farmers wife sampler or what?
 

Recently become intrigued with the quilt and understand the "story" behind it. Could I make my blocks bigger and so not to do the 111 blocks that I have been referenced to? It looks like the quilts that I have seen are a collection of many kinds of patterns. Has any one ever done it this way? Just don't want the quilt police to come a'knockin. (wink, wink)

it's your quilt... do it your way :)

I am not an applique person, so when I make a sampler quilt, I leave these out..It's your quilt--do what makes you happy!

+1.
Seriously.
You can just choose 4 blocks and make coasters if that's all YOU want to do.

Don't see why not! I have this book too and just this week was thinking that it would be interesting to make some of the blocks into three inch blocks and make them into a wall hanging. I'm thinking this through first as I was considering how to rotary cut and math my way through it rather than go the shrinking template route. Wouldn't be all 111 either. I live in a small apartment with limited wall space - but I'm getting a strong urge to get this one checked off my bucket list.

Google "farmer's wife quilt" and click images. You will see lots of quilts that are done the traditional way, but also lots that are done with larger blocks, fewer blocks, modern fabrics, and various settings. The same is true of the Dear Jane quilt. Sometimes it's nice to follow tradition, and other times it's fun to mix it up.

Sounds good to me. I myself don't think I would have the patience for allot of blocks. I have been looking at the birthday quilt but know deep inside I probably wouldn't finish it. Plus I can't get a free pattern and I won't buy another pattern that will sit there sigh

I've done just that with almost every quilt I've made. I find a quilt or a block I like and use just what I like, often resizing to meet my needs. Your quilt - your rules.

Or - a very radical idea -

Make a sampler quilt using blocks that YOU choose in the size YOU want in the fabrics YOU want and the number YOU want arranged the way YOU want !

I think you should make it your way. I can never bring myself to make or use blocks I don't like. I pick and choose the ones I love to work with.