February 2, 2016, 6:55 am
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February 3, 2016, 6:00 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 17, LR5, LR9, RR5, RR9 Triangles]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 17, LR5, LR9, RR5, RR9 Triangles") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 17, LR5, LR9, RR5, RR9 Triangles |
I have done 65 blocks of my Dear Jane quilt so far, which is about 28% of the quilt (average 13 a month). My sister was right when she said I still had a way to go. However, with a few of these Dear Jane triangle border blocks under my belt I am really pleased to see them getting done alongside the main body of the quilt. Borders usually suffer from being last in the queue when a quilt is being made and never get the same enthusiasm as the those first few blocks at the start of a project.![Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangles]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangles") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangles |
I have cut out the majority of the alternating blocks for the border which will be in my neutral tan fabric. By keeping them plain I hope it will offer an opportunity to add some interest with the quilting. Moving onto the next set, Draw 18Draw 18F10 - PotholderE2 - Merry MayF7 - Star StruckJ9 - Maury High SchoolThis Draw will also be in Green.
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February 4, 2016, 4:30 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Block F7 Star Struck]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block F7 Star Struck") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block F7 Star Struck |
The last time my Dear Jane blocks got out and about was when I went over to Maastricht to the Quilt exhibition, so it is good to see them getting some fresh air on the Cornish coast. This is Block F7 Star Struck.![Dear Jane Quilt - Block F7 Star Struck]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block F7 Star Struck") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block F7 Star Struck |
So far there have not been many 'star' blocks in Dear Jane, certainly not in comparison to the Nearly Insane blocks, where every other block seemed to be a star variation. Anyway, nice and simple, a few flying geese blocks, a border - DONE.Techniques:English Paper PiecingPieces: 20 pieces
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February 5, 2016, 7:10 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Block E2 Merry May]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block E2 Merry May") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block E2 Merry May |
This is Dear Jane block E2 Merry May. I slightly redrafted this one. The central shape on my Electric Quilt pattern was not symmetrical. The original design has two appliqued overlapping melon shapes, but as you can see, I have divided the shape into 5 pieces, stitched them together and then appliqued them onto the centre square. More chance for fussy cutting and more pleasing to the eye.
![Kim Diehl - Green fabrics]( "Kim Diehl - Green fabrics") |
| Kim Diehl - Green fabrics |
I enjoy doing the green blocks as the patterns on this range of Kim Diehl fabrics are really attractive and lend themselves to fussy cutting. BTW, here is the progress on the spring bulbs - a weekend away and look what happened!
Techniques:Appliqué and English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 14 pieces
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February 6, 2016, 7:00 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Block J9 Maury High School]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block J9 Maury High School") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block J9 Maury High School |
J9 Maury High School looks like an innocent little block, but those four tiny, tiny melon shapes were a bit of a trial to say the least.
Maury High School is a REAL school in Norfolk, Virginia, USA.Techniques:Appliqué and English Paper PiecingPieces: 26 pieces
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February 7, 2016, 5:00 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Block F10 Potholder]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block F10 Potholder") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block F10 Potholder |
This is the Dear Jane block F10 Potholder. It went through several design drafts and still I don't think I quite got the diamonds in the corners quite right. Apparently, diamonds are a girls best friend, but to be honest whenever they have cropped up in my sewing they have been anything but a 'best friend', always causing trouble and never quite playing along with everyone else. I have learnt from The Constant Quilter blog that there is a whole genre known as 'Potholder Quilts' and if you look around her blog you will see she has even completed a whole Dear Jane using the technique.
Techniques: English Paper PiecingPieces: 21 pieces
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February 8, 2016, 9:38 am
![Dear Jane Quilt Blocks - Draw 18, F10, E2, F7, J9]( "Dear Jane Quilt Blocks - Draw 18, F10, E2, F7, J9") |
| Dear Jane Quilt Blocks - Draw 18, F10, E2, F7, J9 |
Here are the latest Dear Jane blocks I have done in green. I am still not sure about that Potholder block and it might be a re-do down the line.I usually meet up at a sewing group on Monday evening for stitching, but tonight the weather is wet and VERY windy here in the UK, so I think I will stay in and stitch some Dear Jane blocks at home. Onto the next Draw C3 - Rayelle's FenceF6 - Deanie's DaisiesG11 - Decisions, DecisionsG13 - Molly's MuffinsThis Draw is Yellow.
