I too have Sylvia's Wedding Sampler book. There are about 20 blocks that are the same as FWS but if I remember right there are some appliqué and pp blocks. They are 6 inch. I'm almost to the finish line piecing the FWS so it remains on my UFO list. My goal this next two months is to see how many UFO's I can complete. I think I'm going to pass on Bonnie's mystery quilt and not start anything new until January.
QNSue...sounds like you need an iron kettle like we used for butchering hogs so you can do it all outside. Invite those you want to share with and have them help and take home the fruit of their labors. I know we had turkey's one year but I don't remember the ending. Must have been in school.
Mirabelle...a topstitch needle can also make a difference. The eye and shaft are shaped to accommodate the thread so it doesn't shred as easily.