The Farmer’s Wife 1920’s Sew-Along kicks off on August 24 2018 and to help you get ready I’m sharing with you my favourite tools, notions and supplies. I’ve also managed to do something you’ve all been asking for: get permission from the publisher to share the foundation paper pieced patterns. This is one long article that contains lots of information and links. I’ve done my best to group them all together with similar topics to help you find what you’re looking for.

Before we get started on the nitty gritty I want to make one overarching statement about the information provided below:

Quilting, like drinking and gambling, should be done responsibly and within your means. I do not expect, nor condone, you spending money you don’t have on your hobby. I will provide you with information to help you grow and develop, but it’s up to you to decide if it works for you and whether you will spend money on it. If I can find you a free alternative, I will also provide those details.  I do not want you to go into the poor house to fund your hobby. I will tell you upfront where I’ve been provided with free items (if I don’t mention that they were provided then I’ve paid for them out of my own pocket). I will only recommend to you products that at the time of writing this I was using and loving.

Please read the information below carefully (because there’s a lot to get through) and if you have any questions please drop me an email or leave a comment. You never know, someone else might be wondering the same thing and I’ll always update these articles to reflect questions not covered to help those that come after you.

Where to Buy the Book: The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920s Farm Wives and the 111 Blocks They Inspired by Laurie Aaron Hird – available from: Amazon | Book Depository (Affiliate Links)

The following information has been grouped by method of construction. There may be some overlap in sections so things will be listed more than once. Simply pick the method you’re going to use and look at the supplies listed there. If you’re mixing methods you’ll just need one of each item – so if an item appears in each list, you just need one (unless otherwise specified in the section notes).

I’ve broken the items up into two categories: mandatory and optional. Mandatory is the minimum supplies you need to effectively work with the technique. Optional supplies are the nice to haves that can make your working easier. With the optional supplies I’ll explain why I’m recommending them to help you decide if they’ll work for you. As always, this is not gospel nor exhaustive. Everyone works differently and has different preferences. I highly recommend going to your local quilt shop, emailing your favourite online shop and doing some time with Google to work out what works best for you.

English Paper Piecing

This is the method that I will be using to make my Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt (1920’s). I like to glue baste and so this supplies list reflects that technique (click here for my tutorial on how to glue baste). Alternatively you can thread baste if you like. I will provide links to information about how to do this in my tutorials wrap-up on 24 July.

Mandatory:

• Fabric: You can use whatever fabrics you would like there’s no restrictions.
• Items for Cutting Fabric:
  • Rotary Cutter – I use and recommend Olfa rotary cutters. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Cutting Mat – I use and recommend the Cute Cuts Lori Holt Cutting Mat by Riley Blake. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Ruler – I use and recommend the From Marti Michell 6.5″ Square Ruler. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Marti Michell
• English Paper Piecing Papers:
  • Paper Pieces offer the complete kit of English Paper Pieces, click here to purchase. Please note: Paper Pieces provided me with a complete set of the templates and papers as part of my compensation package for hosting this event. 
  • If you can’t afford to buy the kit from Paper Pieces click here to see how to make your own papers. Please be mindful that this technique requires a cutting machine and can be a lot more time consuming and expensive then purchasing pre-made papers. I can make EPP papers this way, I still opt to buy them. I find the quality of paper, the time it saves me and the fact that I know I’ll get what I need straight away outweighs the savings from making my own papers using this method.
  • There are a number of tutorials online about how to make English Paper Pieces. I recommend searching via Google and Pinterest to find a method that works for you.
• Glue for Basting:
  • I use either a Sewline Glue Pen or a Sue Daley Glue Pen. Both work equally as well. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Alternatively you can use a glue stick (like kids use for school). I’ve never used one, so be careful to check it first before basting all your fabrics and finding out that they’re not compatible. Click here to purchase on Amazon.
• Needles:
  • I use Size 11 Milliner needles. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • If you’ve not English Paper Pieced before I highly recommend popping into your Local Quilt Shop and talking to them about what they’d recommend and trying a few out. (Be sure to actually purchase from them if you’re using their time and experience and not just take the knowledge and then hit up the internet. Doing this doesn’t respect their time and effort and it contributes to local quilt shops closing down, which isn’t good for any of us!)
• Thread Scissors:
  • I use Fiskar’s Softouch Spring Action Micro-tip Scissors. I like these because they’ve got a fine tip (great for cutting thread close to the fabric) and feel good in my hand. They also have a safety lock which is great if you have kids around. Using sharp scissors to cut your threads makes them easier to thread through the needle. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
• Thread:
  • I am currently using WonderFil’s InvisaFil. It’s a 100wt 2-ply cottonized polyester. I like it because it just melts (figuratively speaking, not literally) into the fabric and makes stitches really hard to see. I use and recommend the following colours: 217 (beige), 718 (grey that matches nearly everything), 101 (black), 104 (bleached white), 105 (off-white), 604 (pale pink) and 729 (pale blue). A great way to start with these threads is to grab a thread set. I recommend Thread Set B002 – it’s the neutrals. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • I have used and would recommend the Frosted Donut #1 and the Frosted Donut #2 (these are Egyptian cotton threads), but if you can’t afford it a spool of Aurifil in #2000 (Sand), #2600 (Dove Grey) or #2021 (Natural White) will work just as well.
• Seam Ripper: unfortunately you’re going to need one of these. I use and recommend a Seam-fix seam ripper. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
• Some where comfortable to stitch.
• Patience: Unfortunately I don’t know where you can buy this!

