First Dear Jane Block from THE BOOK

Finally started.  I had completed one other block from the BOM that Brenda published on the Dear Jane web site in 2010.  However, I didn't get the book until Christmas, so after procrastinating for a little while, I sat down and hand pieced and appliqued the block.

Being such small blocks, accuracy is extremely important, so the simple block got a little more complicated as the thickness of the pen I used to draw my applique template made them just that little bit too big to fit on the block.  So a little bit of fiddling and re-drawing and re-cutting and I had one Dear Jane Block!

This is A-7 Dad's Plaids

Now to pick another and get going on that one.  The weather has turned so hot here that it is not conducive to anything.  I didn't sew at all yesterday - just read and played Rummy-O with the kids.  Oh, well - we need those sorts of days, too.

Cheers

Marg

Finally Something to Show

This is the first time I have been able to post some new blocks after I revealed what I started back in 2007.  I had intention of making some of my blocks last month but that didn't happen.  So I stopped all other sewing for an afternoon so I could do what I had planned, and that is to get back to working on my DJ.

C-9

A-6

C-12

B-1



It feels so good that I have actually made a few. It's like getting back on a bike, it all come backs to you .

Till next time
Kat
=^..^=

E-12 - Mary Ruth's Corset

I can't believe I haven't made any blocks for a whole month! Well, I'm back on track now! I did a block count and to finish by my Birthday in August I need to make 4 blocks every week from now on, so count on seeing me posting more regularly.


After looking at the block for a bit I decided the best way to approach it was to seminole piece the center. I was thrilled that I got it right the first time! Last time I attempted the same technique it took me three tries to size it correctly.
I liked it really well after adding the first two flying geese pieces!

And the finish! This one came out gorgeous!
I think I'm going to do one applique and one side triangle every week. I noticed that I tend to skip the applique blocks, so I need to make sure I keep up on those as I go! I hope to have some time this week to try putting them all into a collage. We'll see how it works!

G6..I never want to do that again

Now that we're a week in to 2012, I thought I would spend a snowy, NFL playoff filled day working on a Dear Jane block that had me very intimidated. G6, Papa's Star. It sits there, just to the left of center telling me, "I'm gonna be a doozie." In the time it took the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons to play a full 60 minutes of football, it took me to finish Papa's Star.

I used my Dear Jane software to print the foundation patterns because as you can see, parts of this block are itty bitty..  The 3 sections of the center star...

I placed my sewing scissors next to the pieces so you could get some perspective. See what I mean? They are TINY.  Here's the finished center star...

That's just a regular shirt button that I placed next to it. This center star is what took most of my attention,  i was trying to eliminate a lot of the bulky excess fabric because I know when the time comes it will be difficult to quilt through all those layers.  Adding the star points wasn't so difficult and went relatively quickly.

Papa's Star was tough. but I am happy with the results.  Just like the original Dear Jane, this block isn't perfect, but it makes me happy to have it behind me.

Using EQ7 and Dear Jane quilt

I've been completing the lessons on the EQ7 program for Dear Jane.  Looks like a fantastic program for designing quilts and making changes.  I want to make the classic Dear Jane so will probably not need most of the features, but I'll be able to print out the patterns for the blocks so that will save some time - I hope!

I've been reading Brenda's book - she has some great hints for completing the blocks.  I've picked a few easier ones - as I'm on holidays and have a limited range of sewing tools.  Although probably more than Jane did when she made her original quilt!!

Hoping for some real progress to show soon.

Cheers

Marg 

NO photos :-(

I am having a bit of trouble posting anything at the moment a I don't have access to my computer, only my iPad. Won't let me put photos on the blogs even though I can load them to the iPad. I have been flying along with my DJ with a fabulous view over the ocean!!!! Have completed row C and am busy joining them all together. Will post pictures when I can.

E7 & D7 done

Have to post a picture of the two blocks I completed this week. This is D7 - Meeting Place.

And this is E7 - Bread Basket.

You can read more about it here on my blog.

Helen, the quiltmaker. (yes, another Janiac)