Needing some tips about Dear Jane
Trish Brown
'Dear Jane' here at rctq. I wonder why I so badly need to make one???
Oddly, my quilting buddy (who now lives at the exact opposite end of the
country) has been infected independently of me and mentioned it
yesterday in a phone call. We had an 'AHA!!!' moment and began planning
how we could do a quilt-along, even though we're thousands of miles
apart. This is good! We figure:
i) we can work slowly along and support each other by email
ii) we can share/swap fabrics to keep costs down
iii) we agree we'd both like to use 1930s prints and solids
iv) there are lots of online blogs with tips and instructions
v) a Dear Jane would be a Very Good Idea - think of all the experience
we'd gain!
Our main problems are:
i) we're really only beginning quilters without all that many difficult
blocks behind us
ii) neither of us has anyone nearby to offer help/advice in person
iv) it's *really* hard to find a big enough selection of fabrics in the
30s prints we like
v) even though we've ordered 'The Book', we can't figure out how to buy
the fabrics.
So, with all the above as background, and keeping in mind that our plan
is to make each block from a different print and use toning 1930s solids
as background, here are my main questions:
Roughly how much fabric do you need for each block in a Dear Jane?
Is it a good idea to collect charm packs? Is a 5" charm square big
enough to make one block? Should/can we buy fat eighths? (Easy here in
Oz, not so easy in the US) Should we buy fat quarters and share them?
Would it be cheaper/more sensible to just use white fabric for the
background and buy 15 yards each of it?
Finally, does anyone have any recommendations for good online US shops?
We really need to count our pennies on this and it's *lots* cheaper to
buy online than from local sources.
If anyone's done/doing a Dear Jane, would you please share your wisdom
so Trisha and I can get started? Thanks heaps! ;-D
--
Trish Brown {|:-}
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Pat S
online groups.
When you get the books, you will see that there are no instructions.
Now, instructions have been created elsewhere than in the book, and tips
etc and have been gathered together on the dedicated sites (you can
discuss etc just like here). If you have found the blogs and such, that
will do you fine. I didn't use them - not because I am arrogant, but I
have ways I like to work and we are all different. The very fact that
it had been proved that they were do-able was enough for me!
One thing, you may find that the background fabric quantity which is
usually given has been overestimated. It would be awful to have to buy
the large amount - at Australian prices - and then find you had a lot
left over. I bought a lot less background that it said and think I will
have enough; but it does depend very much on how you work with the
blocks.
Working slowly is good; just set an easy target - even one or two a
month will keep you going. You will find that some are very easy and
you can get quite a few of those done quite quickly. Others will take
more time. It is a very appealing project and you will have great
adventures along the way. When you have examined all the pros and cons,
don't be afraid to make them your own by, perhaps doing fewer blocks (if
you are finding it hard-going), or re-arranging them.
By the way, I know this is going to sound scarcely believable: but, when
you have finished and are labelling your quilts, you must be careful not
to call them 'Dear Jane'. You might want to put them in a show or make
them public in some way, and the 'Dear Jane' title is copyrighted by the
author of the book; and there is at least one record of her taking
someone to court over the name. Many of us use the Dear Jane name as a
sort of shorthand. You can always use the name of the original designer
and call it something like 'Trish's quilt in the style of the Jane
Stickle Quilt of 1863'.
Hope something here helps.
.
In message <4e26a76e$0$29864$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com>, Trish
Brown <pmcb...@internode.on.net> writes
--
Best Regards
Pat on the Green
Polly Esther
Trish mentioned thinking of using 30's repros for her fabric. 30's
repros to my mind are mostly happy silly grandma's apron, bubblegum pink and
kittens with mittens. The Dear Jane quilts I've seen (not many) have been
created with much more somber (how's that for a word?) tones.
Will somebody who knows please climb in here? Polly
"Pat S" <Quilt...@surfanytime.net> wrote in message
news:Wiq1aPC4...@quik.clara.co.uk...
Trish Brown
> I don't know what I'm talking about but has that ever stopped me? NOoooo.
> Trish mentioned thinking of using 30's repros for her fabric. 30's
> repros to my mind are mostly happy silly grandma's apron, bubblegum pink
> and kittens with mittens. The Dear Jane quilts I've seen (not many) have
> been created with much more somber (how's that for a word?) tones.
> Will somebody who knows please climb in here? Polly
Oo! MeMe! I'll climb in! See, I've been checking out as many blogs and
quilt-alongs as I can find, and people have done them in rainbow batiks,
marbles, 30s repros and even single colours on white or black. It was
the 30s prints that got me going: they're so darned pretty! The lovely
gelato-flavoured ones are my favourites and there's something about the
simple florals that's just so relaxing.
Do you think a charm square per block (plus background yardage) will do
it, Polly, or am I kidding meself?
Trish Brown
> Before you do anything, Trish, I suggest you visit one of the Dear Jane
> online groups.
Yep! Lots of help is out there, but hardly anyone mentions what
quantities of fabrics they bought beyond the background. Because Trisha
and I are so beginnish, we're embarrased to ask silly questions at a
dedicated group. Rctq seems - cosier - y'know?
> When you get the books, you will see that there are no instructions.
> Now, instructions have been created elsewhere than in the book, and tips
> etc and have been gathered together on the dedicated sites (you can
> discuss etc just like here). If you have found the blogs and such, that
> will do you fine. I didn't use them - not because I am arrogant, but I
> have ways I like to work and we are all different. The very fact that it
> had been proved that they were do-able was enough for me!
Yeah - we feel a bit the same way. I'm thinking paper piecing might be
our preferred method. We've already done a big fat Mariner's Compass
each by paper piecing them and it was great fun.
>
> One thing, you may find that the background fabric quantity which is
> usually given has been overestimated. It would be awful to have to buy
> the large amount - at Australian prices - and then find you had a lot
> left over. I bought a lot less background that it said and think I will
> have enough; but it does depend very much on how you work with the blocks.
Whew! Oz prices are the Pitz - so great, in fact, that it's well
worthwhile to buy from the US! (Massive postage included).
>
> Working slowly is good; just set an easy target - even one or two a
> month will keep you going. You will find that some are very easy and you
> can get quite a few of those done quite quickly. Others will take more
> time. It is a very appealing project and you will have great adventures
> along the way. When you have examined all the pros and cons, don't be
> afraid to make them your own by, perhaps doing fewer blocks (if you are
> finding it hard-going), or re-arranging them.
Hah! That's *exactly* what I needed to hear! Thank you! The whole
project (especially the cost) is pretty daunting if you sit still long
enough to think about it. It's nice to be reminded that perfection isn't
required! LOL!
>
> By the way, I know this is going to sound scarcely believable: but, when
> you have finished and are labelling your quilts, you must be careful not
> to call them 'Dear Jane'. You might want to put them in a show or make
> them public in some way, and the 'Dear Jane' title is copyrighted by the
> author of the book; and there is at least one record of her taking
> someone to court over the name. Many of us use the Dear Jane name as a
> sort of shorthand. You can always use the name of the original designer
> and call it something like 'Trish's quilt in the style of the Jane
> Stickle Quilt of 1863'.
