Monday, January 11, 2016

#33 Farmer's Wife


I am so glad to be back here! It has been way too long, hasn't it?! Before I explain why I have been so quiet here, I want to show you some blocks I've made from The Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird so far. If you are here, you are probably sewing along with the lovely Kerry of very kerry berry and a bunch of talented gals!


I am so thankful Kerry has introduced me to this amazing book! All the 99 block designs in the book are just so lovely! Today I am posting this block, #33 Farmer's Wife. Laurie managed to express this design with just one solid and one printed fabric beautifully. I thought I would be adventurous and try out something different just for exploration, but  I am not sure if I like how it turned out. Because the diagram is a little complex, this block may be prettier if you execute it with a fewer fabric choices.

I love this book partly because not only it comes with a CD that includes templates for all 99 blocks, does it offer paper piecing patterns for every one of them! Since I like to paper-piece whenever possible, of course I am using paper-piecing patterns. One thing I noticed while paper-piecing sections of this block was that the last four sections, the most outer border part, had to be sewn with a printed side of paper down because those four pieces weren't mirror image. Maybe that is how all paper-piecing patterns work for this book..? I just haven't had a chance to look at other blocks' patterns closely. Most blocks seem to be symmetrical anyway, so mirror image or not doesn't matter :) Just wanted to mention in case you are using paper-piecing patterns.


Another block I've made is #1 Addie. I like this one a lot :) I have a few blocks from Laurie's first Farmer's Wife book, so I am hoping to use all the blocks to make one quilt. I have so many blocks I want to make in the book too. I am just too slow!


Well, one excuse I have for my low productivity in the sewing department is that I have a new baby now! He was born on September 8th last year and his name is Hayato. He looks a lot like his sister but his personality is completely different. Unlike Honoka who was a pretty happy easy-going baby, Hayato has been one poor baby who is always uncomfortable and crying all the time. We love so very much and are desperate for a day when he will be much happier.


Honoka is a busy two and half year old. She is going through the max phase of terrible twos. We don't have close by family and available childcare isn't affordable for us. It has been quite chaotic around here as you can imagine, haha.


I sure don't have as much time and energy as compared to before that I can devote to what love to do which is sewing and being connected to friends online, but I am aware this is just temporary and family is my priority. I don't want to miss this precious time when kids are still little, adorable, and silly!


There are SO many things I want to make. The list is sooo long, but I know time will come back!!!


Now I spend most of the day outside because Honoka has a lot of energy to burn and Hayato calms down when we are out. 


It isn't too bad to take a long break. Yes, but it took me such a long to come to realize that. Now I can say from my heart I am doing the best I can and I am one happy mama and wife!

52 comments:

  1. Enjoy the ride. These two will provide inspiration for you (and your sewing) for many years to come.
    I was happy to see your post pop up on my blog sidebar.

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  2. What a sweet post Ayumi, and I love your block. You are right, the block patterns are not reversed so they all come out in mirror image.

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  3. Lovely block, Ayumi! And what can I say about your sweet family they all adorable! Family first ^_^ Children grow up too fast... my baby will marry this year!
    Wishing you a wonderful New Year filled with good health, joy and peace!
    Hugs and love from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  4. Wow! no wonder you've been quiet. Congratulations to all of you, such a beautiful family. Hope your wee man settles down soon, interesting he likes it best outdoors.

    Best wishes from me and however long it takes you to return, I'll still be here!

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  5. Lovely to see you back! You have such beautiful children, enjoy every minute while they are little! xx

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  6. Love ya, Ayumi. Take care of that cute family of yours, you're so right, there will be more time later to sew!

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  7. Congratulations on another sweet baby! So happy for your family and to see a blog from you. I always love to see what you're sewing and will wait patiently until next time!❤☺❤

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  9. I had a feeling whenwe hadnt heard from you for so long. Congrats!

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  10. Just sent my youngest back to college (freshman year) and am finally getting to my list. Balance is so hard...especially when facing the fatigue that comes with a fussy baby... Glad you are hanging in there.

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  11. Enjoy your littles, nothing is as important as they are!

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  12. Just enjoy them NOW and you two are doing just what is meant to be! Congratulations to all of you, adorable they are!

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  13. Your children are beautiful. Being a mom is the best hard work there is!!

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  14. oh it's so good to 'see' you and your family! Life sounds wonderful yet challenging. You are right - things will get easier!

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  15. Raising two young children takes a lot of time and energy. Take care of yourself and do what is best for you and your family.

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  16. I can relate - years ago I took a 2 year old and a 4 month old to Africa for 3 years. My husband was away from home half the time we were there so it was just me and the children. Hardly did any craft at all. But I will never regret spending all the time with them. Really it went by so fast. Today they are 20 and 18. Africa seems it was only yesterday really. Enjoy them!

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  17. Ayumi, I am thrilled to see your sweet silly babies. I loved these years but yes they are very full days. Hopefully Hayato will settle down soon. Sometimes it just does take time! -- and you look wonderful and happy, and so does daddy!
    I absolutely adore these blocks, and now i am going to buy this book!
    Enjoy playing with your little dolls. It was my favorite thing--- and now, guess what? I am a gramma to a baby girl. I am also very busy still taking care of my 93 year old parents
    Love always

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  18. your children are gorgeous .... stay home mama ... play with kidletts; they grow up waaaay toooo fast!

    darlene

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  19. Congratulations on your beautiful little boy! I agree with what the others have said- stay home and enjoy their childhood. There's no turning back the clock when they are grown! Doing your best is all that's required!

