Monday, March 12, 2012

A BAP Wrap - The Farmer's Wife and a Little Stitching

It's a rainy, dreary day around here, but as far as I'm concerned the sun is shining because.....drumroll please!!!!!.............. The Farmer's Wife quilt is finally finished.  Woo Hoo!!!  After two years of stitching, ripping out seams, throwing pieces around the room (yes, that happened here and there - oh, and some swearing - did I mention that?) and countless bobbins of thread, she is finished.  Please excuse any wrinkles, threads, etc.  She hasn't had her final cleaning up or pressing, but I couldn't wait to show pictures of her.  So if you click to enlarge the pictures, just pretend you don't see the stray threads or wrinkles.


And a birds eye view:


She's a big one.  I can't tell you how hard it was to manipulate her through the final row of sewing.  I would have loved to get a picture of her outside, but it's raining buckets!!  Perhaps in the future I'll take her out and shoot some more pictures of her.

As there are 111 blocks in this quilt, I can't show all of them, but I'll show a few that stand out.

The Block from Hell - yes, this one gave me lots of problems - it was the one that originally came out looking like a volcano.  After cutting out and piecing another block, it's still not absolutely flat, but it's going to have to do.  It also doesn't have points that are defined.  Why sweat the small stuff, right?


The Fun Block - again, the points aren't sharp, but after 110 of these little babies, I was happy to have it finished.  This was the last block that I finished up.  In the instructions I had from the shop who supplied the Block of the Month, they omitted this block - they had instructions for a different block included twice.  Once I figured out which one had been omitted, I sewed it together and breathed a sigh of relief - and also had a glass of wine in celebration (okay - I had two glasses, but whose counting)??  One hundred and eleven blocks finished.  This one was fun and quick.


The Pointless Block - yes, I kept it and didn't do it over again.  I tried - I honestly did - by paper piecing - but paper piecing and I don't get along on a good day, so here it is:


And a Basket block - what would a quilt like this be without a basket block?


I learned a lot working on this quilt.  It was quite an experience sewing blocks that finish up to 6" inches compared to most of the quilts that I've worked on where the blocks finished up double in size.  There were a lot of small pieces - and some blocks - like the Pointless Block had at least 50 pieces.  And you know what is so funny?  Is that after all the cutting, ironing, swearing, ripping, etc., I want to make another one - or one similar!  I truly must be ill!  LOL

Because I've been spending so much time on the Farmer's Wife Quilt, I haven't had a lot of time for stitching, but I have made some progress on Ann Rayner.  I'm working on this piece for Becky's Challenge:



I finally managed to get off the alphabets and on to some of the fun stuff.  Don't you find that alphabets seem to take forever???  Ann is such a fun stitch - maybe because I'm using a 32 count fabric for her.  It's been easy and relaxing to work on.

So there you have what I've been up to the past couple weeks.  I'm noticed that I've picked up a few more followers in the past couple weeks!  Welcome!  And I'll check on your blogs soon.  I've been having problems with my gadgets and can't seem to add or delete people, so I think that I'm going to have to work on a complete blog overhaul here in the near future when I can find some time.  And I want to thank everyone for all your wonderful comments on my last post on Sun and Moon!  I tickles me to read them and I truly appreciate all your kind words.

And one final shot - guess who decided to make my quilt his own:


My buddy Bailey.  You can tell by the expression on his face he knows that he's not suppose to be sitting on that quilt!  LOL

Hope you have a wonderful week!

77 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is absolutely stunning! Good for you. ~Kelly

Kim said...

Deb it's STUNNING!!!! Though I only did half the blocks, I still haven't brought myself to the point of setting them into a quilt top yet! Your quilt is magnifico!! Ann is coming along nicely! I need to get that one to the framer. Bailey...LOLOLOL Give him a hug!

Giovanna said...

What a marvellous, rich quilt - you are so right to be proud of it, congratulations! Nice progress on the sampler too.

BrendaS said...

Deb --
WOO HOO! Congrulations to you on such a beautiful finish! It needs to hang in a place of honor in your home.

Nice progress on your stitching.

Have a great week:)

Diane (di) said...

OMG. You did it!!!! It is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, Woman. I bow down to your quilty brilliance! :)

I am confused though as to why you are showing my quilt before I received it. ;) I have the perfect spot for it you know... wrapped around me! lol I am also confused as to why Mr. Bailey is lounging on it. But he looks oh so cute, so I gotta forgive him. :)

Ann is looking fabulous, too Deb. Beautiful work all around. CONGRATULATIONS!! BIG TIME HAPPY DANCE!!

