Topic: Dear Jane Start-up Jan 2008 (2/9) - The Quilt Show Forum

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TOPIC: Dear Jane Start-up Jan 2008

09 Jul 2008 16:03 #21789

allisonchen1112
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Posts: 58

she-quilts wrote:

allisonchen1112 wrote:

May I know which one is easier to make for Dear Jane quilt, paper piercing or rotary cutting method. Which one will you recommend?

Well, personally for me... I LOVE paper piecing.

So whenever I have a choice, I will do paper piecing. So I think you can choose whatever method you prefer.

Some of the blocks have tiny pieces and for me, paper piecing is easier.

You can do that w/o the software by making your own sections and tracing them from the book. It is just that on the software, you can click 'print patterns' and choose foundation piecing and it works at the sections and spacing and prints it for you. Make sure the sections make sense to you before printing b/c a few blocks I have redone from what the software suggested.

Several blocks have piecing and hand applique as well. I get the piecing (usually foundation piecing) done and the applique ready and then have them ready for moments when I can do handwork.

Joyce

Joyce, did you mean the numbering suggested by the software isn't a good suggestion or not?

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08 Jul 2008 20:56 #21713

she-quilts OFFLINE Posts: 522 Thank you received: 32	allisonchen1112 wrote: The major two colors I like are pink and brown. I like the one on "Dear Jane" book, p75, "I weep with you, Jane" by Susan Pieper. Yum!! Twill be gorgeous!! I love pink & brown too!!
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08 Jul 2008 20:43 #21709

allisonchen1112 OFFLINE Posts: 58	The major two colors I like are pink and brown. I like the one on "Dear Jane" book, p75, "I weep with you, Jane" by Susan Pieper.
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08 Jul 2008 20:27 #21706

she-quilts
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Thank you received: 32

allisonchen1112 wrote:

Any design idea? I know Dear Jane software will allow me to do some "design." How do people do when they do not have the kit? They pick colors as they go? Or they buy some fabrics and go from there?

The original makes a sort of Trip Around the World coloring with the colors radiating out. So you can mimic that if you wish as you choose your fabrics.

But think if you want to use reproductions, if you want all your backgrounds the same (buy a bolt if you do), or all batiks, or a two color quilt. Lots of options!

Also a search for Dear Jane quilts will offer lots more ideas!!

Even brights on an all black background is stunning!

What colors or fabrics do you like?

Joyce

http://jmquilts.wordpress.com

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08 Jul 2008 19:46 #21696

allisonchen1112
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Posts: 58

quiltinggrandma wrote:

I'm doing a DJ with hand piecing. I'm about half done with the blocks and taking a break to get some other things done. As someone else said the pieces in some of the blocks are REALLY SMALL. I make a freezer paper pattern, then add 1/4" seam allowance when cutting. It's a great small project, and I really enjoy it. My advice would be to allow yourself lots of time and just enjoy the process rather than try to set a deadline for completion. I do the blocks in sequence (A-1, A-2, etc) rather than skipping around. That way I do the more difficult blocks as I go, rather than putting them off until that is all that I will have left.

If this works, this is my album on Web Shots of my DJ blocks.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560211243bTdasL

Hello, when you said you use freezer paper, do you also stitch with freezer paper on? I take a look of your blocks again, so nicely done!!

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08 Jul 2008 17:26 #21676

MargaritaW OFFLINE Posts: 705 Thank you received: 42	Allison: I am making the Dear Jane quilt, and I am using only 2 fabrics, a white on white for the background and a colorful geometric fabric for the rest of the blocks. It is turning out quite nice so far. Margarita in Auburn, CA
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08 Jul 2008 16:59 #21674

allisonchen1112 OFFLINE Posts: 58	I just purchased Dear Jane software. As soon as it arrives, I will start making the quilt! Since I didn't get the kit (full!), I am going to use my own stash. Any design idea? I know Dear Jane software will allow me to do some "design." How do people do when they do not have the kit? They pick colors as they go? Or they buy some fabrics and go from there?
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08 Jul 2008 13:31 #21653

allisonchen1112
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Posts: 58

quiltinggrandma wrote:

I'm doing a DJ with hand piecing. I'm about half done with the blocks and taking a break to get some other things done. As someone else said the pieces in some of the blocks are REALLY SMALL. I make a freezer paper pattern, then add 1/4" seam allowance when cutting. It's a great small project, and I really enjoy it. My advice would be to allow yourself lots of time and just enjoy the process rather than try to set a deadline for completion. I do the blocks in sequence (A-1, A-2, etc) rather than skipping around. That way I do the more difficult blocks as I go, rather than putting them off until that is all that I will have left.

