The Farm Life Quilt

The Farm Life Quilt, by Ruby Short McKim, was originally published in the 1930's in a series of newspaper patterns.  The pattern consists of 25 designs, fence border and the quilting design. 

Blocks are designed for transfer onto a nine-inch square of muslin.  The designs are six inches square. Each square includes simple coloring suggestions.

Whether you live on a farm in a village, or in a city, you will be charmed with the Farm Life Quilt. Each block pictures some friendly scene or faithful animal and all of them together make a quilt that is as interesting and homelike as it is comfortable to use.

When you are ready to make a square, print it out and transfer it with a transfer pen or pencil. Another transfer method is to use a light box and trace design directly onto fabric with a water-soluble pen. Other methods are available, and you can choose the one that suits your style best. The original pattern calls for transfer by using carbon paper and a sharp pencil to mark your fabric.

  

Note: the quilting design which is included is a Horn of Plenty. 

My quilt was professionally quilted.
 

Designs - Farm Home, Farm Father, Apple Tree, Well-Filled Barn, Faithful Dobbin (horse), Friendly Cow, Sheep for Wool, Donkey, Pig in Sty, Billy Goat, Loyal Dog Shep, Family Cat, Struttin' Rooster, Busy Hen, Goose in Pond, Turkey, Barn Pigeons, Greedy Duck, Boy Fishin', Mother, Girl, Scarecrow, Harvest Field, Old Oaken Bucket, Farm Music.

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The pattern is suitable for coloring, painting, appliqué work, embroidery or a combination. You can choose redwork or bluework and make  your quilt as simple or elaborate as you wish. 

Any of the designs can be used separately for pillow tops, runners, tablecloths and other pieces for your home or for gifts. 

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Beginning with the introduction of wax crayons, women began to embellish their work with color. Break out that box of Crayola crayons and recreate the charm and unique personality of vintage tinted linens.

Trace your design using a light box & a black Pigma pen. Using  crayons, fill in as much color as you like! The harder you press, the deeper the colors.

Once you have all your blocks done you will seal your picture. Place brown paper or absorbent material on your picture. Iron back and forth pressing hard. The technique is simple and fun to do for all ages.

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Alternative ways to make the Father/Tractor square:

Alternative ways to make the house and barn squares:

You may use the horn of plenty quilting design on alternate squares, or use an all-over tighter quilt design:

More examples from vintage quilts and linens:

Some antique quilts: