Things I learned doing my Dear Jane

I looked through the book and made a list of 35 of the easier pieced blocks, I will work on them first.  I also picked out 15 applique blocks that looked doable.  I also decided that I am not going to print each pattern to make templates.  Instead will feel free to interpret the block as I like.  Many of these use similar pieces so I have drawn out for a 4-patch, 9-patch, etc.. and can use those to re-size units.

The first thing I figured out is that I would need a way to keep the blocks in order.  I also figured out after making A1 and A2 that I was not going to want to do each in order.  SO... I have made 13 baggies numbered 1-thru-13 and AS I make a block A-thru-M, I will add to the bag and mark the letter so I can see progress.

Yes I am aware that the right white strip has a 'bend' at the top.  I don't care and you shouldn't either- lol

Even though I say I am thinking of doing needle turn applique, we all know I am going to raw edge it!

A funny thing happened on the way to my pineapple....I skipped a row and ended up with a diamond in the center.  Instead of starting over, I kept going and will use this as an alternate block.  I will re-do this block in the traditional setting, just wanted to show off my lemonade.

14 Blocks completed so far:  A(1,2,3,6,7) B(1,12) C(6,9,11)  D(8,13) ,E(1,9), G(3,4)  H(13), K(2), M(5,10,12)
I am seeing that I haven't picked anything from F,I or L, I will have to work on those this weekend.

Dear Jane A1

We all have to start somewhere.  A1 is as good a block as any.

As a disclaimer:  I rarely 'follow' directions.  I doubt I follow too close doing this quilt.

I have struggled with the concept of 'what' I want to get out of doing this project.  Am I looking for a challenge, meaning stick as close to the patterns as possible, including needle turn applique?  OR, am I looking for a finish, interpreting the blocks however my mood strikes, doing my favorite raw edge applique, making up the pattern or making it work.
Do I start with the easy blocks to get a few under my belt?  Do I go in order so I can make rows to show progress?  Do I just pick my favorites and do repeats to show off my fabrics?  So many decisions.

Last night I cut the print triangles for the outer borders-it was fun to see the different materials laid out next to each other.  Tonight I sewed up A1, I did it crumb style, meaning I didn't measure other then by 'eye', I liked the result.  Then I 'eyed' A2- I missed by an inch.  Guess the lesson learned is to take the time to make templates.-lol

I have tracing paper and will re-do A1 (and A2)  Maybe what I am going to get out of this experience is a little patience and stick- to- it -ness.

I think I will get myself  little stars to mark off the blocks I finish!

I think I got pretty close, but I will draw off the pattern and do one up right.

I am more then happy with my side triangles.  Can't wait to get to use them.

Now what about you, are you doing a DJ quilt this year?
After I got all the fabrics pulled for this version I started to think about doing one in solids w/black background are we going to take bets as to whether I get a second one done?

Trinity Celtic Knot pattern is released! Way to go Deborah C

 A couple of years ago several of us joined Deborah in a "mystery".  I have to admit mine took longer to finish then I would have liked.  The quilt turned out beautiful and is now gifted to my favorite younger sister.

 We sewed the sqs into 'chunks' of 25 patches, it was kinda fun but time consuming.  When I got the chance to pattern test using strips, I jumped at the chance.  The pattern is great for scraps and/or eights or fats.  My test top was sewn using 1 1/2" strips and I completed it in less then a week of evening sewing. (8-10 hours total)

I hope to add applique borders.  This is on my TO DO for 2012

I plan to teach this pattern as a class several times this year.
You can order the pattern here:  Trinity Celtic Knot

Starting in March, I will host a Sew-In with tutorials and hints/helps for completing this beautiful quilt. If you have a wedding quilt in mind for this coming year, this is the pattern you need.

I will do a give-a-way of  2 1/2" scrappy strips to get you started.

Be a follower (you probably are if you are reading this-lol)

Comment - Who would you gift this quilt too

Order the Pattern so you can play along in March.