Gee, it is amazing! I mean, the JASQ is an historical item and, I'd've
thought, priceless. How can anyone 'own' its name, or even its nickname,
even if s/he coined it? Oh well. I shall call it JASQ in future.
>
> Hope something here helps.
Yes! Thank you! My family thinks I'm mental because I keep googling Dear
J - erm - JASQ and drooling over the lovely fabrics.
Polly Esther
for it. I'll never ever again attempt a quilt with fabrics/colors that
aren't a joy for me to spend time with.
Now. As to the charm squares being enough? I'm thinking you might be
working yourself into a corner. That might work and it might make the whole
process just too tedious to bear. Methinks you'd better begin with 8ths.
Polly
"Trish Brown" <pmcb...@internode.on.net> wrote in message
news:4e26e5cb$0$29997$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com...
Trish Brown
> All right, then. That answers that. If the 30's fabrics make you
> happy, go for it. I'll never ever again attempt a quilt with
> fabrics/colors that aren't a joy for me to spend time with.
> Now. As to the charm squares being enough? I'm thinking you might be
> working yourself into a corner. That might work and it might make the
> whole process just too tedious to bear. Methinks you'd better begin with
> 8ths. Polly
Hokay! Thanks for that! It's pus, isn't it, working with colours that
just lose their appeal? I've been collecting fabrix from a line called
'Under the Australian Sun' and they're really, really gorgeous. So much
so that I'm disciplining myself to complete all UFOs before I'm allowed
to even think about cutting them. They're Oz florals in our native
colours of drab olive, cream, burnt orange(-ish) and brown. I studied
Botany many years ago and I've always wanted to do a quilt or something
to commemorate that. These fabrix are just the ticket!
If you'd like to see them, they're a Robert Kaufman line and they show
up on Google... ;-D
Alice in PA
of her comments relate to your questions. You can find it here. Hope it
helps.
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2011/07/callous-control.html?ref=nf
--
Alice in PA
http://community.webshots.com/user/twosonsatpsu
"Trish Brown" <pmcb...@internode.on.net> wrote in message
news:4e26e8a3$0$29900$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com...
Tutu Haynes-Smart
> blocks behind us
I was an absolute beginner when I started my first Dear Jane - and for that
one I started with the easiest block I could find and once that was
completed, went on to the next one. That was a great way for a beginner to
start, because it meant that, by the time you reached the real stinkers, you
had some skills behind you.
> ii) neither of us has anyone nearby to offer help/advice in person
Ditto. And I never spoke to anyone in person about the quilt and my
difficulties before I completed it. And I finished it.
> iv) it's *really* hard to find a big enough selection of fabrics in the
> 30s prints we like
> v) even though we've ordered 'The Book', we can't figure out how to buy
> the fabrics.
I scraped by with a fat 1/8th (or a tad less at times) for a block AND a
plain triangle and a pieced triangle. In my first DJ, I repeated quite a few
fabrics, but the second only about six duplicates. (Make a spreadsheet or
something to track your fabrics. I had little squares stuck on a paper
replica). Certainly, if you are careful, a charm square could do you.
I did use (very cheap) muslin for the background. Good was that it was cheap
so that it didn't really matter how much I used. Bad was that it was a bear
for the small applique, so be warned on that. Also be aware that if you are
doing a lot of paper piecing, you tend (however miserly you are, to use a
bit more fabric). I used 6m of 150cm wide - and that gave me quite a bit of
wriggle room. That did NOT include the sashings.
I got The Book and then redrafted each one in EQ4 (that dates me, doesn't
it). Now things are a lot easier with EQ's DJ software (you'll see my quilts
in there and some of my tips too). I would seriously recommend purchasing
the software unless you are going to hand piece everything using freezer
paper or some other precise method.
And finally, good luck and enjoy the journey. Shout if you have specific
problems - there's a number of people here who can help.
--
Cheers for now
Tutu
Cape Town, South Africa
"Trish Brown" <pmcb...@internode.on.net> wrote in message
news:4e26a76e$0$29864$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com...
> Well! It's only a couple of weeks since I found out about a thing called
> 'Dear Jane' here at rctq. I wonder why I so badly need to make one???
>
> Oddly, my quilting buddy (who now lives at the exact opposite end of the
> country) has been infected independently of me and mentioned it yesterday
> in a phone call. We had an 'AHA!!!' moment and began planning how we could
> do a quilt-along, even though we're thousands of miles apart. This is
> good! We figure:
>
> i) we can work slowly along and support each other by email
> ii) we can share/swap fabrics to keep costs down
> iii) we agree we'd both like to use 1930s prints and solids
> iv) there are lots of online blogs with tips and instructions
> v) a Dear Jane would be a Very Good Idea - think of all the experience
> we'd gain!
>
> Our main problems are:
>
>
Pauline
of the group is making her 2nd DJ now. She was going to make #2 all in
Kaffe Fassett's fabrics. As trite as the saying is, it's your quilt & you
can make it out of anything you want to. I personally love the 30's
fabrics, because they are so cheery looking! There is a spin-off group that
is making their DJ out of Xmas fabrics. I do not have a DJ in my future.
It's bad enough that I got sucked into making Sylvia's Bridal Sampler, which
is a lot less blocks & somewhat larger blocks.
The facilitator of the DJ groups & Sylvia's Bridal Sampler groups from my
guild send an email on Friday's with the next block to make. SBS sends a
2nd easy, peasy block, if anyone wants to tackle 2 in one week.
I understand this is not an easy quilt to make & without the software,
extremely difficult, so you may want to look into that. Enjoy the journey &
the experience!
I think when I was a little girl, we spent the night in Newcastle on our way
from Sydney to Rockhampton in QLD. It was a small town at the time (50 +
years ago:(
Pauline
Northern California
"Trish Brown" <pmcb...@internode.on.net> wrote in message
news:4e26a76e$0$29864$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com...
Bronnie
> There are quite a number of "Janiac's" in my quilting guild. The "leader"
> of the group is making her 2nd DJ now. She was going to make #2 all in
> Kaffe Fassett's fabrics. As trite as the saying is, it's your quilt & you
> can make it out of anything you want to. I personally love the 30's
> fabrics, because they are so cheery looking! There is a spin-off group that
> is making their DJ out of Xmas fabrics. I do not have a DJ in my future.
> It's bad enough that I got sucked into making Sylvia's Bridal Sampler, which
> is a lot less blocks & somewhat larger blocks.
>
> The facilitator of the DJ groups & Sylvia's Bridal Sampler groups from my
> guild send an email on Friday's with the next block to make. SBS sends a
> 2nd easy, peasy block, if anyone wants to tackle 2 in one week.
>
> I understand this is not an easy quilt to make & without the software,
> extremely difficult, so you may want to look into that. Enjoy the journey &
> the experience!
>
> I think when I was a little girl, we spent the night in Newcastle on our way
> from Sydney to Rockhampton in QLD. It was a small town at the time (50 +
> years ago:(
>
> Pauline
G'day Trish
I'm just 'up the road' on the Gold Coast. If you are ever holidaying
up this way, holler thru this group, love to meet up with you. My
quilting buddy a street away has recently finished a DJ so can always
rope her in. She does beautiful applique and is presently doing one
with 1000+ little leaves. And she'll finish it too. Myself, I'm not
into traditional applique - I know, it's holding my abilities back - I
do machine applique on art quilts.