If this works, this is my album on Web Shots of my DJ blocks.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560211243bTdasL

Thanks. Those blocks are wonderful!

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08 Jul 2008 09:41 #21642

dogquilter OFFLINE Posts: 535	I've been plugging along on my DJ. I have used every method available, hand piecing, paper piecing, applique and rotary, it depends on the block. I have enjoyed the process, but I am very behind. I think that I would rather pick my own fabrics at this point I am committed to the club. I love choosing fabrics.
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08 Jul 2008 09:34 #21640

MargaritaW OFFLINE Posts: 705 Thank you received: 42	Marge, your DJ blocks are great, I am working on mine slowly but surely. Margarita in Auburn, CA
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08 Jul 2008 08:57 #21636

jbtaz36
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Posts: 436

I have been doing DJ for a couple of years and it has taken me a long time because I have been hand piecing them. I have found that if I can reverse applique all of the ones that have curves in the pattern, it seems easier than piecing. I have only only completed 3 rows but now am picking and choosing easier ones. I also keep a chart to see what I have completed and glue the scrap on the chart of the color I had chosen for that particular block. My DJ is black, white, and a touch of red here and there. I don't work on it every day, in fact, I haven't worked on it for a couple of weeks. I often take it to my Wed. sewing group to work on so I don't have to lug my machine around. Judy in AZ where it is going to be 109 today

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08 Jul 2008 07:23 #21635

quiltinggrandma
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Posts: 225

I'm doing a DJ with hand piecing. I'm about half done with the blocks and taking a break to get some other things done. As someone else said the pieces in some of the blocks are REALLY SMALL. I make a freezer paper pattern, then add 1/4" seam allowance when cutting. It's a great small project, and I really enjoy it. My advice would be to allow yourself lots of time and just enjoy the process rather than try to set a deadline for completion. I do the blocks in sequence (A-1, A-2, etc) rather than skipping around. That way I do the more difficult blocks as I go, rather than putting them off until that is all that I will have left.

If this works, this is my album on Web Shots of my DJ blocks.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560211243bTdasL

Last Edit: by quiltinggrandma.

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08 Jul 2008 06:08 #21630

allisonchen1112 OFFLINE Posts: 58	Thanks Joyce. Actually, I like "small" blocks and quilts. I do not have much room in my place so I would like to make small size. And I am planning to hand pierce the blocks. Is anyone doing hand piercing here for DJ?
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07 Jul 2008 13:20 #21586

she-quilts
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Posts: 522
Thank you received: 32

allisonchen1112 wrote:

Thanks Joyce. I think I will get the software. I own the book for a while, but don't know how to start. Can I use my own scrap to do it?

I read your profile Allison and see you are a new quilter. Not knowing where you are in skill level, I'd caution you to not go overboard with a Dear Jane project. The blocks are small and have LOTS of pieces. I've been quilting for over 20 yrs and one of the DJ blocks took me over 1 1/2 hrs to paper piece. I wouldn't call it a beginner project.

Yes, your own quilt shop quality scraps would be fine in a Dear Jane. Lesser quality fabrics (even those labeled for quilting in the chain stores) will not work as well with the small blocks and pieces.

One thing I have appreciated with the Block of the Month from Stitchin' Heaven is the many pages of helps and tips for each month. I am paying the same as my local quilt shop that offers the DJ BOM {Dear Jane Block of the Month} (my friend got it) but getting 6 - 8 pages of help.

Joyce

http://jmquilts.wordpress.com

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