A few weeks ago I was asked if I had heard of The Farmers Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt. I had briefly skim read something online, but I could not recall exactly what I had read, nor could I recall actually seeing the quilt.
I have fallen a bit behind this year. Since November last year I have been driving my 17yr old daughter to and from work as a trainee Pastry Chef. It is an hours trip and comes with early rising and consequently earlier nights. The time I would normally have available to spend at the computer has evaporated and the days are passing much quicker than they ever have in the past....on a positive side we share great talks as we travel along the roads, and I have experienced lovely sun rises.
So it was only early last week that I set about looking into what this new Farmers Wife was all about.
It was not hard to find. Angie, an Aussie lady who lives in Canberra, and blogs under the name Gnome Angel, has been working extremely hard organising a year long quilt along for The Farmers Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt. You can read all about it here and even sign up to receive the weekly tutorials which will help you with making the blocks.
Angie has Marti Michell on board. Marti has designed an extensive range of patchwork templates, 'From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates' and will be providing free conversion charts with cutting and sewing tips to help you make the blocks. The templates will be extremely helpful for those who are machine or hand piecing their blocks, and an investment for later projects.
So I have made a last minute rush to prepare for this great quilt along. I have placed an order for a number of books.... the response has been so great I think the publishers have sold out, but lovely Angie has gained permission from both the Author (Laurie Aaron Hird) and the publishers and if you are wanting to start straight away Angie will be able to provide you with instructions until the books become available which should only be a couple of weeks. I have been able to source the Marti Michell templates which are in store now,
and I do have a great range of 1930's fabric.
So if you are interested consider join up. It is not too late as the first three blocks are only being released this week. And if you are thinking that you do not have the skills you need, this is a great way to learn as the blocks are being delivered with the simplest ones first and guest bloggers are providing tutorials to guide you through. I've registered......I can hear my friends gasping with horror right now.....they know that my previous quilt challenge has failed miserably.....but maybe the weekly email is what I need to keep me on track......time will tell! I just can't decided whether I am going to go with 1930's fabrics or the new Liberty prints. I'll keep you posted.