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February 9, 2016, 4:00 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Block G13 Molly's Muffins]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block G13 Molly's Muffins") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block G13 Molly's Muffins |
I will try anything using EPP and even though working those curved shapes on Block G13 Molly's Muffins, was tricky, I think I have got away with it.Talking of Molly, there is a delightful kitten called Molly learning the joys of a sewing room over at The Objecst of Design blog if you care to take a look.Techniques:Appliqué and English Paper PiecingPieces: 13 pieces
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February 10, 2016, 12:00 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Block C3 Rayelle's Fence]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block C3 Rayelle's Fence") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block C3 Rayelle's Fence |
Presenting Block C3 Rayelle's Fence of the Dear Jane quilt. Just squares and rectangles - so simple with the English Paper Piecing method. As for Rayelle's Fence, I have no idea what it is about.I think this print from the 'Heritage Hollow' range by Kim Diehl is one of my favourites. It comes in this colour (which I describe as cow dung), blue and red. The new 'Sunday Best' range has been out for several weeks in the USA and so far I have resisted sending an order to Kimberley Jolly ....Techniques:English Paper PiecingPieces: 25 pieces
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February 11, 2016, 4:05 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Block F6 - Deanie's Daisies]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block F6 - Deanie's Daisies") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block F6 - Deanie's Daisies |
This is Block F6, Deanie's Daisies. Mainly English Paper Piecing besides the four little melon shapes in the centre which form the daisy. I didn't struggle too badly with these four.
![suzi the cat quilting]( "Suzi the cat quilting") |
| Suzi the cat |
The weather has been quite erratic here in the UK, but today we have some lovely February sunshine which Suzi the cat is enjoying. I am coming up to my six month anniversary since I started my Dear Jane blocks, so in the next few days I will treat you all with a review of my progress.Joining up with Feline FridayTechniques:Appliqué and English Paper PiecingPieces: 29 pieces
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February 12, 2016, 11:49 pm
![Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 19, F6, G11, C3, G13]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 19, F6, G11, C3, G13") |
Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 19, F6, G11, C3, G13
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This last draw of Dear Jane blocks was quite a nice selection. Maybe a bit browner than yellow, but hoping it will all come together in the final piece.Draw 20 is another set of triangles. Although they are bigger than the normal Dear Jane blocks they are often not many more pieces, so they have become less of a daunting prospect than on previous draws. This is the fourth set so heading towards sixteen border triangles being completed. You might be able to feel a sense of satisfaction that I am enjoying - the fact that the border is being done as I go along. However, I still haven't managed to get to the point where I remove my papers before construction. It took me seven whole days to remove them from the Nearly Insane quilt.TR1 - Spanish MossTR13 - Eiffel TowerBR1 - Rosemary's RainbowBR13 - ArgyleThis Draw is my old friend Orange.
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February 14, 2016, 12:00 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Block G11 Decisions, Decisions]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block G11 Decisions, Decisions") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block G11 Decisions, Decisions |
Whoops! I forgot to show you Block G11, Decisions, Decisions.There haven't been many pieces in each block with this Draw, but just four applique pieces can slow me down.Techniques:Appliqué and English Paper PiecingPieces: 13 pieces
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February 16, 2016, 4:24 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - 6 month Progress Report, Electric Quilt]( "Dear Jane Quilt - 6 month Progress Report, Electric Quilt") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - 6 month Progress Report, Electric Quilt |
As promised here is an update on my Dear Jane journey. I am six months into it and as you can see from the Electric Quilt interpretation, the holes are steadily being filled up.
![Dear Jane Quilt - Fabadashery 6 month Progress Report]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Fabadashery 6 month Progress Report") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Fabadashery 6 month Progress Report |
Here are all the actual Dear Jane quilt blocks which are completed, still with all the papers in them. No purple yet. None are sewn together yet, as I don't have a full row complete, but come back in the next six months and see whether I have managed to get any of it together.