Cari said...

Oh DEB...you done good !! Your quilt is fabulous. I am so amazed at your work and your ability to PRESS ON. I'm sure many a quilter has given up at some point. It's just beautiful !!! Congratulations !!

I must admit...when I saw the first pic I said...where's Bailey? LOL Glad he made my day !! Hugs dear friend.

Anonymous said...

Hello

Just found your lovely blog.

Your quilt is beautiful, congratulations on stitching such a stunning quilt!

Your Ann Rayner sampler looking great.

I love the pic of Bailey - he's adorable!

Katherine said...

After finishing that quilt I'd have been tempted to finish off a whole bottle of wine! You did a fabulous job!

Teresa S. said...

Love, love, love the quilt top! You should be so proud of it! Funny, I didn't hear any swear words :)

WoolenSails said...

That is a beautiful quilt and you did a beautiful job on the blocks.

Debbie

Annie said...

That quilt is just amazing! What a lot of loving work went into that one. No need to grumble about tiny imperfections that only you can see. This is truly spectacular.

I really can't believe you are contemplating doing another one!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! And the stitching is beautiful, too! Funny how they let US know we're not paying enough attention to THEM, isn't it?

Suburban Stitcher said...

wow!!!! love the quilt!

robindefender said...

Gorgeous quilt! Congrats on your finish.

Jenny said...

Your quilt is absolutely stunning Deb. What an accomplishment! The blocks all look wonderful and I love the colors you chose. Ann is coming along nicely as well. Congratulations again on a great finish. I also love the expression on Baily's face,too cute.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Oh Deb... the FW quilt is gorgeous.
I love how your swwet pup wants to be part of the action too.
Love the colors in Ann.

Mouse said...

woooo hoooo well done :) it looks gorgeous to me ...and only two glasses of wine ??? heheheh
yoo hooo bailey don't panic she won't be mad at you .... after all she did leave it on the floor in a major walkway heheheh
and well done on your stitching progress too :) love mouse xxxx

Carol said...

Wow! Wow! Wow! Deb--your quilt is amazing. I just love looking at each little block and seeing how beautifully you combined all the colors... Wonderful job... Hope Mr. Bailey can bear giving up his new "rug!"

Denise said...

Beautiful! Can't imagine 111 blocks!

Bailey has grown - that face says it all.

Margaret said...

Ok now, that is an accomplishment to be proud of, Deb. wow! The quilt is just amazing, gorgeous! Wonderful! Congratulations! Love the pic of Bailey sitting on the quilt. lol! Silly boy! And Ann Rayner looks great too!

Ellen said...

Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous!!! You should have seen my mouth drop open when I saw the photos! WOW!!

Ann is looking great. Hope you'll enjoy here as much as I did.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Your quilt is B E A U T I F U L! Truly an heirloom and something to look at and enjoy every day.

Pieces flying around the room, curse words, glass of wine to celebrate I thought you were talking about me. Glad to know I am not the only person who has these traits.

Sweet Bailey--how could a face that precious ever get into trouble?

Linda said...

Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous!!! What a wonderful thing to have accomplished!

Ranae said...

Your quilt is beautifully stunning
Congrats!!!

Joanie said...

WHat a beautiful quilt and I'm sure its new "owner" loves it too! Such a cute puppy!
Ann is wonderful too and I'm glad to see you back on your blog!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Oh my goodness, Deb. That is absolutely stunning!!! That's a whole lot of little quilt blocks. And your sampler!!! You've been busy.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Alison said...

Oh wow Deb that quilt is absolutely amazing! You have done a fantastic job and have every right to be proud of it. You have my admiration...I could never do that.

Loraine said...

Hi Sweet Deb,
Your quilt is absolutely the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! I just can't get over how much I love it. I'm so glad you finished it. It was worth every rip, and swear word! LOL.
Your sampler is coming along beautifully too!
So sorry I've been absent so long. I went to Florida for 8 days, and we've all had the crud. I'll try and sit down this week and send you a longer note. You have been on my mind. I'm so glad to see you posted!
Baily sitting on your quilt makes me laugh. Must be in their animal instincts to do that! My cat does the same thing.
Big hugs to you dear friend! TTYS

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Huge congrats, Deb! That is one stunning piece of artwork! I can't believe you let Bailey sit on it! That is, I think, the most amazing piece of quilt work I've ever seen. WoW!
Oh yeah, Ann Rayner looks awesome too.
WoW!

marly said...

