Farmer’s Wife week one: one of these things is not like the others

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I don’t know why the song from Sesame Street pops  into my mind every time I look at my first blocks.  The Yogi statue seems to be hanging his head in confusion.

I was going to stage some lovely backdrops to show off each block.  Our adorable little fatty, Tippy, had arranged his bulk across most of the cutting table.  As I pulled the book out from under him, I recognized how nice his sleek black fur would show off the colors in the blocks.  So now I present the blocks from the first week, complete with kitty background.

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Here is Becky, with her cacophony of prints and colors.  I am using the foundation paper piecing method for my blocks.  While not necessary for the straightforward blocks like Becky, I actually like to paper piece.  I do it whenever I have a chance!  And no, I am not aware of any help groups for this particular affliction.

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Bonnie found me in a much different mood fabric-wise.  I love these prints together.

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When the Aunt block came up next, it sent me back to the drawing board for the center fabric.  I’ve chosen small prints for most of my fabrics, and could not find anything that I wanted to fussy cut for the center.  So that little cowboy dude is going to be a one-off.  Or is he…

I love the delicate way that 20 pound cat is modeling the blocks.  They grow up so fast.

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Today I am boasting – look what I got in the mail!

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There are times when you just have to do a happy dance.  The Mr. and I were off on an adventure, and I returned home to the most intriguing package.  There is something about a paper wrapped package that sets my heart aflutter.

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When I peeled the paper off, this is what I saw.  Best surprise ever.  Five Bali Pops by Hoffman Fabrics.  Big shout out to our friend Tim W.  He lives in Bali, and makes batik fabrics for Hoffman.  Yet another instance of it’s not what you know, it’s who you know!

I am turning over some ideas in my head for these lovelies.  I’m excited at the prospect of coming up with the right project!

And now for something completely different.

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This gorgeous book was recently released, and it is getting lots of attention.  There is a Farmer’s Wife 1930’s Sampler Quilt sew-along starting on September 28.  Angie Wilson of Gnome Angel (gnomeangel.com) is the instigator of this amazing project.  There is a Facebook group dedicated to the sew-along, and the buzz around it keeps building.  I am plunging in fabric-first, and you will see my progress here on my blog.

Anyone want to join in the fun?