Optional:

• Books To Help – The following books will help you with techniques for both fussy cutting and English Paper Piecing.
  • Fussy Cutters Club – Covers both fussy cutting for machine piecing and English Paper Piecing. Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel | Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Flossie Teacakes Guide to English Paper Piecing – Covers the history of English Paper Piecing, fussy cutting for English Paper Piecing and the benefits of slow stitching. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy
• Templates
  • Paper Pieces Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt (1920’s) Acrylic Templates. Click here to purchase from Paper Pieces.
• Tools + Notions – The following items can help improve your stitching experience.
  • Seam Wheel– This is a cheap and easy way to add seams to patchwork pieces/templates that do not include the seam allowance. You simply put the tip of your fabric pencil (mechanical ones work best) and trace around the edge of the template. A cheap alternative to buying the acrylic template sets if you’re using the Paper Pieces EPP blocks. Click here to purchase on Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Design Board – I can’t seem to find a place for you to buy these online, so here’s a free tutorial on how to make your own. Click here to learn more.
  • Sticky Thimbles – I use Finger Savers from Appleyard Cottage. They’re an adhesive leather dot that you stick to your finger to help with any discomfort. (I find after awhile of stitching the end of my needle starts to break the skin on my finger. I really should moisturise more…) Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Flatter by Soak – Using a good starch can help keep your work from fraying, stretching or warping. I use and recommend Flatter by Soak because it’s allergy friendly, smells great (find a scent you like) and is free from harsh chemicals. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Thread Wax – If you’re having trouble with your thread twisting, knotting or threading the needle thread wax can help. I love this handmade version from Robot Mom Sews because it’s handmade (support small business!), it’s so pretty and it comes in a variety of scents. Click here to purchase.
  • Pin Cushion – A good pincushion or needle minder is very handy when you’re hand stitching. You don’t want to lose your needle into the couch and then later find it with an ouch! I use and love these pincushions from Namolio on Etsy – click here to purchase. I also love this rainbow geo sewing machine needle minder from Kristy at Quiet Play – click here to purchase.
  • Clover Wonder Clips – I always have one or two of these clips in my EPP kit as they help keep the “trickier” shapes together while I work. They’re also great if you suffer joint pain as they help take the pressure off you trying to keep the pieces together while you work. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Needle Threader – There comes a time when we all have to admit our eye sight isn’t what it used to me. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Daylight Company’s MAGnificient Floor & Table LED Magnifying Lamp – I splurged and bought myself one of these for my 41st birthday and it’s brilliant. I use it for hand stitching and cross stitching. The light is so bright and focused it makes threading my needle and seeing my stitches a dream. They have an number of options so you can find a combination that works for you. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Fat Quarter Shop
• Sit + Stitch – The following items may help improve your stitching organisation and keep you on track.
  • Portable Storage Container – I like to keep all of my work in a plastic shoe box as I work. It just keeps it neat and portable. Metal tins also work a treat. I also have a specific plastic shoe box that contains all my EPP supplies in one spot so I can easily grab it and start working. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Lap Table – These are really good if you’re stitching around the house or on-the-go. I like to keep everything flat and in front of me and these help with that. There’s heaps of different varieties available so have a look for one that works with your style of stitching. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy
  • Brown Paper Lunch Bags – If you’re cutting and preparing blocks ahead of time storing them in brown paper bags can be really handy for keeping them together. I like them because they decompose quickly (unlike plastic bags), they’re super cheap and I can write on them easily so I know what’s in there. I simply fold and crease the tops when I’ve put stuff in there to keep them from sliding out. Click here to purchase on Amazon
  • Glass Jar as a Thread Catcher – I use an empty mason jar to collect all my thread cuttings and rubbish as I work. Because it has a lid it means I can keep it in my EPP kit without fear of it getting turned over and dumping rubbish through my work. I just empty it when it’s full. Click here to purchase on Amazon.
• Improve Your Skill Set – The following classes may help you learn and improve your skill set.
  • Craftsy Class – I love Craftsy as an online learning portal. The following classes may be of benefit if you’re looking to skill up.
    • Quick & Easy English Paper Piecing with Helen Stubbings
    • English Paper Piecing: Beyond the Basics with Helen Stubbings