Enjoy the journey and follow the paths that are unexpected.
Cheers
Bronnie
I just love it that you and your quilt buddy are Trish and Trisha!
How good is that? Is she in Perth??
Trish Brown
> I just finished reading Bonnie Hunter's blog about this style quilt.
> Some of her comments relate to your questions. You can find it here.
> Hope it helps.
>
> http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2011/07/callous-control.html?ref=nf
>
Thanks, Alice: lots of good info here and on some of her other links.
Isn't it amazing how easy it is to start reading one blog and simply
drift on from there into so many, many others?
Trish Brown
<snip>
> I scraped by with a fat 1/8th (or a tad less at times) for a block AND a
> plain triangle and a pieced triangle. In my first DJ, I repeated quite a few
> fabrics, but the second only about six duplicates. (Make a spreadsheet or
> something to track your fabrics. I had little squares stuck on a paper
> replica). Certainly, if you are careful, a charm square could do you.
>
> I did use (very cheap) muslin for the background. Good was that it was cheap
> so that it didn't really matter how much I used. Bad was that it was a bear
> for the small applique, so be warned on that. Also be aware that if you are
> doing a lot of paper piecing, you tend (however miserly you are, to use a
> bit more fabric). I used 6m of 150cm wide - and that gave me quite a bit of
> wriggle room. That did NOT include the sashings.
>
> I got The Book and then redrafted each one in EQ4 (that dates me, doesn't
> it). Now things are a lot easier with EQ's DJ software (you'll see my quilts
> in there and some of my tips too). I would seriously recommend purchasing
> the software unless you are going to hand piece everything using freezer
> paper or some other precise method.
>
> And finally, good luck and enjoy the journey. Shout if you have specific
> problems - there's a number of people here who can help.
>
Thanks for that, Tutu! I'm thinking of using coloured backgrounds to
tone with my prints. Dunno yet... Gee, I wish my friend could come over
for a day or two so we could do all our planning together! We make a
good team, each seeing things the other usually misses.
I usually draft my blocks in CorelDraw, only it's not working on my
machine at the moment (Hnnnnh!!!) I'd love to see the DJ software at
work, but for now it's beyond the budget. Trisha (my friend) and I have
used light sew-in interfacing in the past (for paper piecing, that is).
You can leave it in the quilt and it adds a bit of 'oomph' if that's
what you're after. We'll no doubt do quite a bit of experimenting before
we start, though. Trisha is a dedicated machine piecer while I rather
enjoy hand-work and appliqué.
The help I've had from rctqers already is what allowed me to make the
final decision and go ahead with my JASQ. Thanks to you and everyone who
has emailed! ;-D
Trish Brown
> There are quite a number of "Janiac's" in my quilting guild. The
> "leader" of the group is making her 2nd DJ now. She was going to make #2
> all in Kaffe Fassett's fabrics. As trite as the saying is, it's your
> quilt & you can make it out of anything you want to. I personally love
> the 30's fabrics, because they are so cheery looking! There is a
> spin-off group that is making their DJ out of Xmas fabrics. I do not
> have a DJ in my future. It's bad enough that I got sucked into making
> Sylvia's Bridal Sampler, which is a lot less blocks & somewhat larger
> blocks.
Oooo! How I envy the idea of a quilting guild! I'm not aware of one near
where I live, only the groups attached to local shops. They cost >>>$$$,
so they're not really an option. The best hope I've had for a new local
quilting buddy is my two great-nieces (aged 6 and 9). They're begging me
to teach them to sew and quilt! Yay!
>
> The facilitator of the DJ groups & Sylvia's Bridal Sampler groups from
> my guild send an email on Friday's with the next block to make. SBS
> sends a 2nd easy, peasy block, if anyone wants to tackle 2 in one week.
>
> I understand this is not an easy quilt to make & without the software,
> extremely difficult, so you may want to look into that. Enjoy the
> journey & the experience!
Thank you! I've already started drafting a few blox and even that
process has been fun. Can't wait for my fabrix to start arriving!
>
> I think when I was a little girl, we spent the night in Newcastle on our
> way from Sydney to Rockhampton in QLD. It was a small town at the time
> (50 + years ago:(
>
> Pauline
> Northern California
LOL! I was here then! Why didn't you call in for tea and cake?
N'cle's a lot nicer these days - our heavy industries have all but dried
up and so tourism is our major employer. This means the town is a lot
cleaner and prettier than ever. You should come back some time (and
bring your UFOs with you)!
Trish Brown
>
> G'day Trish
> I'm just 'up the road' on the Gold Coast. If you are ever holidaying
> up this way, holler thru this group, love to meet up with you. My
> quilting buddy a street away has recently finished a DJ so can always
> rope her in. She does beautiful applique and is presently doing one
> with 1000+ little leaves. And she'll finish it too. Myself, I'm not
> into traditional applique - I know, it's holding my abilities back - I
> do machine applique on art quilts.
>
> Enjoy the journey and follow the paths that are unexpected.
> Cheers
> Bronnie
Thanks, Bronnie! And of course, if you ever make it down to chilly
N'cle, please give me a hoy! Maybe I can infect you with the hand
appliqué bug? ;->
>
> I just love it that you and your quilt buddy are Trish and Trisha!
> How good is that? Is she in Perth??
LOL! Trish and I have been great friends since we were twelve and now
our daughters are besties as well. Every St Patrick's day, we ring each
other and say 'Hello Trisha? This is Trisha!' When we were in high
school, there were five Trishas in our class - it was confusing.
Roberta
you love. (then you'll need to get a bit of other stuff for contrast,
but you knew that already.) Having a friend to share the experience is
a great way to push yourself into more adventurous combinations -you
have to use what she sends you!
But if all you can afford is charm size, this is not impossible. It
might force you to mix up your fabrics. If you don't have enough of
one thing, you can make the block a little bit different by adding
another fabric to the mix.
If you were to send me your snail addy off list, I might be able to
find some suitable bits for you.
Roberta in D
Trish Brown
> My advice re fabric buying is to get all you can afford of anything
> you love. (then you'll need to get a bit of other stuff for contrast,
> but you knew that already.) Having a friend to share the experience is
> a great way to push yourself into more adventurous combinations -you
> have to use what she sends you!
> But if all you can afford is charm size, this is not impossible. It
> might force you to mix up your fabrics. If you don't have enough of
> one thing, you can make the block a little bit different by adding
> another fabric to the mix.
>
> If you were to send me your snail addy off list, I might be able to
> find some suitable bits for you.
> Roberta in D
Hee! Thank you for the permission, Roberta. I'll just let my DH know
that I'm officially *allowed* to purchase all those scrumptious 30s
prints by the yard! LOLOLOLOLOLOL!
Thank you for your kind offer, but I'm sure Trish and I will manage.
It's all part of the drama (ie sourcing the fabrix). :-)
Susan Laity Price
working on a DJ and would like to share information.
