Dear Jane Start-up Jan 2008

[Jules M.]

I am doing my own thing with DJ - I just finished TR2 today, so I have A1- to - A9 done plus TR1 and TR2.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

[Jules M.]

All the DJ talk is helping me get movitated and get my project out of the UFO stack. I started mine seveal years ago but haven't picked it up since last winter. I created a spread sheet to track my progress. The first column shows how many total blocks, triangles, corners, etc there are. The 2nd shows how many I have completed and the 3rd column shows my percentage of completion.... not that I'm counting or anything!

Totals My Blocks My Stats
Blocks 169 54 32%
Triangles 52 8 15%
Corners 4 1 25%
225 63 28%

Here's another stat that I calculated with the spreadsheet. It takes todays date and tells me how many blocks I have to do per day to finish in xx days! The columns aren't lining up, but I only have to do 5.4 blocks per day to finish by 2/24/2008.

Number of blocks per day to finish in XX days.
30 60 90
2/24/08 3/25/08 4/24/08
Blocks 3.8 1.9 1.3
Triangles 1.5 0.7 0.5
Corners 0.1 0.1 0.0
5.4 2.7 1.8


I am using the Moda Muslin too. I purchased two of the mini bolts.

The blocks you all have posted are wonderful. Keep up the good work! I'm going to go get my box of blocks.

Anne

[Jules M.]

Hi all,
It is really quiet the past few days. I hope that means you all are sewing up a storm! :lol: I did get block 2 done, but did not have time to post it before I left home. I ran away to the Jinny Beyer Seminar in Hilton Head, SC. I will be gone for a week of quilting fun and learning. I brought the quilts I am working on for our guild's show in March but I didn't bring DJ. When I do a DJ block, I never know exactly what technique I will use so it would be hard to pack everything I might need, like EQ6 and a printer... EQ6 is not on the hotel computer, can you believe that! Well, have a good week. I will check in again. Let's see some of those blocks posted. Our next pack will be arriving in the next week or so.
Good night.

[Jules M.]

Nancy,

Have a great time on you trip. ooooh I'd love to be in Hilton Head this week. :lol: Tell us about all your inspiration when you get back.

Dana in Olive Branch, MS

[Jules M.]

Hi,
So far things are pretty quiet here at the Jinny Beyer Seminar. I had one workshop yesterday 'playing with circles'; it was just techniques so I do know ways I don't want to make circles, but there were a couple of ways that looked easy and gave good results with nice round circles. Most helpful if making large circles.
After registration and after the 'Jinny quilt shop' opened I got started on the mystery quilt project. Finished with step 1.
This afternoon I have a class to make a doll needle-keeper. I collect dolls, so this will be fun.
Jinny's lectures start tomorrow. After her lecture (full of ideas) we will work in small groups, lead by her helpers, to work on the material she presented. Every year this is the most fun. 10 groups work on the same basic pattern, with the same fabrics and make totally different looking quilt mock-up. I will take pictures!
Well back to my room to work on the quilt I will be putting in my Guild's show (March 1-2 if you are any where near Charleston SC); I am still sewing in thread ends left (not on the edge) from quilting, and then the binding, label and sleeve. I should be able to post it by next Monday.
See you all later.

[Jules M.]

I have been busy working on my DJ blocks. So far I have made A-1 (PP) A-2 (PP), A-3 (HP) A-4 (HP) 6 (HP) 7 (HP) 8 (HP). I haven't tempted the triangles yet. I am really curious to see everyone's fabrics. I think I have mixed up some of my fabric's and I am not sure what is what. Next time I am going to take a picture of my packet when it arrives. I will post photos when I am able. (still hobbling around on crutches)

[Jules M.]

Hi Judy! I pp my triangles like Sarah said in her notes. They went well.

I never did get the software to let me redo the piecing sections on TR1. I just printed the pattern and drew my own sections on a piece of freezer paper.

TR2 went just fine.

Did you see my blocks on my blog? You don't have those fabrics?
http://jmquilts.blogspot.com/ (you'll have to look for my DJ posts)

Joyce

[Jules M.]

Hi Joyce,
I went to your Blog.... those are really beautiful blocks. About the fabric, Does it really matter of you mix up the color placement? It is your version of a DJ quilt anyway.

[Jules M.]

Hi Judy! I pp my triangles like Sarah said in her notes. They went well.

I never did get the software to let me redo the piecing sections on TR1. I just printed the pattern and drew my own sections on a piece of freezer paper.

TR2 went just fine.

Did you see my blocks on my blog? You don't have those fabrics?
http://jmquilts.blogspot.com/ (you'll have to look for my DJ posts)

Joyce

Joyce you've been busy since you posted your DJ blocks. What beautifl photos of the snow.

I don't know what fabric is supposed to go with the TR1, I don't think I got all the fabrics. My stripe fabric is different from yours too. I used some things I already had for some of the blocks. I am going to try to post some photos, everything has been a challenge since I broke my leg. I am learning to get around and have put a rolling chair in my sewing room and kitchen, big help in both spaces.

Good luck all!!

[Damaris E.]

Judy, it is good to see you are still working on your projects!!

[Jules M.]

Joyce you've been busy since you posted your DJ blocks. What beautifl photos of the snow.

I don't know what fabric is supposed to go with the TR1, I don't think I got all the fabrics. My stripe fabric is different from yours too.

Good luck all!!

Oh Judy - hope you heal fast but glad you can still get to sewing & computer!

I wished my TR1 fabric was more green but went with what I had. Did your fabrics match the descriptions on the bag?

I'm anxious for this month's pkg but I have so much to do anyway!

Joyce

[Jules M.]

Most of my fabrics match up, but I don't seem to have the once that would go with the triangles. I am going to take a picture of my Feb fabrics so I now for sure what is what.

[Jules M.]

I have posted a photo of most of my Dear Jane Jan blocks. I am looking forward to receiving my Feb block fabric now.

[Jules M.]

Judy,
you are doing an excellent job. I can't believe you are able to keep up with both the Dear Jane blocks and the Sue Garman BOM.

Your DJ blocks look great. My only comment would be to measure your triangle. I don't have the exact measurements here, but it should be longer than your square blocks. Your photo looks to have the triangle about the same length. It should be approximately 5 1/2 wide by 8 1/2 long.

[Jules M.]

Some people call it obsession, I consider it passion. I love sewing and I find it very relaxing. With my broken leg I can't drive so I have been home a lot more than usual. I was able to do hand piecing on many of my blocks.