Hand Stitching

I’m not a hand stitcher so I’m not really in a position to give you the ultimate guide to hand stitching tools and notions. However a lot of the tools and notions listed for English Paper Piecing can be used for hand stitching. Again, I highly recommend popping into your Local Quilt Shop and talking to them about what they’d recommend and trying a few out. (Be sure to actually purchase from them if you’re using their time and experience and not just take the knowledge and then hit up the internet. Doing this doesn’t respect their time and effort and it contributes to local quilt shops closing down, which isn’t good for any of us!).

If you’re going to hand stitch you’ll have to use the templates from the book (they’re on the CD that’s at the back of the book) to cut out your fabrics. Paper Pieces acrylic templates come with the seam allowance holes pre-drilled on them so you can use these to help you with your fabric cutting and marking. You can purchase them by clicking here.

Foundation Paper Piecing

Mandatory:

• Fabric: You can use whatever fabrics you would like there’s no restrictions.
• Items for Cutting Fabric:
  • Rotary Cutter – I use and recommend Olfa rotary cutters. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Cutting Mat – I use and recommend the Cute Cuts Lori Holt Cutting Mat by Riley Blake. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Ruler – I use and recommend the From Marti Michell 6.5″ Square Ruler. Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel
• Sewing Machine: I use a Brother Innovis NQ3500D. This machine was provided to me by Brother Australia. Click here to purchase on Amazon.
• Machine Needles:
  • I use a 80/10 needle. The needle will be moving between layers of fabric and paper so you will need to change it more often so make sure you have a supply on hand.
• Thread:
  • I am currently using WonderFil’s DecorBob. It’s a 80wt 2-ply cottonized polyester. I like it because it is super easy to unpick (something I do a lot), it has minimal seam bulk and it disappears into the fabric so makes your stitches hard to see. I use color 103 (a medium grey). I also pair it with the WoderFil Pre-wound DecoBob bobbins.
  • I have used and would recommend Aurifil in #2000 (Sand), #2600 (Dove Grey) or #2021 (Natural White), my preference now is for WonderFil when Foundation Paper Piecing.
• Thread Scissors:
  • I use Fiskar’s Softouch Spring Action Micro-tip Scissors. I like these because they’ve got a fine tip (great for cutting thread close to the fabric) and feel good in my hand. They also have a safety lock which is great if you have kids around. Using sharp scissors to cut your threads makes them easier to thread through the needle. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
• Paper for Pattern:
  • I use the cheapest printer paper I can find. I know that there’s lots of tutorials and articles out there about which paper is best for printing your patterns on, for me it comes down to price and easy of access. Printer paper I can buy from the supermarket wins hands down. I recommend trying a few different paper options if you’re new to Foundation Paper Piecing and work out what suits your style of working.
• Seam Ripper: unfortunately you’re going to need one of these. I use and recommend a Seam-fix seam ripper. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop

Optional:

• Books To Help – The following books will help you with techniques for both fussy cutting and English Paper Piecing.
  • Fussy Cutters Club – Covers both fussy cutting for machine piecing and English Paper Piecing. Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel | Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
• Templates
  • Paper Pieces Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt (1920’s) Acrylic Templates. Click here to purchase from Paper Pieces.
• Tools + Notions – The following items can help improve your stitching experience.
  • Seam Roller – If you’re finding bulk to be an issue then a seam roller may help. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Add a Quarter Ruler – These rulers come in handy if you’re trimming while you work (which you should). They make adding a 1/4″ seam to your cuts super simple and quick. Click here to purchase from Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Design Board – I can’t seem to find a place for you to buy these online, so here’s a free tutorial on how to make your own. Click here to learn more.
  • Flatter by Soak – Using a good starch can help keep your work from fraying, stretching or warping. I use and recommend Flatter by Soak because it’s allergy friendly, smells great (find a scent you like) and is free from harsh chemicals. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Clover Wonder Clips – I like to use these as an alternative to pinning my pieces together as I work. Just remember unlike a pin, these can’t pass under a sewing machine foot! Click here to purchase on Amazon | Etsy | Fat Quarter Shop
• Storing Your Work – The following items may help keep you organised over the life of the event.
  • Plastic Storage Container – I keep my fabrics and blocks in these containers as I work. Great for keeping everything organised and they stack too which is handy. Click here to purchase on Amazon | Fat Quarter Shop
  • Brown Paper Lunch Bags – If you’re cutting and preparing blocks ahead of time storing them in brown paper bags can be really handy for keeping them together. I like them because they decompose quickly (unlike plastic bags), they’re super cheap and I can write on them easily so I know what’s in there. I simply fold and crease the tops when I’ve put stuff in there to keep them from sliding out. Click here to purchase on Amazon
• Improve Your Skill Set – The following classes may help you learn and improve your skill set.
  • BluPrint Class – I love BluPrint as an online learning portal. The following classes may be of benefit if you’re looking to skill up.
    • Start Foundation Paper Piecing with Elizabeth Dackson
    • Mastering Foundation Paper Piecing with Carol Doak