What a fantastic quilt! The complexity of those blocks makes my eyes spin. In a good way. Beautiful work! And pup. And Ann.

BeckySC said...

Deb...oh my goodness...it's AMAZING! WOW!! Congratulations!

Melissa said...

Deb, you have Bailey's approval! That is one awesome quilt. Congratulations! It's like a box of chocolates - all different kinds!

Ann is coming along nicely!

I have had the same problem trying to add/delete blogs in Blogger. It is so frustrating! If you find the answer, please let me know!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations on your FW finish! It's gorgeous Deb and I had to just laugh when you said you were thinking of doing another one. I think it's like giving birth, once you're done with it, doing it again doesn't seem all bad.

Joy said...

Oh my goodness, that is just GORGEOUS! I love it!! Mine is half done and you have definitely inspired me to focus on it!!

Bailey is adorable. Just too cute!

Nancy said...

Your quilt is beautiful! Congratulations on the finish! Ann is so pretty, such happy colors! Bailey is so cute!

Juels said...

Hi Deb! Your Farmer's Wife looks wonderful. No one would notice that things are not 100% just so. They will only see how beautiful it is! I put my FWS away when I was moving and decided to finally start sewing and needlework again- but not FWS quilt. I think that one will stay boxed for a while yet.

Kathy A. said...

Wow - all 111 blocks. That is a major accomplishment and one you can be very proud of. You go girl!! What a wonderful heirloom that will be.
Your sampler is stunning. I look forward to watching your continued progress.

Starry-eyed stitcher said...

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog. Thistlewood has been like a nagging toothache!!

I have to say how much I love that first quilt, it is just beautiful. A real heirloom piece. Irene xxx

Sally said...

Oh wow what an amazing quilt! So beautiful:)

Your sampler is coming along beautifully.

Aww Bailey is so cute!

Daffycat said...

Holy. Freaking. Cow.

Wow, Deb...that is really wonderful! I love this quilt you have created. Congratulations!

Isabelle said...

Oh my Goodness Deb, your quilt is just fabulous ; I love the colors you chose for it : it is a masterpiece and I think your buddy Bailey does agree with me :-))
Have a lovely week,
Isa

Michelle said...

It's beautiful!!!!

Siobhán said...

A-~MA-ZING!!!!! Oh my gosh, what an amazing masterpiece!!! You must be beyond thrilled and excited and proud of yourself for creating such a beautiful quilt. GREAT JOB!! Bailey looks like he's already laid claim to it. ;)

Ann Rayner looks fabulous, too. Oh, how I wish I had some mojo right about now!!

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Deb:
I have your blog in my "favorite blogs" in my left sidebar, so I don't miss a single post. Well, Lord! That's one gorgeous quilt, my friend.
(I know Bailey and Tag would have great fun together, too!)
Thanks for visiting Brynwood. I'll visiting again soon.
xoxo
Donna (and Tag)

mtquilter said...

Your quilt is gorgeous. I love seeing all the FW quilts in blogland. I started it a year...a couple years ago?? I've also had my share of ripping and cussing under my breath over these little 6 inch blocks. Unlike you though I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm not really into sampler block quilts. Congrats on getting it finished!

Rachel S-H said...

Amazing work on that quilt! Just lovely!

Katrina said...

What a beautiful quilt and sampler. Sweet puppy picture too :-).

Anne said...

This is an amazing quilt Deb!!!!!!!! Congrats! HAPPY DANCE!!! Don't spill any wine on that masterpiece! What a story too about those crazy blocks!! I love how each one has a bit of a story...quilts are the best for sure! I hear you on trying another one! Cause even though you nearly tore your hair out, the great moment of AHHHH is when you lay the whole thing out and have your sweet doggie sit on your quilt!!

Great progress on your Ann too!! Those alphabets always take an age!!

Ann said...

Your quilt is really lovely. The colour combo's are great!
You must've given a big sigh of relief now that your quilt is finished!
Enjoy your beauty!
Ann

Michele B. said...

Your quilt is beautiful. I love your Ann Rayner! I just bought the pattern myself and can't wait to get started.