Susan Price
Polly Esther
( I realize that someone can make a DJ out of tie-dyed t-shirts if they take
a notion.) Why I pose the question is - I am making a 'simple star' quilt
and the blocks' backgrounds are sort of similar but they are not the same.
The result, methinks, is very nice. Just wondered if you couldn't do a DJ
with various backgrounds without an initial outlay for 15 yards - a
staggering thought. Polly
"Susan Laity Price" <slpde...@speakeasy.net> wrote in message
news:3tfg275k4656tutpg...@4ax.com...
Susan in Idaho
months I got enough fabric to do 8 squars and 2 pieced triangles. It
was VERY expensive that way. I purchased the fabric for the back at a
local shop. I will probably not start quilting it until this fall. I
want to hand quilt this one.
I was sent a 10 inch square of the focal fabric for each block. That
was more than was needed for most blocks, but not for all. I am going
to make a log cabin quilt with the "leftovers".
I don't think a 5inch square is enough for most of the blocks because
of seam allowance. A fat quarter would do you and your friend for one
square or more, one pieced triangle and one plain triange. I suggest
you cut the plain triangle first then piece the other block(s) and
triangle.
I pressed some seams open to help reduce bulk,
I also eliminated some pieces to simplify some blocks when I got
frustrated with them.
I used paper piecing when I could. I used freezer paper templates for
most of the applique.
My blocks were in 19th century reproductions and similar patterns. I
think if I do it again I will use batics and do a rainbow jane... If I
do another.
If you want to see it I posted it to my blog in April of this year:
http://www.tangledthreads-beads.blogspot.com/
Good luck. It's really fun to work on so many blocks and see the
quilt grow. If you have any questions about how I did a block, or
anything else, email me.
Keep on quilting.
Susan in Idaho Falls, Idaho, US
>
> i) we can work slowly along and support each other by email
> ii) we can share/swap fabrics to keep costs down
> iii) we agree we'd both like to use 1930s prints and solids
> iv) there are lots of online blogs with tips and instructions
> v) a Dear Jane would be a Very Good Idea - think of all the experience
> we'd gain!
>
>
Susan Laity Price
fabrics and patterns years ago but didn't really start the Dear Jane.
I made the Rosemary Youngs' Civil War Love Letters thinking that would
put DJ out of my head but it didn't work. There seems to be a
resurgence of interest in DJ this year. This is a quilt that we just
can't forget. I saw the original many years ago. It is breathtaking.
Susan
Trish Brown
> I finished my DJ top this spring, It was a BOM. Each month for 24
> months I got enough fabric to do 8 squars and 2 pieced triangles. It
> was VERY expensive that way. I purchased the fabric for the back at a
> local shop. I will probably not start quilting it until this fall. I
> want to hand quilt this one.
>
> I was sent a 10 inch square of the focal fabric for each block. That
> was more than was needed for most blocks, but not for all. I am going
> to make a log cabin quilt with the "leftovers".
> I don't think a 5inch square is enough for most of the blocks because
> of seam allowance. A fat quarter would do you and your friend for one
> square or more, one pieced triangle and one plain triange. I suggest
> you cut the plain triangle first then piece the other block(s) and
> triangle.
Yes, that's pretty much what we thought. LOL! It's never a problem to
have too many leftovers, is it?
> I pressed some seams open to help reduce bulk,
> I also eliminated some pieces to simplify some blocks when I got
> frustrated with them.
> I used paper piecing when I could. I used freezer paper templates for
> most of the applique.
Yes! I've been really grateful for these sorts of tips: it makes the
planning a lot easier when you think of them ahead of cutting the fabric!
> My blocks were in 19th century reproductions and similar patterns. I
> think if I do it again I will use batics and do a rainbow jane... If I
> do another.
> If you want to see it I posted it to my blog in April of this year:
> http://www.tangledthreads-beads.blogspot.com/
Gorgeous!!! I love the way you put your design wall together and is your
quilting frame your own design as well??? It looks great!
>
> Good luck. It's really fun to work on so many blocks and see the
> quilt grow. If you have any questions about how I did a block, or
> anything else, email me.
> Keep on quilting.
> Susan in Idaho Falls, Idaho, US
Thank you, Susan. ;-D
Trish Brown
> Should the background of every DJ block always have to be the very same?
> ( I realize that someone can make a DJ out of tie-dyed t-shirts if they
> take a notion.) Why I pose the question is - I am making a 'simple star'
> quilt and the blocks' backgrounds are sort of similar but they are not
> the same. The result, methinks, is very nice. Just wondered if you
> couldn't do a DJ with various backgrounds without an initial outlay for
> 15 yards - a staggering thought. Polly
Polly, this is the one that got me hooked:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/550055259KiPeNl?start=0
I think it's just gorgeous, the way she has used the coloured
backgrounds to accent her prints! I hope mine will be as pretty!
Butterfly-Wings
I learned the name in MI? I didn't think 'flying geese' were that easy to
make back then....still ahve to concentrate when I make them now.
I enjoy _Dear Janes_ but can't see attempting one and admire those that
have.
Butterfly (hoping she's back for awhile this time)
Butterfly-Wings
Butterfly
Roberta
makes the whole thing more lively. Once I went a bit overboard though.
The solution was to quilt all over the surface with a contrasting
variegated thread. It worked sort of like a glaze on a painting to
pull all the different fabrics together.
I'm probably going to have to do this again on the top I just
finished.
Roberta in D, Queen of the Scrap Heap
Pat S
like that way - so pretty. The way the background colours form those
'trip around the world ' diamonds is so clever - and the border echoing
all those colours ..... quite something.
In message <4e28bdf6$0$29885$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com>, Trish
Brown <pmcb...@internode.on.net> writes
>
>
>Polly, this is the one that got me hooked:
>
>http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/550055259KiPeNl?start=0
>
>I think it's just gorgeous, the way she has used the coloured
>backgrounds to accent her prints! I hope mine will be as pretty!
>
--
Maureen Wozniak
(in article <98r2q5...@mid.individual.net>):
> Should the background of every DJ block always have to be the very same?
> ( I realize that someone can make a DJ out of tie-dyed t-shirts if they take
> a notion.) Why I pose the question is - I am making a 'simple star' quilt
> and the blocks' backgrounds are sort of similar but they are not the same.
> The result, methinks, is very nice. Just wondered if you couldn't do a DJ
> with various backgrounds without an initial outlay for 15 yards - a
> staggering thought. Polly
>
>
>
I've never done one, so I guess I don't know the rules. But I think similar
yet different backgrounds would be stunning.
Maureen
Sandy E
"Anything goes!"
Blue & white by our own Tutu Haynes:
Technicolor:
http://dear-jane-quilt.livejournal.com/
http://ballaratpatchwork.com.au/scrapbag/2010/07/kaffe-fassett-dear-jane/
... I gave away my Dear Jane book; wasn't going to make the quilt, enjoyed
reading the history; that was enough. I do enjoy seeing other quilters'
interpretations. ;-)
Cheers!
R/Sandy - leaving all the former msg. 'cause I want to
On 7/20/11 9:23 AM, in article 98o6mg...@mid.individual.net, "Polly
Esther" <Poll...@cableone.net> wrote:
> I don't know what I'm talking about but has that ever stopped me? NOoooo.
