FWSQ Block 6, 7 and 9 Block Talk

I've had time to work on  three Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt blocks.

Block #6  Big Dipper    page 133

First attempt on this block , I made with  half square triangle blocks.  I want to figure out how to make my block piecing more consistent, and so I  printed out some sheets, from a  program I bought, called Triangulations.  (Brenda Henning's program.)

available at Bear Paw Productions

For some reason, I have  a few quirky printing and  size issues, using my  new Windows 8 and an  older HP printer.  I  do choose Print at Actual Size (no scaling) and they still did not measure what the pattern calls for a scale.  (And sometimes they get way too big if I choose borderless paper.)   So , when do I get accurate print- outs with the correct size, I am going to save that print out and use it as a template  to copy for new blocks. 

Otherwise, I love this Triangulations program.  You sew along the lines, like paper piecing, and then cut on the 'cut'  lines to make your  HST blocks.  I  think it will enable me make accurate half square triangle blocks. (I know I must not use steam to press the blocks, too.)
{If anyone else has experience with this problem with printing sizes , older HP printers and  Windows 8 , please let me know!}

Practice block #6  Big Dipper using  HST blocks from Triangulations

I think one  or two triangles  are a little smaller than the rest... but the overall size is too big...compared to my  other paper pieced 6 inch  blocks.  

So I printed out the paper pieced pattern,  from the Yahoo FWSQ group, and used that.

FWSQ Block # 6   Big Dipper   Susie's Sunroom

This block turned out to be fun and bright!  (And low stress!)

Block #7 Birds in the Air   page 134

I decided to use the paper pieced pattern from the get-go, for 2 good reasons:

• 1  Amanda, The Patchsmith, told me that this pattern was a bit  tricky to patch work together  
• 2  Elaine,  Summercrafter.com,  said she had a "tight feeling in her chest" after making the block

That's a no- brainer, for me. "Paper piecing it"  went very smoothly.  (I'm all for doing things "smoothly" before the holidays.)

FWSQ Block #7  Birds in the Air   Susie's Sunroom

Block #9  Box   page 136

Block # 9  Box    Susie's Sunroom

This paper pieced pattern was so fast to complete, after having made the more complicated block 7 Birds in the Air.

Finished blocks so far:

FWSQ Blocks Finished    by Susie's Sunroom

If you'd like to see my blocks in more detail, as a group, hop on over to Flickr group      "Share your Farmer's Wife Sampler Blocks with Susie's Sunroom."

This is a  new Flickr group, in which  you  can add any FWSQ block  that you've made.

Amanda, The Patchsmith, is sewing along with me  and has joined the  Flickr group to show off her gorgeous blocks.   Her blocks are so precise and pretty! They just inspire me to keep practicing and try to improve!  Hop on over to see her work!

  #6  Big Dipper  by The Patchsmith  photo courtesy of  Amanda  

#3  Basket   by The Patchsmith    photo courtesy of Amanda

And,
I will be linking these blocks up to Elaine's Friday Night Block Party  linky at Summercrafter.com. This linky group  is for ANY block that you make... not just Farmer's Wife blocks.   When  you enter during November, you will be eligible for a giveway of TWO charm packs from Elaine!! 
   Friday Night Block Party is how I got started making blocks from my book.  Sometimes it just takes that nudge, to  get started making  a project along with a  few friends...    

Don't forget to enter the Thank You Blog Hop giveway here on my blog...  you have until Tuesday Nov. 26, 2013  11:00 pm EST to enter!

I'm off to my sewing room!