If you’re interested in taking online classes be sure to check out BluPrint. It’s a great way to get access to all of the amazing classes for one low monthly fee. Click here to find out more.

Machine Piecing

Machine piecing supplies are the same as Foundation Paper Piecing minus the paper for printing your patterns on.If you’re going to machine piece you’ll have to use the templates from the book (they’re on the CD that’s at the back of the book) to cut out your fabrics. Paper Pieces acrylic templates come with the seam allowance holes pre-drilled on them so you can use these to help you with your fabric cutting and marking. You can purchase them by clicking here.

Be aware, that if you plan on machine piecing the quilt blocks there are a mix of y-seams and partial seams in the quilt blocks. These are not prohibitive from making the quilt, you’ll just need some practice with them before making the quilt block if you’ve never done them before. I will not be providing tutorials for how to make these blocks by machine, but where possible I will link to others who’ve provided tutorials on how to do it.

Optional:

• Templates – If you’re machine piecing the template sets and conversion charts (more on those below) can be a real life saver. I love Marti Michell’s products and use them every day. The great thing about investing in these template sets is they work with all quilt patterns. If you invest in them be sure to get a copy of Marti’s book “More Bang for the Buck” which helps you work out how to use the templates with other patterns.
  • From Marti Michell Fussy Cut 6.5″ Square Ruler – Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel
  • From Marti Michell Patchwork Template Set A – Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel
  • From Marti Michell Patchwork Template Set B – Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel
  • From Marti Michell Patchwork Template Set D – Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel
  • From Marti Michell Patchwork Template Set N – Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel
  • From Marti Michell Patchwork Template Set S – Click here to purchase on Shop GnomeAngel
  • Paper Pieces Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt (1920’s) Acrylic Templates. Click here to purchase from Paper Pieces. (Please note: These templates are specific to this pattern and cannot be used with other patterns.)

The following information will help you get prepared for using your chosen method of construction to make the Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt (1920’s).

Paper Pieces English Paper Piecing Kits

Paper Pieces have put together a number of ways you can purchase the English Paper Piecing templates and papers. You can find out more about them and purchase them by clicking here.

Please note: I do not stock or ship these products. If you have any questions about them please contact Paper Pieces. Paper Pieces provided me with a complete set of the templates and papers as part of my compensation package for hosting this event. 

Printing the Book Templates

For those of you that would like to use the templates in the book to cut your fabric, but you don’t want to print 110 pages to do it I have found a file online that has combined all the templates into one document. To download this file you will need to sign up to the file sharing service. This file has all the templates organised onto 15 pages (instead of the 100+ plus on the book CD).

Click here to access file.

Please note: I did not produce this file. I take no responsibility for the accuracy of the file. I also do not have any relationship with the file sharing service so you sign up to it under your own freewill and decision making. I have not signed up to this service or used this file.

Getting Access to the Foundation Paper Piece Patterns

If you would like to Foundation Paper Piece the blocks of the Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt then you’ll need to join the Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt Along Yahoo Group.

Click here to request access.

Please note: I do not administer this group, so I can’t approve your request to join or help trouble shoot. You will need to sign up to Yahoo to be able to join. According to the group details Karen Bennet from The Sewing Sanctuary (South Australia) is the group moderator. [If/when I can find a link to Karen’s store I will pop it in here so you can go and check out her shop and support her.] If you join the group please respect the group rules and behave with courtesy and respect.

Using From Marti Michell Templates

If you would like to use the From Marti Michell Templates to make your version of the Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt (1920’s) then you will find all the information about which templates you need and how to get access to the conversion charts by clicking here.

Please note: Marti has structured the information for how to use the templates differently then how this event will be run. For ease and convenience Marti has group all the blocks together that use the same templates so you can cut them out easily and quickly. This means that the conversion charts will not run numerically as per the book, but in groups of 10 blocks that have similar templates. I use and recommend Marti’s templates and rulers.

How to English Paper Piece Tutorial

You can find my tutorial on how to English Paper Piece by clicking here.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a very small commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link, in fact in some cases I can offer you a better price via an affiliate link. I will not recommend something that I do not use myself. These commissions help me keep being able to provide you with great content for free. Thank you, in advance for your support!