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The Farmers Wife – Book Review and Quilt Patterns

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We wrote about this Farmers Wife Quilt book back in 2012 – you can see the Quilt along to the Farmers Wife Quilt article here. 

Since that article, we can share some more Farmers Wife Quilt links with you, including these free Farmers Wife Quilt patterns and templates.

free printable template 

Farmer’s Wife 1930’s Sampler Quilt Block Tutorials – GnomeAngel

Free templates & Patterns

Farmer’s Wife Quilt 1930s Part 1 – A Scrappy Foundation Paper Pieced Version!

Hand Made Karma: Farmer’s Wife Quilt-along Block Index

Farmer’s Wife – sampler quilt

The Farmers Wife Sew Along Tips Video 1

Farmer’s Wife Quilt 1930s Sampler Quilt – Modern Scrappy Version – Scrap Fabric Love

Easiest blocks – Farmer’s wife sampler quilt – Sewn Up 

But this post is all about the book itself and my 2024 review.

As I delved into “The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt” by Laurie Aaron Hird, I found myself transported back to the 1920s, a time when the rural American landscape was painted with the honest toil of farmers and the quiet strength of their wives. Through the lens of letters from The Farmer’s Wife magazine’s 1922 contest, Hird stitches together a narrative that intertwines the practical wisdom of farm wives with the timeless artistry of quilting.

The heart of this book lies in the responses to a simple yet profound question posed by the magazine: “If you had a daughter of marriageable age, would you, in light of your own experience, have her marry a farmer?” Within these pages, I found not only insightful reflections but also glimpses into the very essence of rural life during that era. The letters, penned by women from diverse backgrounds, resonate with authenticity, offering a poignant mosaic of joys, challenges, and enduring love for the land.

Accompanying these heartfelt missives are 111 quilt blocks, each meticulously designed to reflect the essence of rural life. From simple geometric patterns to intricate designs, these blocks serve not only as a visual representation of the era but also as a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the women who crafted them. With detailed instructions and template cutting directions, Hird equips readers with the tools to recreate these blocks and embark on their own quilting journey.

“The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt” is more than just a quilting book; it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of farm women and a celebration of their timeless artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a novice enthusiast, this book invites you to embark on a journey through time, stitching together the stories of the past while creating something beautiful for the future.

This book also has a few spinoffs, including “The Farmers Wife coloring book“. 

 

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Coffee Cozy Knitting Patterns

During the summer (which is what it is where I am writing from) I like to share patterns for things that you can knit and use even when it’s warm out. And sometimes they are things you can use when it’s cold, too, like this collection of coffee cup cozies. Because hot coffee is a must almost any time of year. 

This simple pattern form Darling Jadore is a great one for beginners and could be a good first knitting in the round project. It uses worsted weight yarn and includes video tutorials if you need extra help. 

If you want a perfectly plain cozy that you can jazz up with your own designs, check out the Base Doodle Cup Cozy from Jamie Lomax. This free pattern on Ravelry comes in two sizes (short and long) and is meant to be used with her doodle charts to make it your own. You could also keep it plain, add stripes or design your own motifs to stitch on it. 

Most coffee cozy patterns that I see are just sleeves meant to go over travel mugs, but what if your mug has a handle? This pattern from Stacey’s Knit Wits has an I-cord loop and button so you can use it on a mug with a handle or a travel cup. It uses DK weight yarn.

Coffee cozies are a fun way to play with stitch patterns and learn new techniques. If you’ve never knit cables before, this cozy from Purple Wool Co. would be a great first cable project, as it features simple braided cables all the way around. It uses worsted weight yarn and is worked in the round. 

Try double knitting to make an extra-insulating coffee cozy with this pattern from Tracy Leming. It includes little color changes so you can get the concept of how double knitting works on a small scale. It also can include a little pocket for a tea bag if you want. This one uses worsted weight yarn and is a free pattern on Ravelry.

Or try stranded knitting with the Love in the Air cozy from Danielle Thuen. It features hearts of different sizes and is worked in sock yarn. You’ll need to make sure those floats are nice and loose so it will stretch to hug your cup. You can find this pattern on Ravelry. 

They’re also a fun way to add a bit of flair to an otherwise plain cup. KnitnKaboodle Designs has this lovely leaf-shaped cozy pattern, which you could use for hot or cold beverages by changing up the fiber you choose (that’s pretty much always true). It is made in pieces that are stitched together and can be worked in a single color or choose different colors for each leaf.