Hi everyone - I would like to do a Dear Jane quilt - I see that a few people are using Kona cotton in Ecru for the background - I looked on Hancocks site to see if they have this fabric - couldn't see that particular colour - also the description says 'high thread count' would this be the correct fabric do you think? thanks, I am in the UK but buy a lot of fabric from the US -

'thann, I love your webpage you put up! I want to add a Dear Jane page to my blog but have been too busy this month!

Good job on getting so many blocks done already! I have 50 blocks and triangles done... but I have the next 10 ready to go. I'm doing as much fdn piecing as I can and print them from the software. I just love it!

Yippee on raiding your SIL's stash !

Joyce

I am on a roll with my DJ, which I started about two months ago. I have 30 blocks, 13 triangles, and 2 corners done -- entirely by hand, not foundation piecing. I LOVE this project! Each block is a little treasure.

I'm using fabrics from my own stash, but my wonderful sister-in-law has given me access to her huge Civil War reproductions stash. The background fabric is Kona cotton in ecru. I started out following the colors in the original quilt, but decided to select colors as the spirit moves me. I am sticking with subdued tones, though.

I'm assembling the quilt from the top down rather than waiting until I'm done with all of the blocks. So far I haven't had any issues with this process -- using Brenda Papadakis' block and triangle templates, every block is precisely sized.

I created a Web page with photos of my blocks, using a framework that shows the quilt as it's "growing." Here is the link: My Dear Jane Journey

'thann

I am still working on my 2nd row. I started making quilt postcards and now that is all I want to do. Until I burn out, DJ is on the back burner.

the DJ book and CD set does not work on my Mac. Long story, I won't go into it but you have to buy 2 OTHER programs to make it work.

If you want the book and CD - email me - make offer.

Sally in warm and sunny Torrance CA

Thanks Lynn, I too am on a break from my DJ. Mostly because I've been working on the TQS BOM. It takes a lot of my hand sewing time. I have everything for DJ set aside and will continue because I love the quilt. I am going to check out that book, thanks.

Say, I wanted to pass this on to you other DJ enthusiasts. I have been on 'vacation' from mine for awhile, but.....

I just rec'd and have looked thru a book by Penny Haren that uses her technique of applique on top of blocks of fabric and the finished piece looks like a 'pieced' block. Many of her blocks are DJ type blocks and the quilts in her book are magnificent.

I think it might make some of the construction easier. Although not copletely traditional in case you are a traditionalist!

The book is gorgeous!

Lynn

Well, I have all of six blocks completed (A-1 through A-6). I re-did blocks A-1 and A-2 for a variety of reasons and I am much happier. I'll probably re-do another if I get the urge.

I started with the DJ book, but broke down and bought the software, which makes it easier to print the templates. What is interesting/frustrating is that if you compare the blocks printed from the program and ones from the book printed on a copier, the ones from the program are a tad larger. Actually, that's why I re-did the first two blocks -- they were a smidge too small, and with this quilt I know the blocks have to be spot-on.

I'm having a fantastic time, though, and find it meditative to work on the blocks completely by hand. I'm adding sashing as I go, and can't wait to get to the wonderful triangles and kites!

'thann

Welcome to the group! I don't have the software, just the book and templates. I am over half finished, but am trying to obtain Civil War prints and having trouble finding shops that carry that fabric. May have to go on line. I am also using Kona for background and different one for each block, but definitely not hand sewing.

I also haven't been able to work on it for about a month, due to other sewing obligations. I sew for a living.

Welcome again.

Sharon in much cooler Colorado

Mirkwood wrote:
I'm glad you jumped in!

I haven't worked on my DJ blocks in about 6 weeks because of other sewing but they are on my list to get back to them this month.

I do like working on them and I DON'T like being behind.

I think it is row C that gets to lots of hand applique. Otherwise splattered about. I loved row A with all the piecing.

Joyce

I guess I'll join the fray!

I just started my Dear Jane last night -- I have A-1 done, and am half finished with A-2. I decided to go in order, and to use only fabric from my considerable stash. I'm sticking with traditional fabrics, and hope to use a completely unique fabric for each block. The background is ecru Kona cotton, which I buy by the bolt because I also use it for my Baltimore Album blocks. I just have the book and templates, not the EQ software.

I'm piecing by hand -- I've never managed to master paper piecing, and I really enjoy piecing by hand. So far the blocks are going together easily -- it's weird sewing such tiny pieces. I'll be happy to get to an applique block, because that's one technique I'm really good at.

'thann

I finished that block in no time when I got home this evening! Oh brother!! I guess I needed to just walk away. The miters were even fine.

Don't let my previous post scare you!

Joyce

I'm ready to scream! This block is my first to about do me in! :shock:

Working on month #4, block C-4, Streak of Lightning.

Have you BTDT yet?

I hope I don't use up all my background piece. I made the center diamond and am working on the background pieces. I made FP templates, ironed them to the wrong side of fabric (insert laugh track now...), cut them out. Re-ironed them to the right side of the fabric and used up more fabric. Sewed on top & bottom. Ripped out ends... restitched w/o stitching into S.A. Found that side pieces were too small.... REALLY add lots extra to those short sides....

Oh.my.goodness.

It is time to head out to a picnic. I hope the food is good!

Joyce

allisonchen1112 wrote:
Sometimes it is fine the way the software does it and sometimes I rearrange. Today I printed TR7 (I think.... : ) and there is a way to paper piece that my instructions from Stitchin' Heaven give. So I redid the sections on the software and printed it.

I don't remember other specifics but you'll see when they make sense. Or sometimes you just feel your way would be better.

I don't just print automatically pushing the button, I check to see if it is how I want it. You can also move the sections around on the page to make them all fit on one page by clicking the preview button after the sections are made and numbering is done.

Tip: You have to change the size printout for the triangles or you get short squatty ones. :shock:

Joyce

she-quilts wrote:
Joyce, did you mean the numbering suggested by the software isn't a good suggestion or not?