little details you have added. You have such a lovely blog! Thank you for visiting mine and for your kind comments.
    Marianne x

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    1. Hi Marianne, I'm thrilled that you love my little quilt. I thoroughly enjoyed your blog and have added it to my Bloglovin' list. I'm looking forward to reading your updates. Best wishes, Sarah xo

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  8. Good grief, is there no end to your talents?? The quilt looks flawless to me and I think it's size is part of the appeal. I only ever made one machine quilt and it has many, many errors but I love it all the same. I am very keen to have a go at a hexie style paper piecing quilt next year sometime... x

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    1. Thank you Gillian, it really was a fiddle, but the instructions in the pattern book were great. Did you put a picture of your quilt on your blog, so that I can take a peek? Oh and yes me too on the hexie patchwork...I'm hoping to incorporate some on my daughters birthday pressie. xo

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment, it really does make my day! If you have a question, please do ask away and I will do my very best to answer. Sarah xo

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