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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Farmer's Wife Depression

I'm still here and still plugging away at my Farmer's Wife blocks.
I counted today and I'm about one-third of the way finished
(insert a very weak woo-hoo right here).

Here are my newest blocks:


#25 Cups and Saucers


# 15 Buzzards Roost


#31 Evening Star


#35 Flower Basket


#11 Broken Dishes


The problem is, I get a handful of them done.  I lay them all out thinking, "Wow!  I'm cruising right along!  I should be done in no time!  Look at all these blocks!"  And then I count them.  And realize I still have about a trillion more to go. 


Stay positive.  Stay positive.  [Somebody help me please.]  Stay positive.
Slowly but surely, right?


I guess you learn a lot about yourself when making a quilt of this magnitude.
First, I am not the most patient person in the world
(yeah, I probably already knew that). 
Second, I do not unpick
(ok, once in a great while do I unpick.  Only if it's completely necessary.) 
Third, I will not make a block over again (even if I don't care for it).
Fourth, I'm indecisive. 
(Maybe I shouldn't have done red and white???)
Fifth, I am a finisher!  Woo-hoo!
(I will make all 111 blocks!)


And even though I get a little discouraged when I realize how much more I have to go on this quilt, I do enjoy making the blocks.  They're cute and some are challenging.  So just ignore my little whining session today.  I just had to vent and probably just need to go work on something else for a while (I have about 5 other projects I'm working on right now).  

I know this little pile will continue to grow and grow (and grow).
Even if it kills me.
Which, today, I think it might.

41 comments:

  1. You are a third of the way further along than I am (and so many others)

    You have made a decision to do your blocks in red and white and they are fabulous. Talk about a timeless classic.

    Once the blocks are assembled into a quilt you won't notice the blocks that aren't super stars in your eyes. You do need the supporting cast members.

    Make the blocks at your own pace and simply enjoy the journey.

    :-)

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  2. Yes! You should have gone with Red and White - it's amazing. And don't get discouraged! As you note, this is a quilt of magnitude. This is NOT a project to be approached as a quick do-up and "look-here's-a-finish!" This is a long-term glorious "friend" that will absolutely be worth every moment spent on it. If you need to take a break, don't sweat it at all - make a mini quilt, or a Christmas gift, then get back at your FW blocks. Whatever you do, don't give in to the doldrums. :) It's wonderful and your set so far is amazing.

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  3. I learned a long time ago not to set myself up for defeat....hahaha. Maybe you need to set a goal of one a week or two a week and mix it with one or more other projects? We seem to punish ourselves when we're supposed to be enjoying what we do! Enjoy!

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  4. The red and white is fabulous!! I was looking at the photos thinking I must pick up some red and white fabrics... I'm not sure this project should be rushed though. I've bought the book and not even made one block yet! ;-)

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  5. If it's any consolation, I think it's looking great and you're made some amazing progress. Keep it up!

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  6. Can't wait to see the finished product. So cute. And you can do it.

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  7. Beautiful Red and White Blocks Amber! Keep up at your own pace. Thank you for sharing....Judith, Texas

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  8. Keep going! They are so beautiful! Slow and steady wins the race.

    I love seeing them. Have a great ah!

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  9. Wow, I'm impressed! They are looking so pretty.

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  10. Your blocks look great. I LOVE the red and white. I am nearing 1/3 of the way through the FW blocks myself. You can do it. I have just finished 365 scrap houses and am now assembling them into a top. Phew! I WILL also finish the FW quilt. We can check up on each other. I would be happy to.

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  11. Gosh I know just how you feel. I always think how amazing it will all look in the end once it's finished and that often keeps me going =D

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  12. These are all just beautiful!! Hang in there...you can make it!!!! If the rest look as great as these (and they will), you will have a true masterpiece!!

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  13. your blocks are beautiful!!! i was working on a piecing-heavy quilt once and made myself a little progress chart to color in once i had completed squares. it was almost more satisfying to look at the changes over time in that chart than to complete the blocks, lol! i made it digitally so i could keep going back and look at where it used to be.

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  14. your blocks are beautiful!!! i was working on a piecing-heavy quilt once and made myself a little progress chart to color in once i had completed squares. it was almost more satisfying to look at the changes over time in that chart than to complete the blocks, lol! i made it digitally so i could keep going back and look at where it used to be.

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  15. Your doing great with you Farmer's Wife blocks, maybe you just need to take a little break from them. have you thought about twin size?

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  16. Without a doubt, red and white was a fantastic choice. I have a feeling this is going to be a spectacular quilt! I have no doubt you'll get this finished.

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  17. Your blocks are looking lovely Amber, Keep going, you are doing a great job.

