Thursday 1 October 2015

Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt #8 Aunt

#8 Aunt is a great block to do fussy cutting, but the fabrics I've chosen do not really lend themselves to fussy cutting. I might try with the Christmas block.


Again I am using the rotary cutting method, and using fabrics I've already chosen for previous blocks. In twelve months time I will put all the blocks together and I'm sure there will be a good mixture.
I think the instructions for cutting the triangles in this block were confusing. I cut a square 3 and a 1/4inch and then cut diagonally twice to make the four triangles.
I measured each 'short edge' and got the correct measurement as listed on the CD (or PDF).
Love the way my stitch un-picker is in some of my photos.
It's never too far away.
I fold each piece in half and finger press to find the centre.
I then match and pin to get the triangle and square in the correct place.
I chose to practise my fussy cutting on the Christmas fabrics. As I am using scraps, I didn't have a lot of focus fabric to fussy cut, so thought the tree fabric would be good. I used a combination of my 2 and a half inch square ruler and my 12" x 6 and 1/2" ruler to get the exact measurement.
I also like using my Friskers rotating mat.
I like using an anchor cloth, and for this project (and many others) I am making random string blocks to use at other times.
What I'm enjoying most about these blocks, and reading the letters, is the calmness, the mindfulness of the process. It's not a race, but I'm keen to keep up so I look forward to the next block being released next Tuesday.
 My thoughts on # Aunt letter: One Day at a Time 
by Aunt Maria 1933
 This letter focuses on living for today. 
No one knows what will happen tomorrow. A family member in good health, enjoying life, passed away while mowing the lawn.
Live for today!
 Take each day as it comes and deal with the now - don't worry about tomorrow.
Don't worry about the might have been.
I was so engrossed with my work, that I use to love, I forgot to live my life. One doesn't know this is happening with dealing with work, family, personal, social and extended family and friends issues. It was hard to realise I was living for others and worrying about tomorrow, not dealing with my needs and focusing on today and one day at a time.

Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles 
- it takes away from today's peace! 
 Happy Sewing
Allison

8 comments:

  1. So true, Allison! I love this quilt. It's going to look fantastic!

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    1. Thank you, I hope it look good. It is such a stress relieving creative thing to do and I love doing it.

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  2. I really love the look of your blocks such pretty purple!

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  3. Love the Christmas tree blocks. Can't wait to see your quilts come together.

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    1. Thank you Gnomeangel, it's a journey I'm looking forward to.

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  4. I am an advanced beginner sewer and decided this quilt would be a good way to help me to quilt something besides long cabin blocks. I found the directions for this block very confusing and your tutorial and explanation for the triangle bits was extremely helpful.
    Thank you so much!

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    1. Thank you Susie. I don't consider myself an advanced quilter, yet, as there is so much to still learn. I do like shortcuts to make my life easier and that includes sewing. So glad I could be of assistance to you. Don't stop those log cabin quilts - log cabin blocks are my all time favourite block.

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