> Trish mentioned thinking of using 30's repros for her fabric. 30's
> repros to my mind are mostly happy silly grandma's apron, bubblegum pink and
> kittens with mittens. The Dear Jane quilts I've seen (not many) have been
> created with much more somber (how's that for a word?) tones.
> Will somebody who knows please climb in here? Polly
>
>
> "Pat S" <Quilt...@surfanytime.net> wrote in message
> news:Wiq1aPC4...@quik.clara.co.uk...
>> Before you do anything, Trish, I suggest you visit one of the Dear Jane
>> online groups.
>> When you get the books, you will see that there are no instructions. Now,
>> instructions have been created elsewhere than in the book, and tips etc
>> and have been gathered together on the dedicated sites (you can discuss
>> etc just like here). If you have found the blogs and such, that will do
>> you fine. I didn't use them - not because I am arrogant, but I have ways
>> I like to work and we are all different. The very fact that it had been
>> proved that they were do-able was enough for me!
>>
>> One thing, you may find that the background fabric quantity which is
>> usually given has been overestimated. It would be awful to have to buy
>> the large amount - at Australian prices - and then find you had a lot left
>> over. I bought a lot less background that it said and think I will have
>> enough; but it does depend very much on how you work with the blocks.
>>
>> Working slowly is good; just set an easy target - even one or two a month
>> will keep you going. You will find that some are very easy and you can
>> get quite a few of those done quite quickly. Others will take more time.
>> It is a very appealing project and you will have great adventures along
>> the way. When you have examined all the pros and cons, don't be afraid to
>> make them your own by, perhaps doing fewer blocks (if you are finding it
>> hard-going), or re-arranging them.
>>
>> By the way, I know this is going to sound scarcely believable: but, when
>> you have finished and are labelling your quilts, you must be careful not
>> to call them 'Dear Jane'. You might want to put them in a show or make
>> them public in some way, and the 'Dear Jane' title is copyrighted by the
>> author of the book; and there is at least one record of her taking someone
>> to court over the name. Many of us use the Dear Jane name as a sort of
>> shorthand. You can always use the name of the original designer and call
>> it something like 'Trish's quilt in the style of the Jane Stickle Quilt of
>> 1863'.
>>
>> Hope something here helps.
>> .
>> In message <4e26a76e$0$29864$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com>, Trish
>> Brown <pmcb...@internode.on.net> writes
Polly Esther
Kaffe fabrics? And, of all things, I think I love the gentle tones the
best. That could change. In mid-sentence. I would have to 'give the book
away' too. No DJ in my future but I am truly wow'ed by them. Polly
"Sandy E" <el...@tx.rr.com> wrote in message
news:CA4FB1B4.53FBB%el...@tx.rr.com...
Pati, in Phx
(plus a couple of other projects from block swaps that need to be
finished.)
A couple of thoughts for you,
using different backgrounds allows you to buy as you can or need to.
The other option here is to use something basic, that you can buy in
smaller amounts. I used Roc-Lon muslin and have no idea how much I
used. <G>
When I started my DJ I was pretty much a beginner. Didn't know how
much of the quilt I was going to do. And I started with the triangles.
(Had to be different.<G>)
The group I started with met at a shop and we got 4-6 pieces of fabric
each meeting. These were about 6" wide by 9-10" long and enough to do
at least a block or triangle. Some of the blocks can easily be done
with a charm square plus background, some can't.
And a warning, once you start the small blocks they become addicting.
And if you are planning to hand piece I heartily recommend the
purchase of the book "Quilted Diamond 2" by Linda Franz. Even if you
never do any of the diamonds the almost 2 hour DVD lesson on hand
piecing is wonderful. Wish I had had that before I started my Jane.
Most importantly remember:
Finished is better than perfect.
Make it big and trim it down.
HAVE FUN.
Pati, in Phx
Trish Brown
Oh Pati, it was great to read your post! Especially where you say you
were a beginner when you started! LOL! That would be me! I wish I could
join a group too. AFAICT, there aren't any locally and few local shops
have even heard of the Jane A. Stickle quilt.
Just today, I decided to start with the triangles too. My friend and I
are expecting to have a planning session over the Christmas holidays
(that's the soonest she can get here, since she lives on the other side
of the country :-( ). I'm in honour bound not to start without her, but
she's not going to add the border of triangles and I am. (This only
dawned on me last night - duh!) So, I guess I'll start piecing the
triangles and see how I go.
I've already picked a few difficult blocks and made practice pieces of
them. So far, so good. It looks like much of the piecing will be on
foundations and for that, we plan to use a light sew-in interfacing. It
travels quite well through the printer and will be much easier to get
the foundations on to. I'm also re-drafting the block patterns so that
they measure 6½" - I have a king-sized bed and need the extra area.
My latest thoughts have been 'I wonder if I could do quilt-as-you-go on
this?' and so that's what I think of as I lie in bed at night. Still
haven't quite got the plan properly in my head, but I will, I will! LOL!
I can't wait to get started: this is promising to be so much fun!!! ;-D
Pat S
fit neatly into the size; so will be easy enough to do 'proportionally'.
You might have to work a bit on a few!
As to the quilt as you go. I think that is actually a great idea.
There are various methods 'out there'. But, I was thinking ... I would
think that with such relatively small blocks, this quilt might be a
candidate for a false back. You could use a fine muslin for the block
backing, so that you could quilt them. Then, after they have all been
sewn together with the sashing, you could choose the backing you really
want (don't forget there are extra width fabrics, because you will
already have a lot of seam thickness), and tie it to the top at,
perhaps, every corner. The ties could be a feature, if you like that
idea, or virtually invisible.
See what you think. If I were a great one for block quilts (which I'm
not, usually - I tend to do more whole area designs), I would have tried
this method by now. Maybe it is in my future! I have tried a couple of
the usual methods, but only for testing purposes.
I'm so glad Pati came in with her tips. You really are going to have
fun, you know!
.
In message <4e3f4496$0$29886$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com>, Trish
Brown <pmcb...@internode.on.net> writes
>Oh Pati, it was great to read your post! Especially where you say you
>were a beginner when you started! LOL! That would be me! I wish I could
>join a group too. AFAICT, there aren't any locally and few local shops
>have even heard of the Jane A. Stickle quilt.
>
>Just today, I decided to start with the triangles too. My friend and I
>are expecting to have a planning session over the Christmas holidays
>(that's the soonest she can get here, since she lives on the other side
>of the country :-( ). I'm in honour bound not to start without her,
>but she's not going to add the border of triangles and I am. (This only
>dawned on me last night - duh!) So, I guess I'll start piecing the
>triangles and see how I go.
>
>I've already picked a few difficult blocks and made practice pieces of
>them. So far, so good. It looks like much of the piecing will be on
>foundations and for that, we plan to use a light sew-in interfacing. It
>travels quite well through the printer and will be much easier to get
>the foundations on to. I'm also re-drafting the block patterns so that
>they measure 6½" - I have a king-sized bed and need the extra area.