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Blocks |
Triangle |
Red |
5/29 |
0/8 |
Purple |
0/12 |
0/8 |
Blue |
8/20 |
4/8 |
Green |
8/28 |
4/8 |
Yellow |
8/36 |
0/12 |
Orange |
28/44 |
8/12 |
TOTAL |
57/169 (33%) |
16/56 (28%) |
Here are the statistics. The numbers show that I am only about a third of the way through ... so still a way to go. If you have been a dedicated Follower, it might feel like this has been going on a bit longer, thanks for sticking with it. An average of about 12 blocks a month, which now puts back the completion to this time next year (February 2017). I think I could do with a Dear Jane retreat.![Dear Jane Quilt - Fabadashery 6 month Progress Report]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Fabadashery 6 month Progress Report") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Fabadashery 6 month Progress Report |
It is fun to pull out all the blocks and remember where and when you were stitching them, which is perhaps something special about hand piecing quilts. I usually prepare the blocks for sewing in batches and it is time I spent some time at the cutting board, especially since I have a few trips coming up in the next few weeks. ![Dear Jane Quilt Exhibition, Nantes, France 2013]( "Dear Jane Quilt Exhibition, Nantes, France 2013") |
| Dear Jane Quilt Exhibition, Nantes, France 2013 |
And finally, here is a bit of Dear Jane inspiration. This is another photo from the Dear Jane Quilt Exhibition held in Nantes, France in April 2013. I can't believe it is nearly three years ago that it was on display. What a show! It is a reminder that everyone interprets the quilt in their own way - on this note, check out the Dear Jane cutie Susan has made. Over at That Quilt, a new Dear Jane quiltalong is starting - just if you are interested.Joining up with Design Wall Monday
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February 19, 2016, 7:26 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block BR13 Argyle]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block BR13 Argyle") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block BR13 Argyle |
Moving onto some of the border triangles of the Dear Jane quilt. This is aptly called Argyle, like the sweaters, no doubt from the Scottish region. They need sweaters up there, they seem to get the worst of the weather.A few diamonds in this one, but I coped.Techniques:Appliqué and English Paper PiecingPieces: 26 pieces
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February 21, 2016, 7:28 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block BR1 Rosemary's Rainbow]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block BR1 Rosemary's Rainbow") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block BR1 Rosemary's Rainbow |
In my head there is still the myth that the Dear Jane triangles are hard. This one only had eleven pieces in it.Techniques:Appliqué and English Paper PiecingPieces: 11 pieces
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February 28, 2016, 3:12 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block TR1 Spanish Moss]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block TR1 Spanish Moss") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block TR1 Spanish Moss |
This is triangle block TR1, Spanish Moss. Lots of thin bits on this one, which is a bit wayward now, but should be pulled in once part of the border.
![Spanish Moss]( "Spanish Moss") |
| Spanish Moss |
Spanish Moss is not a plant that is common in the UK, so I did a bit of research and found out that it native to north and south America and is not a 'moss' or a 'lichen' but an 'air plant', living off nutrients in the air and from rainfall. As you can see, it hangs from trees, so maybe I should have turned mine 180 degrees.Techniques : English Paper PiecingNo of pieces: 23
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February 29, 2016, 10:39 am
![Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block TR13 Eiffel Tower]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block TR13 Eiffel Tower") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block TR13 Eiffel Tower |
I have done a slight adaptation on this Dear Jane triangle border block, TR13 Eiffel Tower. I will leave the Dear Jane Quilt Police to work it out. There appear to be as many pieces as the original, so I don't consider it to be too much of a cheat.Techniques:Appliqué and English Paper PiecingPieces: 17 pieces
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![Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 20 TR1, TR13, BR1, BR13 Triangles]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 20 TR1, TR13, BR1, BR13 Triangles") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 20 TR1, TR13, BR1, BR13 Triangles |
Another set of border triangles down. I was away on a sewing retreat last week and I only managed to do one Dear Jane block because I didn't have time cut any beforehand. I was gutted. This has been put right now and I have plenty of supplies for the next few weeks. So onto the next Draw.Draw 21H3 - Berry's BasketsL7 - Town SquareI10 - Iris' MedallionJ7 - Chicken TreatsThis Draw is Orange. Yes, Orange again, but going back to the 6 Month report you will see that there are many more orange blocks than any other in my design.
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![Dear Jane Quilt - Block I10 Iris' Medallion]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block I10 Iris' Medallion") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block I10 Iris' Medallion |
Here is a pleasing little Dear Jane block, Iris' Medallion. I guess the squares could have been appliqued, but I decided not to make my life difficult.
Techniques:Appliqué and English Paper PiecingPieces: 26 pieces
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![Dear Jane Quilt - Block H3 Berry's Baskets]( "Dear Jane Quilt - Block H3 Berry's Baskets") |
| Dear Jane Quilt - Block H3 Berry's Baskets |
Here is Dear Jane block H3, Berry Baskets. There appear to be discrepancies between the original Jane Stickle quilt, the diagrams in the Dear Jane book and the Electric Quilt Dear Jane software for several of the Dear Jane blocks and triangle borders. Add to that my 'interpretation' of the block and Chinese whispers have taken grip of the project. In general I work from the EQ software. I am not really bothered, but I just wanted to highlight that 'interpretation' is a key description of my Dear Jane journey. Moving onto other fabric news ...
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| Kim Diehl Fabrics - Sunday Best |
As you can see from this pretty selection, I relented on the new Kim Diehl fabric range 'Sunday Best'. When fabrics are released in the USA it usually takes several months and sometimes even longer for a range to get to the UK. I don't know any shops which carry Kim Diehl fabrics regularly, but I have seen a few oddments at Doughtys. I think I have plenty now for this Dear Jane project and several other King size quilts!Techniques: English Paper PiecingPieces: 22 pieces
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