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  20. Congratulations on your new baby boy, Hayato! That was a surprise! And Honoka is adorable and thankfully the terrible twos WILL disappear into a much more sweet time.
    Your blocks are beautiful!

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  21. What lovely news you've brought us, Ayumi! Congratulations to you and your husband on this adorable new son Hayato. Big sister Honoka looks as fashionable, beautiful and lively as ever. I can just about imagine just how busy you must be. It's amazing that you can find time to keep stitching, too.

    Thanks so much for this post. Happy New Year! xo

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  22. I love these pictures so much, Ayumi! I remember being where you are, trying to get through each hour and yet hold onto those precious minutes at the same time. It's such a hard balancing act, but you're doing a beautiful job. And you'll never regret spending this time with your kids. Love & hugs to you, friend!

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  23. Dear Ayumi! Congratulations on another wonderful a baby! Children are the true happiness! I understand your difficulties (my daughter lives far away from me - in England), but children grow quickly and soon the you will find more time to your favorite sewing. Your little Honoka charmed me a long time - is growing at a pretty young lady! A lot of joy and health! Happy New Year for all your family from a distant Poland! :)

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  24. So lovely to hear from you again, Ayumi. Enjoy the chaos and the quiet times with Joe when the children are asleep. And treasure those childhood days - they're over too soon.

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  25. Glad to see you back, just found you last year.
    Paula in KY

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  26. I have missed you and your beautiful work! Best Wishes for you and your family's every happiness.

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  27. I was so sad when you 'disappeared'!!! But what a happy reason why! Your little boy is very sweet, just like his sister. I send you best wishes and hope that he is a happier baby very soon!

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  28. How nice to hear from you again! You have been missed and as we can all see you have had a wonderful reason for staying away! I wish you and your family all the best and lots of luck!

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  29. Wonderful to hear an update on you and your sweet family. Congratulations on your son! Looking forward to seeing more of you as time allows!

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  30. Enjoy your little ones whilst you can, no two babies are the same but remember, they don't stay babies for long.

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  31. congratulations,Ayumi,what lovely news you've brought us, I wish you and your family all the best!

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  32. Oh my, you look busy! Many happy returns and congratulations on your boy. Life must be quite hectic, I can believe that. Your blocks are lovely, I'm in admiration that you've even had time to cut the fabric with two babies at home full time :)

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  33. Make memories with your beautiful babies. The sewing will wait. The list will change. It was nice to see an update. All the best to you and yours.
    Deborah

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  34. Hi Ayumi, I'm so glad to see your post. I've been thinking about you a lot lately and wondering how you are doing. Now I know. I am still enjoying using your fabrics. Happy New Year.

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  35. Oh, WOW! Huge congrats! You've got now two wonderful children, what a great news! My second daughter Anna is also so different than her sister and I'm busy all-the-time:)))

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  36. You have a beautiful family! Thank you for updating us and sharing your good news. I know having two little ones can be exhausting, but it is totally worth it. I know fussy ones can be a handful, but they do outgrow it. Don't worry, soon they will be big enough to "help" sew and request projects for themselves. My son wants me to sew a bow tie for his teddy bear tomorrow and my daughter always finds fabric that needs to be made into baby blankets. As they grow and learn you will get to teach them about all the things you love and appreciate. They will know that you love them because you share.

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  37. Very intersting blog , Thank you so much this post...jabong

    Coupon

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  38. So happy to see you are back. My sons are grown up....but I remember very clearly how little time I had to create. I am amazed how much you and other young mothers do manage to create. My hat is off to you. Thanks for taking time to share your work and family!

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  39. Your children are adorable. Before long they will be creating beautiful things along with you!

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  40. I am SO happy to see this Ayumi!!! Yes...I MISS YOU! But...I can see you have been up to ALOT of creativity...A BABY :) He is ADORABLE..and Miss Honoka is as cute as a button! These times in your life will fly by..and then you will want them back! You look beautiful and happy...I will always wait for you to return!!!

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  41. Lovely.Now you have 2 children.What a happiness but also a few houres free for other things.Wish you all the best.

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  42. Congrats Ayumi. They are adorable kids. I often carried my babies as they did tend to cry all the time (esp. my third) He will grow out of it. Take one day at a time and always take care of yourself too.

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  43. congrats Ayumi. Your children are adorable.I can imagine how busy you are, family always come first. Ganbatte Kudasai! :)

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  44. I know what a difference 2 can make! My daughters were 5 years apart but still, it takes a lot more energy! Wish I was close by and could babysit! I think a project like you are attempting is the best. One block at a time is the way to go. Much love and happiness to all of you! xo Pam

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  47. I'm just now seeing your lovely post! You are so right to Enjoy them while they are little. They grow up so fast! My oldest is taller than me at 12, and even though my youngest is almost 9 he is still my baby! xo Charise

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  48. Super love your Farmer's Wife fabric choices!

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  49. Your children are so beautiful. I like the quilt blocks, too. Showing them unfinished stimulates my creativity more than if you'd shown them in a finished project. Thanks, Ayumi.

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  50. Hi Ayumi! It's been a while since the last time I shopped by your blog, and what a nice surprice you have a new baby and your little girl has grown so beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Love of love from Madrid.

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