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  18. OMG these are gorgeous! Your perseverence will pay off.

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  19. So many lovely comments! You probably don't need any more but I have to agree, the red and white choice was genius and you are doing MARVELLOUSLY! I am completely daunted by the thought of the Farmer's project. You are a LEGEND for attempting it and from the looks of your work to date you are making a fine effort. You're an INSPIRATION. So, have at it and keep us posted.

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  20. This is going to be a stunning quilt!!!! Each block is so sweet, love the red and white!

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  21. Oh no, girl, you are so wrong !
    You have done a fantastic job and have a GREAT pile of blocks done already ! That layout with all of them is just awe-inspiring to me, and I'm a 30year veteran quilter ! You will be so tickled that you tackled and FINISHED this project. There are lots of quicky quilts, and they're a blast to do, but they don't stay with you like a project like this. And the more different blocks you do, the more they all seem to work together.

    Great job........keep going at whatever speed feels good to you. You'll make it and do it well to boot !

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  22. Keep going...I love your blocks...I know just how you feel, too...it happened several times while I was working on the quilt...so glad I kept going!

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  23. I hear ya! I have been stalled at 25 blocks forever! Your blocks are fabulous. Keep going ; )

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  24. Your red and white quilt is going to be beautiful when it is finished. (I'm rather partial to red and white quilts!)

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  25. Oh you've done way harder things in my opinion. Like that HUGE star quilt you recently made! You got this!

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  26. Well, my FWQ is still in the planning stage so you're at least ahead of me. And consider this: if you finish it quickly (read: any time soon) you'll miss out on all the neat red prints yet to hit the market! Looks outstanding and you'll be rewarded in the end with a very special quilt. Quilt on!

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  27. Your blocks are beautiful! I just recieved my copy of the book and I'm looking forward to starting it after I straighten out my sewing room! Hangin in there - I know you'll be glad you did!

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  28. I feel your pain, so feel free to complain away. I have a log cabin quilt I have been working on for 6 months. Tiny tiny blocks, 14 seams each and I have 30 out of 150 done. I have found taking a break is a great idea. You'll get them done eventually! I love the red and white. It is beautiful :)

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  29. I think they look gorgeous and I love the red and white.

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  30. This quilt will be stunning! I'm feeling the same way about a 60degree diamond quilt I'm making. 130 stars together and no where near finished. Why didn't I use the larger template?! I also LOVE the red and white.

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  31. I have been keeping track of your progress and I aim to get started on these! You are my inspiration... maybe this week I will get started. I want to echo others when I say you are a third of the way farther than a lot of us! Your piecing is perfect also!!

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  32. Those pictures are proof that red and white are always a winner. I fell in love with them straight away ;-)

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  33. It looks amazing and I absolutely adore the red and white theme!!! My favorite quilt is red and white/cream! With all the time and effort you are putting in, you will treasure it... Congrats and I can't wait to see you progress!

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  34. Your little blocks are beautiful - and you are about 25 ahead of me! I wish I had thought of doing mine in red & white instead of starting two quilts at the same time (Farmer's Wife and Just Takes Two).

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  35. Your blocks are sooo pretty! As someone else has said, set up little weekly goals, and enjoy small steps. And remember that Farmers have to work hard and wait a long time to see the fruits of their labor! And sometimes there is a drought period...
    Bravo to you. I bought the book and have not attempted any blocks yet.

    Can't wait to see your blocks grow in number!

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  36. Don't give up! The red and white is simply stunning. Just keep pressing on. It will be so worth it when you have reached the goal. It isn't a race, there's no deadline, right? If you need to step back from time to time to take a breath, do it. And then take another step. It is going to be a knockout!

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  37. Don't give up! It's gorgeous! There's no deadline or race. If you need to step back and take a breath or two, do it. Then step out again. This is going to be so worth it...it's already stunning!

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  38. Love your Farmers wife all in Red and White! I have almost finished a Dear Jane that a friend and I did doing every other block with red in it. (just needs the outer triangles done) If I were to tackle DJ again I would do all red and white. Maybe I will do a FW instead in all red and white! Love love love it! Keep going!!!!

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  39. Maybe tell yourself that you will make one every other day and expect to be done in a year. Then, when you get a bunch done at once you can feel like you're ahead of the game. Mind games, right?

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  40. These are looking so good! I love red and white and your quilt is going to be stunning!

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  41. Wow, the list you made about yourself and these blocks describes me perfectly. Except the part about finishing. I just started my own fwq and I've only made 26 blocks. I'm feeling inspired after seeing yours!

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I ♥ to hear from you so please feel free to leave a comment. I read each one and try to respond as often as I can. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Amber