Everything, has a start...

And this is mine...

My first five blocks for the Farmers Wife Quilt Along.  It's a bit addicting and yet, a bit over whelming at the same time.  The group on flickr is amazing and I am constantly in awe of what everyone else is doing.  There hasn't been a day go by that I haven't re-thought my blocks, because I am loving what I see others do.   It's fun creating these little guys, but I am going to take it slow.

YES, I am ...

CRAZY... I am starting another one! I have so many projects that are waiting for TLC. BUT, this QA is eating away at me. The QA is Simple Things... being hosted by Charming Girls, Kelly of Charming Chatter and Carol of Brown Quilts. There are two project sizes to choose from. I am hooked on the big one by Carol but, I am loving Kelly's little version, too!

I want to make Carols version large enough to fit a queen size bed. I am trying to figure out how to grow the quilt without ruining the integrity of her design. Suggestions, are very much appreciated. I am not a math whiz and don't claim to be but, I know it can be done! Might have to get SO involved in this!

Part of my justification for starting this project is one, I have all the fabric in my stash. I over bought for a mystery QA that I ended up opting out of and was left with oodles of the fabric line Sunkissed, by Sweetwater. Reason two, is that SO and his dad have drawn up plans to build a bed frame. We up sized beds a few years ago and have never had a nice frame for the bed. Well, with a new bed in the makes, there certainly should be a new quilt, right?

Here is my fabric choice...

I should note, I won the second fat eighth. So, as you see I have truly been Sunkissed! Do you see that nose in the picture?

Anna, had a Dr visit today for shots and regular check up, she has been extra clingy. Her tail wagged the whole time I was taking the pictures, she thought it was all about her, as usual!

They have only posted the cutting directions. It's not too late to join in, you know you want too!!!

I also have to show you these...

I made these for DD. She picked out the fabric when she was here this spring. She thought it would make up cute pillowcases for camping, she was right! Are these just not the cutest? She will have one classy camper!

WOW...

What a win...

                                    

This is the bounty, I won a couple weeks ago from Ryan, over at I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts.  When I entered I assumed the items were to be split amongst many, as he was giving away so much!  When I saw my single name, I was elated, and amazed that all the loot was mine.  Dang, near left me speechless!

He also included an extra pattern, Read Between the Lines.  It's from his pattern company, Patchwork Squared.  It looks like it will make up quick, using 4 charm packs and some extra yardage.  I will be making  this one!

Thanks Ryan, for your generosity.  IT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

Perhaps, it was meant to be...

I am joining... The Farmers Wife quilt-a-long, over on flicker. (take a peek, it's very inspiring and growing across the quilting community).

My reasons for wanting to make this quilt are probably more sentimental than most.

My friend Lynn, sent me a copy of "The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt" by Laurie Aaron Hird after visiting her ranch in Idaho, last year. She had a copy and I could not leave it alone. Shortly, after arriving home I received my own copy in the mail, courtesy of Lynn. She, has been known to feed my quilting passion, of which I am very grateful! Yes, I am drawn to the challenge this quilt presents and I want to create an heirloom. However, the main reason I NEED to make this quilt is...

In my past life I was "The Farmers Wife." Yes, I was married to a farmer in North Eastern, North Dakota. I grew up in Arizona, a city girl and married the "boy next door" to grama (whom, I visited in the summer). He happened to be the son of a farmer and the rest is history... My three children, are farm raised. I have since moved away but, all three kids still remain in the North Dakota, all with agricultural connections

My daughter is now, "The Farmers Wife" and is raising her family on a farm. So, it only seems appropriate I make this quilt.

I am going to use Denyse Schmidt's line, Picnic & Fairground from JoAnn's (I was impressed with the quality of this line and I have been accused of being a fabric snob!). I purchased the fabric earlier this spring and was waiting for just the right project. Well, this is it! It has a vintage, yet modern flair and think it will compliment the quilt nicely. I have also ordered a bundle of the Australian cousins from this line and will incorporate some other fabrics to compliment.

I will probably be slower than most creating my blocks but, I look forward to the challenge!