Farmer's Wife QAL: Week 1

Due to having to wait for my book, I joined the Farmer's Wife Quilt-a-Long a bit late in the game. Week 3 is about to begin, so I'm working on catching up this week. My book arrived yesterday. Last night I set to work, and I completed week 1's blocks. I'm trying to work in order and not skip any; we'll see how I do. I'm also not sure if I'll be a Farmer's Wife or maybe a Farmer's Girlfriend and make a smaller quilt.

I didn't originally intend to join this QAL; when Amanda announced the project, I went to check it out and wrinkled my nose in distaste. I can ignore the superficial dressing of many things: quilts are not one of them. One look at the fabric in the quilt blocks and I couldn't envision them any other way. I saw a kind of drab, old looking quilt. Really not my thing. I'm a bad person; I know. *wink*

But then she and Angela posted their blocks and BAM! I was smitten and wanted to play. BAD. The blocks were so fresh and fun in bold,modern prints...some of which I have in stash too. I ordered the book immediately and then waited for almost 2 weeks for it to make its way here. Now it is and I'm slowly reading the letters that inspired the blocks chosen...and calming myself down about working with templates. Things have gone very wrong in the past thanks to them and it's hard not to think about that when working.

Block 1: Attic Windows

My first attempt at this block didn't end quite how I wanted. The colors were more demure than I had intended, and I wasn't digging the block as it looked in the layout. A bit of a bummer after taking the time to fussy cut that lil' pony to be on point like the quilt is laid out. It was good practice, and I'm going to try and use this block in something else...maybe a project bag?

So I tried again.

I like this one quite a bit better, though I was nervous making my fabric selections. I was afraid they might be a bit much, but they're growing on me. On this one, I not only fussy cut the ponies, but also the cherry blossoms from the Amy Butler print.

Block 2: Autumn Tints.

Block 2 was much easier for me to execute, even if it isn't at all autumnal. I've been learning that I really enjoy fussy cutting, but I'm afraid I may be overdoing it a bit. I plan to keep doing it, regardless. Template cutting for the block seemed unnecessary, so I did the math and rotary cut it instead. I rather like those crazy colored, grumpy owls.

Now, onto Week 2's blocks!