Michele,
Dansville, MI

Kathy Ellen said...

My goodness! Your 'Farmer's Wife' quilt is absolutely stunning. It seems only a short while ago, that I recall seeing it all laid out in squares on your floor, and here you have it all done! Wonderful work! Gorgeous colours and designs!

You are making beautiful progress on Ann Rayner too!

Mary said...

What a feast for the eyes! Thanks for sharing the close up shots as well, there are just so many patterns to look at. Bailey looks like he knows he's been caught....

Angela said...

I don't know anything about quilting but I can see just how much work you have put into this one! I really love the basket square :)

Great progress on your stitching and agree with the alphabets taking a long time to get through!

Bailey is so cute :)

valerie said...

Congrats on your quilt finish! It looks fantastic and Bailey is cute sitting on it even if he isn't supposed to!

Nicola said...

Oh Deb that is such a beautiful quilt that shows your needlework skills so well. You have a lot of patience and perseverance to do such intricate designs.

Bailey reminds me of my two- they always do that too.

Catherine said...

Such a beautiful quilt! I can see why, despite all the frustrations and time, you would want to do another one!
Bailey is just saying, "Please Mom? Can't I sit here a bit longer?"

doris said...

Woo, what an amazing quilt! If I looked at it fifty times, I'd probably see something I'd missed before.

Your sampler is beautiful, of course.

Michelle said...

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. Congratulations on finishing this amazing quilt! 111 blocks - amazing!!!!!

merumo said...

Gorgeous quilt top!! Congratulations!! I have that book, but haven't played with any. It looks just so beautiful! Your stitching looks like making good progress, too. Love the colors :D Bailey looks confused about sitting on th quilt. What a good boy!!

Lois said...

Oh Deb, I'm in love with your quilt!!! I know it had you tearing your hair out at times but it is stunning!

Nice to see a progress pic of Ann too.

Joy said...

I see nothing but beauty in your quilt!!

Ruth said...

Wowser!!!!!!! Congratulations! More than congratulations-- heck we should all come over and pat you on the back (and give Bailey a quick tickle behind the ears).

Wow.

Candy said...

I absolutely love this quilt! I have the book but haven't even thought about making it. This makes it tempting. Love the fabrics!

Penny said...

Beautiful! What an amazing quilt! Congratulations!! Ann Rayner is beautiful too and of course Bailey is so sweet! :)

Maureen said...

OMG - that is just stunning, I cannot believe the amount of work gone into that. amazing.

Susan said...

Congratulations on an absolutely stunning finish! Ann Rayner is beautiful - love the bright colors.

Cathy Lloyd said...

OH MY FREAKING GOSH! THAT QUILT IS JUST STUNNING DEB! OMG OMG OMG! I have the book and I gave the book to my DIL. She plans on doing it. 2 years huh? What a fabulous fabulous quilt! I love it! You are formally excused for not stitching much while you finished this, but Ann Raynor is beautifully breathtaking! You go girl! You must be so proud of yourself! Congrats!

Jeanne said...

WOW!!! It's absolutely gorgeous! You must be on cloud 9 finishing this whopper of a quilt. I don't know that I would ever attempt it...it's like doing the Dear Jane quilt. I admire your persistence! Big congratulations to you and I LOVE your Ann Raynor too! You rock!

Daniela said...

Congratulations on your finished quilt. It looks absolutely amazing. I wish I have the patience to sew a quilt like that. Thou I have never tried.
Your stitching is very beautiful as well. I too like to work on 32ct every once in a while.

Sherry :o) said...

Congratulations Deb - it's absolutely stunning!!

Carmen said...

your quilt is amazing! congratulations!!

Karoline said...

Congratulations on finishing FW, it's stunning. Ann is looking lovely too.

Anna van Schurman said...

WOW!

Me and My Stitches said...

I was gone when you posted this one! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your FW quilt. Strangely enough...that's what I've been working on this afternoon - you just gave me the strength to continue!

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

Stunning! I just finished my blocks on Sunday - now to put it all together. After seeing yours, I am more inspired. Thanks!

Audrey said...

Neat and Tidy Mary sent me over to see this. What a beautiful quilt. You should be proud! All I can say is WOW! Mary is trying to talk me into this projet. It is so tempting... And since I like to drink wine, this will give me a perfect excuse to buy a bottle or two!

Brigitte said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!!