I'm doing the Farmer's Wife quilt, too. I think its a great learning experience for me! I've already learned a lot from the people doing it.
I'm a bit behind, too. I'm finishing up block 6 right now. Getting ready to do 7 & 8 to catch up. I think I'm going to hand piece 7, though, all those tiny pieces.
I'm much better at hand sewing than I am by machine. I've actually been hand sewing since I was little girl. My mom was into cross stitch and embroidery, so she taught me that when I was little girl. I just wish she had got into quilting!