>
>My latest thoughts have been 'I wonder if I could do quilt-as-you-go on
>this?' and so that's what I think of as I lie in bed at night. Still
>haven't quite got the plan properly in my head, but I will, I will! LOL!
>
>I can't wait to get started: this is promising to be so much fun!!! ;-D
>
--
Tutu Haynes-Smart
I have always like the idea of QAYG - but shied away from all the ways of
making it look all of a piece. Clever way around the back problem:-)
Thankyou.
--
Cheers for now
Tutu
Cape Town, South Africa
"Pat S" <Quilt...@surfanytime.net> wrote in message
news:Ln$iLCB1G...@quik.clara.co.uk...
Kate in MI
weight and price! I provides both templates and foundation piecing
patterns. A good many of the blocks can be foundation pieced which makes
it a point-perfect process. It also allows you to sort the blocks by
difficulty level -- which is nice. You could also resize the blocks to 6
inch blocks if you wish -- which makes them a little easier to work with -
but if you plan to make the exact quilt it would be huge! You could start
with the beginner blocks and work your way to the more difficult blocks.
You do not need the actual EQ software to run the Dear Jane software. The
software is $50 -- but if you split it -- you could print the patterns to a
PDF file and email the templates to each other. I would be lost without it!
http://www.electricquilt.com/Shop/DearJane/DJ.asp
As for fabrics -- Keepsake quilting would be a place to look. Here is a
bundle of 50 FQ's. Do you plan to make your quilt "charm style" -- without
repeating any of your primary fabrics? I would say a 5" charm will not work
for all blocks. You are going to drive yourself crazy trying to scrimp so
you don't run short as you cut your pieces. I am using layer cakes (10"
squares) and bought several packs of them.
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/8800/---1930S-FAT-QUARTER-QUILT-FABRIC-COLLECTION-.htm
One thought is to make double blocks -- you each would end up doing 1/2 of a
quilt -- twice -- then you could trade so 1/2 of your quilts is made by your
BFF.
Feel free to email me privately if you have any questions. I'm about 60%
done with the center blocks (the 4 1/2" blocks). Hope to have them all done
by Thanksgiving!
Kate in MI
http://community.webshots.com/user/K_Groves
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Trish Brown" wrote in message
news:4e26a76e$0$29864$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com...
Well! It's only a couple of weeks since I found out about a thing called
Our main problems are:
so Trisha and I can get started? Thanks heaps! ;-D
Trish Brown
> I'm working on mine right now! I have found the software to be worth
> its weight and price! I provides both templates and foundation piecing
> patterns. A good many of the blocks can be foundation pieced which makes
> it a point-perfect process. It also allows you to sort the blocks by
> difficulty level -- which is nice. You could also resize the blocks to 6
> inch blocks if you wish -- which makes them a little easier to work with
> - but if you plan to make the exact quilt it would be huge! You could
> start with the beginner blocks and work your way to the more difficult
> blocks. You do not need the actual EQ software to run the Dear Jane
> software. The software is $50 -- but if you split it -- you could print
> the patterns to a PDF file and email the templates to each other. I
> would be lost without it!
>
> http://www.electricquilt.com/Shop/DearJane/DJ.asp
I'm drafting our blocks to be a bit larger (6½") and so I've started
from scratch in CorelDraw. It's easy and fun. Let's see if the 'ease and
fun' element remains after 225 blox!
>
>
> As for fabrics -- Keepsake quilting would be a place to look. Here is a
> bundle of 50 FQ's. Do you plan to make your quilt "charm style" --
> without repeating any of your primary fabrics? I would say a 5" charm
> will not work for all blocks. You are going to drive yourself crazy
> trying to scrimp so you don't run short as you cut your pieces. I am
> using layer cakes (10" squares) and bought several packs of them.
>
> http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/8800/---1930S-FAT-QUARTER-QUILT-FABRIC-COLLECTION-.htm
Thanks for that, Kate! I'll email the URL on to Trisha so we can
purchase ASAP. I bought one charm pack and was lucky enough to find it
had only 10 different prints but with 2 squares of each print in it.
Whew! That's just enough for some simple blocks. It seems to me,
there'll probably be quite a bit left over after duplicates and
over-budgetting are taken into account. What a shame! I'll have to make
another quilt out of the scraps!
>
>
> One thought is to make double blocks -- you each would end up doing 1/2
> of a quilt -- twice -- then you could trade so 1/2 of your quilts is
> made by your BFF.
Yes, I think that's a great idea. Trisha is a lot better at foundation
piecing than me and I'm a dab hand at appliqué. This should work well
for us.
>
> Feel free to email me privately if you have any questions. I'm about 60%
> done with the center blocks (the 4 1/2" blocks). Hope to have them all
> done by Thanksgiving!
Thank you! Good luck with the big finish! I'm *busting* to get started,
but I did promise to wait until the Christmas hols. I s'pose I'll just
have to phondle all the pretty phabrix until then. Or, maybe, make a
leetle incursion into the triangles on the QT. ;-D
Trish Brown
> How enterprising of you to change the block size. Most of the designs
> fit neatly into the size; so will be easy enough to do 'proportionally'.
> You might have to work a bit on a few!
I thought that would be the case, but you just try to resize that
blasted ź" seam allowance on a triangle or trapezoid! I've had to
revisit my (old and rusty) drafting skills - which is A Good Thing,
really. I'm enjoying it hugely!
> As to the quilt as you go. I think that is actually a great idea. There
> are various methods 'out there'. But, I was thinking ... I would think
> that with such relatively small blocks, this quilt might be a candidate
> for a false back. You could use a fine muslin for the block backing, so
> that you could quilt them. Then, after they have all been sewn together
> with the sashing, you could choose the backing you really want (don't
> forget there are extra width fabrics, because you will already have a
> lot of seam thickness), and tie it to the top at, perhaps, every corner.
> The ties could be a feature, if you like that idea, or virtually invisible.
> See what you think.
Ooo! I love the sound of the false back! I'm thinking that, if I sash
the quilt, I could simply SITD along the sashing strips after the back
is attached. Straight lines are a lot easier to machine quilt than all
those wiggly ones I see on YouTube!
> If I were a great one for block quilts (which I'm
> not, usually - I tend to do more whole area designs), I would have tried
> this method by now. Maybe it is in my future! I have tried a couple of
> the usual methods, but only for testing purposes.
>
> I'm so glad Pati came in with her tips. You really are going to have
> fun, you know!
YES!!! I've made a few practice blox, just to see if I can do it and
it's so much easier than I thought it'd be. I'm thinking some of the
foundation piecing is going to be a challenge, but I'll be sensible and
start easy. Thanks so much for your input - I feel so rich with all
these great ideas coming my way. ;-D
Pat S
Tiny word of warning (sorry!): SITD is not as easy as it sounds >g<.
If you want to quilt along the sashing, it would be easier to do the
stitching a quarter of an inch from the seams - still straight lines,
but any little 'burp' from the straight wouldn't show nearly as much!
Caution about leaving those blocks unquilted, with just the sashing sewn
down. When I suggested the false back, it was because you would have
quilted the individual blocks. It would depend a bit on your batting,
but I don't think 6.5" blocks would do too well unquilted.
