Dear Jane Start-up Jan 2008

[Jules M.]

Hi Allison! I love the CD!! You won't be disappointed.

It is so easy to print out your paper piecing patterns and be ready to go. Or the patterns for hand piecing! I only use the book for reference and for the applique patterns.

I really think they should only be sold together at this stage but I guess that would make it look more expensive.

I got my book & software from ebay if you are willing to go that route.

Glad you joined us! Several of us are in a block of the month working on Jane that started in January. We get 10 blocks a month. I'm behind ops: but can still catch up. :wink:

Joyce

[Jules M.]

Thanks Joyce. What is the difference of paper piercing and hand piercing pattern?

[Jules M.]

I'm behind too, I figure this quilt will take years to make so I am not in a hurry and I want to enjoy the process. I have found I really like the CD, it is so easy to print out the pattern if you are going to hand piece, rotary cut or paper piece. Happy to have you join the group.

[Jules M.]

Hi, I do not have the kit....so how can I get started? And which one is everyone making now?

[Jules M.]

As far as where I am in the process....

short pause for :lol:

So with the Block of the Months we are getting 8 regular blocks and 2 triangles every month. So I have done Jan - Mar so far... the first 24 blocks and 6 triangles if that makes sense. We are working in order of the quilt so started with A-1, A-2, etc. Top triangles reading left to right.

However, they accidentally sent us the April 09 blocks instead of April 08. But I want to keep on target so those are next on my list. I haven't gone over it or printed patterns out yet so don't know which blocks are next.

On the software, you can print out paper piecing (foundation piecing may be what you call it) where you stitch on the paper. There is also a hand piecing option. This has you print the pattern with the pieces including a 1/4" seam (or ANY seam allowance size you choose!) and the pieces are spread apart with room to cut them out. Another option is to print instructions for rotary cutting the pieces.

Keep asking if this isn't enough. I just got home from a 9 hr trip to my parents so my brain is foggy!

Joyce

[Jules M.]

Joyce,

Thanks so much for answering my question. May I know which one is easier to make for Dear Jane quilt, paper piercing or rotary cutting method. Which one will you recommend?

[Jules M.]

May I know which one is easier to make for Dear Jane quilt, paper piercing or rotary cutting method. Which one will you recommend?

Well, personally for me... I LOVE paper piecing. So whenever I have a choice, I will do paper piecing. So I think you can choose whatever method you prefer.

Some of the blocks have tiny pieces and for me, paper piecing is easier.

You can do that w/o the software by making your own sections and tracing them from the book. It is just that on the software, you can click 'print patterns' and choose foundation piecing and it works at the sections and spacing and prints it for you. Make sure the sections make sense to you before printing b/c a few blocks I have redone from what the software suggested.

Several blocks have piecing and hand applique as well. I get the piecing (usually foundation piecing) done and the applique ready and then have them ready for moments when I can do handwork.

Joyce

[Jules M.]

Thanks Joyce. I think I will get the software. I own the book for a while, but don't know how to start. Can I use my own scrap to do it?

[Jules M.]

Thanks Joyce. I think I will get the software. I own the book for a while, but don't know how to start. Can I use my own scrap to do it?

I read your profile Allison and see you are a new quilter. Not knowing where you are in skill level, I'd caution you to not go overboard with a Dear Jane project. The blocks are small and have LOTS of pieces. I've been quilting for over 20 yrs and one of the DJ blocks took me over 1 1/2 hrs to paper piece. I wouldn't call it a beginner project.

Yes, your own quilt shop quality scraps would be fine in a Dear Jane. Lesser quality fabrics (even those labeled for quilting in the chain stores) will not work as well with the small blocks and pieces.

One thing I have appreciated with the Block of the Month from Stitchin' Heaven is the many pages of helps and tips for each month. I am paying the same as my local quilt shop that offers the DJ BOM {Dear Jane Block of the Month} (my friend got it) but getting 6 - 8 pages of help.

Joyce

[Jules M.]

Thanks Joyce. Actually, I like "small" blocks and quilts. I do not have much room in my place so I would like to make small size. And I am planning to hand pierce the blocks. Is anyone doing hand piercing here for DJ?

[Jules M.]

I'm doing a DJ with hand piecing. I'm about half done with the blocks and taking a break to get some other things done. As someone else said the pieces in some of the blocks are REALLY SMALL. I make a freezer paper pattern, then add 1/4" seam allowance when cutting. It's a great small project, and I really enjoy it. My advice would be to allow yourself lots of time and just enjoy the process rather than try to set a deadline for completion. I do the blocks in sequence (A-1, A-2, etc) rather than skipping around. That way I do the more difficult blocks as I go, rather than putting them off until that is all that I will have left.

If this works, this is my album on Web Shots of my DJ blocks.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560211243bTdasL

[Judith T.]

I have been doing DJ for a couple of years and it has taken me a long time because I have been hand piecing them. I have found that if I can reverse applique all of the ones that have curves in the pattern, it seems easier than piecing. I have only only completed 3 rows but now am picking and choosing easier ones. I also keep a chart to see what I have completed and glue the scrap on the chart of the color I had chosen for that particular block. My DJ is black, white, and a touch of red here and there. I don't work on it every day, in fact, I haven't worked on it for a couple of weeks. I often take it to my Wed. sewing group to work on so I don't have to lug my machine around. Judy in AZ where it is going to be 109 today

[Judith T.]

Marge, your DJ blocks are great, I am working on mine slowly but surely.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

[Judith T.]

I've been plugging along on my DJ. I have used every method available, hand piecing, paper piecing, applique and rotary, it depends on the block. I have enjoyed the process, but I am very behind. I think that I would rather pick my own fabrics at this point I am committed to the club. I love choosing fabrics.

[Judith T.]

I'm doing a DJ with hand piecing. I'm about half done with the blocks and taking a break to get some other things done. As someone else said the pieces in some of the blocks are REALLY SMALL. I make a freezer paper pattern, then add 1/4" seam allowance when cutting. It's a great small project, and I really enjoy it. My advice would be to allow yourself lots of time and just enjoy the process rather than try to set a deadline for completion. I do the blocks in sequence (A-1, A-2, etc) rather than skipping around. That way I do the more difficult blocks as I go, rather than putting them off until that is all that I will have left.

If this works, this is my album on Web Shots of my DJ blocks.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560211243bTdasL

Thanks. Those blocks are wonderful!