Disclaimer:  The tutorial will NOT give you fabric amounts or number of strips (you will need the pattern for that) The Tutorials will give you hints/helps that will speed you along and encouragement to finish.  The pattern is very doable for confident beginner and/or advanced sewers.  If you like to hand piece you can skip the strip steps and sew sqs. 
Add Trinity Celtic Knot to your list of TO DO's in 2012!

Orca Bay Reveled- mine will have to wait awhile- Dear Jane is calling

For not participating, I think I have done pretty well keeping up.  Everything is cut, I need to trim up the triangle/squares and add 'wings' .  Looks like this one may get done this year!

Two rows of stars done,  I think I will leave this hanging up for awhile to motivate me to finish!

12 for 2012

Last year I wrote a list of 11 quilting things I wanted TO DO in 2011.  Some were finished, some were started and some were ignored.  This year my goal is to continue to enjoy my creative side. 
My 12 for 2012 in no particular order are:

1-  12 quilts for QoV- Alycia in CO will hold me accountable for this one!

2-  Dear Jane-  All fabrics are in stages of prep and I will start on Jan 1, 2012- no plans yet as to how I will do the applique, my default is raw edge, I may surprise myself and do needle turn- only time will tell.

3-  Test  Blocks for QuiltMakers 100 blocks Vol5

4-  Finish and Submit Quilt from Amy Butler fabrics and blocks from Vol5

5- Quilt at least 12 tops from my flimsy stash.

6- Move all my upstairs sewing to the downstairs studio by the end of Jan. (and stay there- probably not going to happen but it is a goal)

7- DeClutter the Quilting room by doing weekly Flings (thanks StashBusters for the idea and encouragement)  One hour a week- Sunday afternoon marked on the calender- it's a date.

8- Use my GO and dies and kit, kit, kit,

9- Participate in at least One on-line Mystery or On Going Project (not counting Orca Bay which is almost finished!)  considering the 365 scrappy house blocks- we will see.

10- Organize my UFO-s  by year of poss completion- (I see a couple of crazy (tie  materials) quilts in 2013!)

11- Document the commissioned quilt for IDF- due June 2012- chicken theme

12- Host a lock-in sew-in


I will eventually do a post on each of these twelve TO DO's and link back to this page.  What are your sewing/quilts goals for this coming year?

Blue and Yellow for Chicago Sara, what do I do for a border?

the top is 80 x 80 so far, I am wondering what to do for a border.

This is cut using my GO and the Isoc. Tri die.  A controlled scrappy using blues and yellows.

I have yardage in blue and yellow that I could do a 6 1/2 print border.  I am wondering if I want to applique words or flowers or butterflies, etc... or just call it done.  I will leave it hanging for a couple of days until I decide if it is ready to get quilted.

Dear Jane 2012



I picked up my copy a few years ago, figured it would be a good read, NO WAY I am interested in making one!



Found and purchased the 'ruler' set during a shop hop with friends this past year- wonder what I will use it for?

Ruler set includes the square to resize one's blocks.

I have a tun on tracing paper, think I am seeing a future TO DO.

This tote is mostly repos from a moving sale.  Lots of strips and fats.  I have several ideas on how I hope to use them.

First I sorted out 250 different prints to use IF I ever do a Dear Jane. (I think I see where this is leading!)

Then, I picked out enough larger pieces to do the side triangle with a few to spare.

Looks Like I have officially jumped in to do my own Dear Jane.  Starting in 2012, my challenge to self is to complete the top by the end of the year (I might leave the year blank, knowing my love of putting things on the UFO list)

My reward for sorting through the tote was a chance to die cut the rest of the fabrics.  I now have a couple of more kits to use, gift or sell.  This 'pile' is cut using the chisel die.  They may be used for braids, stars or other blocks.  I also cut a similar amount of triangles and a flat of 2" squares.  Two good side flats of strips and strings are now ready to be worked in to a scrappy projects.