Or, as is more than likely, I have misunderstood your intentions!
.
In message <4e41ea12$0$30003$c3e8da3$5496...@news.astraweb.com>, Trish
Brown <pmcb...@internode.on.net> writes
--
Trish Brown
> I love to 'hear' the enthusiasm in your writing!
LOL! So do I! I've done so many different crafts and hobbies in my life,
but quilting has come along kinda late-ish to me. It's so exciting to be
able to start something completely new, but not too unfamiliar (I've
been a person-who-sews since I was four).
> Tiny word of warning (sorry!): SITD is not as easy as it sounds >g<. If
> you want to quilt along the sashing, it would be easier to do the
> stitching a quarter of an inch from the seams - still straight lines,
> but any little 'burp' from the straight wouldn't show nearly as much!
Yes, I hear you! I haven't tried SITD yet, but my friend assures me it's
dead easy. Hah! Just like high school dressage: quite simple *as long as
you know what you're doing*!
>
> Caution about leaving those blocks unquilted, with just the sashing sewn
> down. When I suggested the false back, it was because you would have
> quilted the individual blocks. It would depend a bit on your batting,
> but I don't think 6.5" blocks would do too well unquilted.
> Or, as is more than likely, I have misunderstood your intentions!
O no, I wouldn't leave the blox unquilted: I'd quilt them as I went
('go-ed'?) and then do the sashing thing with the false back. So many
ideas to think of and I haven't even put my scissors into fabric yet.
I've printed out the first half-dozen foundations for triangles and keep
looking at them meaningfully. Hmmmm...
Roberta
to see if your fabric estimate was correct!
Roberta in D
(clipped)
Pat S
Returning to SITD: it is dead easy if you don't mind wobbles!!
If you do decide to do it, a couple of things which should help:
if you quilt along the lower side of the seam it will be
marginally easier. You will have observed that, if you press seams to
the side, there is a high side and low side to every seam. However, the
side 'prongs' of the presser foot will be a slightly different levels to
one another. Exception is if you press your seams open.
when you are quilting along the low side of the seam, start at
the end which allows you main light source (usually a window) to be on
the same side of the seam as the low side. Otherwise you will be
quilting along the shadow of the high side onto the low side. Try it
and you will see what I mean. That increased visibility makes and
enormous difference in being able to keep the quilting line just up
against the 'step' of the high side, but not hopping onto it (what I
called a 'burp'!)
.
In message <4e426e46$0$11089$c3e...@news.astraweb.com>, Trish Brown
<pmcb...@internode.on.net> writes
--
Pati, in Phx
you wish. No re-drafting needed!<G>
Also, doing 6" (finished) blocks will take a lot more fabric. Most
will need more than a 5" charm.
And double check the measurements And what your finished size will
be.
Have fun,
Pati, in Phx
n Aug 9, 7:10 pm, Trish Brown <pmcbr...@internode.on.net> wrote:
> Kate in MI wrote:
> > I'm working on mine right now! I have found the software to be worth
> > its weight and price! I provides both templates and foundation piecing
> > patterns. A good many of the blocks can be foundation pieced which makes
> > it a point-perfect process. It also allows you to sort the blocks by
> > difficulty level -- which is nice. You could also resize the blocks to 6
> > inch blocks if you wish -- which makes them a little easier to work with
> > - but if you plan to make the exact quilt it would be huge! You could
> > start with the beginner blocks and work your way to the more difficult
> > blocks. You do not need the actual EQ software to run the Dear Jane
> > software. The software is $50 -- but if you split it -- you could print
> > the patterns to a PDF file and email the templates to each other. I
> > would be lost without it!
>
> >http://www.electricquilt.com/Shop/DearJane/DJ.asp
>
> I'm drafting our blocks to be a bit larger (6½") and so I've started
> from scratch in CorelDraw. It's easy and fun. Let's see if the 'ease and
> fun' element remains after 225 blox!
>
>
> >http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/8800/---1930S-FAT-QUART...
Alexandra Hunter
Dear Trish
I have recently revived my fledgling interest in quilting through an abortive BOM (too hard to do on my own!) and a couple of expensive lessons at a local shop which have left me with basic piecing skills but no idea of how to attach a quilt top to its border or backing, so tonight I decided to have a look in rctq because rctn was such a great way to learn lots about cross stitch when I first got interested in that, back in the mid 90s.
What a pleasure to find a post by you almost as soon as I started scrolling through recent rctq topics! It was like walking into a room expecting to see only strangers, and hearing a familiar voice. You probably don't remember me, but I used to post as l_goddess_l or mooncat1973 on rctn around 1995-2005. I still think of you and your Boring Stories now and again.
Warmest regards
Alex (formerly of WA, earlier of Newcastle, and now of Canberra)
Trish Brown
> --Note this reply is completely OT--
>
> Dear Trish
>
> I have recently revived my fledgling interest in quilting through an abortive BOM (too hard to do on my own!) and a couple of expensive lessons at a local shop which have left me with basic piecing skills but no idea of how to attach a quilt top to its border or backing, so tonight I decided to have a look in rctq because rctn was such a great way to learn lots about cross stitch when I first got interested in that, back in the mid 90s.
>
> What a pleasure to find a post by you almost as soon as I started scrolling through recent rctq topics! It was like walking into a room expecting to see only strangers, and hearing a familiar voice. You probably don't remember me, but I used to post as l_goddess_l or mooncat1973 on rctn around 1995-2005. I still think of you and your Boring Stories now and again.
>
> Warmest regards
> Alex (formerly of WA, earlier of Newcastle, and now of Canberra)
I remember you, Alex! Thanks for your kind comments - I haven't done any
'proper' stitching in quite a while because the quilting bug bit and -
well - here I am.
My advice (aside from asking for group wisdom here, of course) is to get
stuck into YouTube. There's all sorts of helpful videos there to show
you how to piece, baste and quilt. I'm still a raw beginner meself,
having only a few quilts under my belt. I've embarked on my Jane A.
Stickle quilt and have been having *so* much fun with it. Gee, I hope I
can stay the distance: it's so absorbing and so *darned* complicated. LOL!
Chuck a google image search of 'Dear Jane' to see many scrumptious
versions of this remarkable quilt. I've done three of the border
triangles in 1930s prints - only 222 blox to go! =:-O
Alexandra Hunter
Oh, dear, Trish. I can understand the quilting overtaking the 'proper'
needlework... not enough hours in the day to do it all!! And taking on
the Dear Jane early in your career is true to form.
I just checked out some of the DJ links and *boggled* at it. So many
blocks! So many SORTS of blocks! Good luck. :-) I think the Kaffe
Fasset one quoted earlier in the thred is my favourite, love the
rainbow in the arrangement - though I saw an indigo one that was
lovely too. Not for me, though. I'll stick with my L-plates for now
thanks!
YouTube had crossed my mind as a resource, and I'll be doing some
watching this weekend while I struggle with binding, backing and
quilting a complete "patchwork" cot sized top I bought at a recent
craft fair. Good practice, and nicer than buggering up the quilt top
I'm currently piecing. Babysteps on all fronts!
