Dear Jane Progress

[she-quilts]

I'm making good progress with my DJ. I've got 29 blocks, 6 triangles, and 1 corner finished (863 pieces so far!). I'm assembling the quilt as I go -- borders and all. It's so beautiful! I'm trying to keep the feel of 19th century fabrics -- my wonderful SIL gave me access to her entire HUGE stash of Civil War repros to work with.

I have decided to piece entirely by hand (and hand quilt it, too, when the time comes).

I have the book (autographed by Brenda Papadakis!) and templates, but I also purchased the EQ software which makes printing the patterns a breeze. I discovered that the patterns in the book are just a hair smaller than those printed from the software, so I had to remake some of my first blocks to make sure they're the correct size.

Here's a link to my DJ journey Web site with pictures of each block I've completed: My Dear Jane Journey

'thann

[Judymc]

I have 19 finished blocks made in Civil War reproduction fabric. I'm not doing them in order, though. I also have the book signed by Brenda P., too! I went to a lecture she gave at Road to California a couple of years ago. Are you putting that small strip of background fabric between each block that the book suggests? I think these strips make the final border fit. I'm thinking that instead of putting the strips between each block that I'll put a narrow border (coping strip) around the joined blocks before adding the final pieced border. I'm also doing all the blocks by hand--I love hand work! Judy in Torrance

[Judymc]

...Are you putting that small strip of background fabric between each block that the book suggests? I think these strips make the final border fit. ...

Yes, I'm following the instructions exactly -- I've got rows A and B completely assembled including sashing and top border. Once I get the last few triangles done on the top row, I'll add that, and then continue with rows C-M. It's not the normal way to assemble a quilt, but seeing the quilt grow that way makes me really happy, and encourages me to continue.

Piecing by hand is meditative! And to know that every single stitch in this work of art will have been taken by hand will make the quilt even more special to me and future generations.

This quilt will be the first of mine to actually make it to my own bed!

Ruthann

[Judymc]

Ruthann, you are inspiring me to join the blocks the same way you are doing it. I think hand work is very relaxing, too. It also makes me feel a part of history to be making Jane's blocks the same way she did. Judy in Torrance

[MissGnomer]

I've been working on my Dear Jane since I first saw the pattern in June 2006. There was a Dear Jane Reunion at a quilt shop in a town I was visiting and I stopped in... the rest is history.

I'm piecing mine by hand - and I have taught hand piecing at my LQS using these blocks. I just updated my blog and I'm 36% complete with 61 blocks and 1176 pieces so far! http://kjlippert.wordpress.com/quilt...-janes-garden/

I call this quilt Dear Jane's Garden because of the fabric. This fabric used to be curtains in a friend's kitchen in Germany. The depth of the colors vary depending on how much sun that part got! It's adding a bit of interest to the pieces.

I work on this quilt mostly when I travel - it's so portable! I have several blocks prepped and expect to finish up a dozen or more by summer!

[MissGnomer]

I've managed some time in the sewing room lately and have done several blocks. I've now got 45 done! I am not doing them in any order, simply flipping through and picking one that appeals to me at the time. I've done mostly the easier ones. They are getting harder though!

I've decided to allow myself to stop whenever I want. I'm not sure if I will ever do the triangles, but I'd like to do the bigger corner ones. I might end up with a baby sized or a lap or who knows, maybe the whole thing someday. I'm just not starting out with alot of pressure. I'm enjoying the process and these wierd little blocks!

Nancy in lovely NY - my daughter's Sr. Ball is tonight!

[MissGnomer]

After a break of almost 2 years, I'm back to working on my Dear Jane. When I stopped in October, '08, I wasn't enjoying it all and wasn't certain it would ever be finished even though over 9 rows had been completed.

Now I'm having so much fun with it! I'm even doing the triangles that I had thought would be left off. They are challenging, but they add so much to the quilt that I'm glad I decided to make them. Now 10 rows are done and the top trianagle border is made and sewn onto the quilt top.

Taking that long break must have been a good idea because now it's really an enjoyable project and I'm looking forward to completing it.

Marge in NE Ohio

[Margo]

Good for you, Marge! Can you post a photo of what you have so far???

Last year in Houston there was a beautiful Dear Jane quilt on display that had all of the border triangle designs QUILTED, not pieced! It was wonderful!

[sewengel]

I finally finished my DJ in April and will post a picture soon. It really was the most challenging project I have ever done, but I am very proud of it.

[sewengel]

Sharon, it will be great to see your finished DJ, I am still working on mine slow but sure making progress. It has been very slow the last couple of months. I did finish a few blocks, since I am doing all hand pieced and hand applique. I will have to check and see where I am now.
Margarita in Auburn, CA

[Margo]

Margarita, I remember seeing some of your DJ blocks last year in Houston, and wish you would try to post some photos here if you can. I absolutely love the fabric you are using, and am anxious to see more.

[Margo]

I've posted a photo of my DJ as it is now, Rows A-J and the top border. The right border is only pinned up. The photo is in Show & Tell , What Are You Working On?
see-quilts/show-and-tell-quilts/

Marge

[Margo]

OHMYGOSH! Marge, that is gorgeous! Keep at it, sister! You can do this!

[Margo]

Marge, Your DJ quilt is looking great, you are farther along then I am, I am working on row F. and have quite a few of the triangles made. I will be putting it together sometime later this summer (I hope) and take a picture to post.
Margarita in Auburn, CA

[kfstitcher]

Wow Marge you really have a lot done. I LOVE the color! It is so gorgeous! Karen