Farmer's Wife has begun!!

Let's start off easy in the month of January with the following block numbers:

• 2 Autumn Tints
• 4 Basket Weave
• 10 Bowtie
• 29 Economy
• 48 Homeward Bound
• 54 Kitchen Woodbox
• 55 Linoleum
• 73 Rainbow Flowers

I have a few hints for block numbers 29 and 54

#29 Economy

• 1 square 3 1/2" square
• 4 triangles cut with Easy Angle with a strip width of 2 5/8"
• 4 triangles cut with easy angle strip with 3 1/2"

The first picture shows the difference in the markings between 2 rulers.  The ruler on the right is the Olfa Frosted and the markings are the FINISHED SIZE; the ruler on the left is the Easy Angle, and the markings are the UNFINISHED SIZE.  I just want you to be aware of the difference. 

I like to trim off the second dog ear like shown in this picture.  It helps to line things up when joining pieces.

Start by adding opposite triangles to the center square.  It helps if you crease the center square and line up the point of the triangle with the crease.  After the first round of triangles are added, the square should measure 4 3/4". 

Add the remaining 4 triangles to yield a square measuring 6 1/2"









54 Kitchen Woodbox

• 1 square 2 1/2"
• 4 triangles cut from a 2 1/2" strip with the easy angle
• 2 pieces 1 1/2" X 2 1/2"; 2 pieces 1 1/2" X 4 1/2"
• 2 pieces 1 1/2" X 4 1/2"; 2 pieces 1 1/2" X 5 1/2"

Use the picture at right as a guide to lay out the pieces for this block.  Join the 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" strips to opposing sides of the block; continue by adding the 1 1/2" x 4 1/2" pieces of the same color.  Measure your block to make sure it is a 4 1/2" square!   Adjust your seam allowance if necessary.





Next add the remaining  1 1/2" by 4 1/2" pieces to the block

Center the 1 1/2" by 5 1/2" pieces and join to the unit

Place your easy angle ruler on the joined pieces lining up the angle of the ruler 1/4" from the corner.  Line up the lines on the ruler with the top and side to make sure you are trimming the unit on the correct angle.  Trim all four corners.

Line up the 4 remaining triangles and finish the 6 1/2" block. 

Hopefully this will help you with any questions you may have had for the first blocks. If you need a tutorial on any of the other blocks listed, let me know.  If you click on any of the pictures, it should make them larger so you can see better.