I'll have to try and be a mostly-lurker on rctq so I can get some time
in at the needle. I have a two year old girl now who keeps me busy
when I'm not at work. She's looking forward to getting her first
pieced quilt finished soon - loves the colours in the jelly roll I
chose for it. This is my study in basic cutting and piecing technique,
so I can then make a lovely eye-spy quilt. We chose the fabrics for
that one together!
:-)
Alex
Nann
presenter's DJ has received prizes at several quilt shows. She's gone
to many DJ workshops and teaches DJ BOM. One interesting anecdote she
related is that Brenda Papadakis, who drew the blocks and wrote the
books, has never made a DJ!
Nann
http://withstringsattached.blogspot.com
....who has owned the book twice and sold both copies....if a third
copy comes along that may be a sign....
Trish Brown
>
> Oh, dear, Trish. I can understand the quilting overtaking the 'proper'
> needlework... not enough hours in the day to do it all!! And taking on
> the Dear Jane early in your career is true to form.
LOL! Mostly, it's not enough $$$ in the bank! Also, like the real
quilters, I think I have more ideas in my head than I have time or
resources to complete. As soon as I clapped eyes on the Jane A. Stickle,
I thought 'Gotta do this!' Like all needlework, it progresses one stitch
at a time, so I do hope to finish it one day.
>
> I just checked out some of the DJ links and *boggled* at it. So many
> blocks! So many SORTS of blocks! Good luck. :-) I think the Kaffe
> Fasset one quoted earlier in the thred is my favourite, love the
> rainbow in the arrangement - though I saw an indigo one that was
> lovely too. Not for me, though. I'll stick with my L-plates for now
> thanks!
Oh yes, I liked the Kaffe one enormously too. The one that really
appealed is the 1930s prints (hadn't seen any of those in my LQSes and
fell immediately in love).
>
> YouTube had crossed my mind as a resource, and I'll be doing some
> watching this weekend while I struggle with binding, backing and
> quilting a complete "patchwork" cot sized top I bought at a recent
> craft fair. Good practice, and nicer than buggering up the quilt top
> I'm currently piecing. Babysteps on all fronts!
Great idea! One thing that led me gently from stitching to quilting was
the chance to do huge, enormous quantities of appliqué on my first
quilt. It was all hearts and butterflies and nine patches for DD: quick
to do and fun to work at. I think that's the secret: if you pick a
design that really makes your heart sing, you'll finish it well because
you're more motivated.
>
> I'll have to try and be a mostly-lurker on rctq so I can get some time
> in at the needle. I have a two year old girl now who keeps me busy
> when I'm not at work. She's looking forward to getting her first
> pieced quilt finished soon - loves the colours in the jelly roll I
> chose for it. This is my study in basic cutting and piecing technique,
> so I can then make a lovely eye-spy quilt. We chose the fabrics for
> that one together!
>
> :-)
> Alex
A little girl! How lovely! My little girl is big now - in her second
last year of high school. Sigh. Make sure you watch yours carefully:
they have a habit of suddenly growing up when you're not looking!
Why don't you come back to N'cle and we can be quilting buddies? ;->
Nann
I clicked on the link to "the one that got Trish hooked." The woman
whose DJ that is is Cindy in Racine, WI, which is 10 miles north of
where I live.
At church last Sunday a friend (and avid library user) said she'd gone
to a program given by a quiltmaker. "She was great," my friend said.
"You should get her to come to the library." And my friend gave me a
card with the quiltmaker's name.
You guessed it -- it is the same Cindy!
Who would have thought it -- an RCTQer from Australia and a (non-
quilting) friend from Winthrop Harbor 'introducing' me to someone in
the same week!!!
Cosmic. Just cosmic.
Nann
Steph
I just saw this thread - I love to hear of other people starting the
DJ "journey"! I started mine about 2 1/2 years ago. I was a newbie
quilter too. I found the software indespensible and Quilted Diamonds 2
as well (I'm doing the piecing by hand). I chose 1800 reproduction
fabrics but am trying to find bright ones. I don't really understand
why they make drab civil war fabric - I'm betting that the fabrics
faded over time but that they started off bright and shiney! 1930s
fabric will look great!
I buy fat eights and that seems to be more than enough. 5 inch squares
wouldn't be enough for most blocks I think.
You may want to check out the djretreats group - they have a BOW that
is very motivating and you can do your own if you want but still log
in to keep on track. The ladies in the group are really nice and very
knowledgeable.
Have fun!
Stephanie
Trish Brown
> Hi Trish,
>
> I just saw this thread - I love to hear of other people starting the
> DJ "journey"! I started mine about 2 1/2 years ago. I was a newbie
> quilter too. I found the software indespensible and Quilted Diamonds 2
> as well (I'm doing the piecing by hand). I chose 1800 reproduction
> fabrics but am trying to find bright ones. I don't really understand
> why they make drab civil war fabric - I'm betting that the fabrics
> faded over time but that they started off bright and shiney! 1930s
> fabric will look great!
>
> I buy fat eights and that seems to be more than enough. 5 inch squares
> wouldn't be enough for most blocks I think.
>
> You may want to check out the djretreats group - they have a BOW that
> is very motivating and you can do your own if you want but still log
> in to keep on track. The ladies in the group are really nice and very
> knowledgeable.
>
> Have fun!
>
> Stephanie
G'day Stephanie!
I've found that a charm pack containing two of each print seems to be
enough for some blocks. Not others, though. I'm so in love with the
1930s prints, especially the greens. The Jane A. Stickle blocks seem to
show them off to perfection, I think. Thanks for the suggestion of the
djretreates group: I'll be sure and look in.
Have you finished your quilt, or are you still toiling away at it???
Steph
Oh - I'm far from finished :) I have about 90 blocks done and 4
triangles. The hand sewing is slow-going but I really enjoy it. I
work on it at home, but I also make up baggies (with cut fabric and a
picture of the finished block) and sew when I'm traveling or at doc
appointments, etc. I once worked on a very large cross-stitch that
took me 10 years to finish. It was worth the wait - it's lovely and
framed and hanging in my bedroom. I think that this is another
project of love like that one!
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!!
Trish Brown
> Hi Trish,
>
> Oh - I'm far from finished :) I have about 90 blocks done and 4
> triangles. The hand sewing is slow-going but I really enjoy it. I
> work on it at home, but I also make up baggies (with cut fabric and a
> picture of the finished block) and sew when I'm traveling or at doc
> appointments, etc. I once worked on a very large cross-stitch that
> took me 10 years to finish. It was worth the wait - it's lovely and
> framed and hanging in my bedroom. I think that this is another
> project of love like that one!
>
> Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!!
>
> Stephanie
90 blocks done is quite an achievement! Well done!
Yes, another friend has suggested making up plastic sleeves and keeping
each block separately. I'm going to do that as well.
What was your 'very large cross-stitch? I've been working on 'Celtic
Christmas' for nearly ten years. The stitching is all done except for
the gold metallic and then I have to add the beads. The great irony is
that it only took me three weeks to work exactly half of the lady,
including the border and her head and hands over one. The remainder (ie
the easy bit) has taken - rather longer...
One day she will be finished and will hang over my bed. One day.