Dear Jane Start-up Jan 2008

[Judith T.]

I just purchased Dear Jane software. As soon as it arrives, I will start making the quilt! Since I didn't get the kit (full!), I am going to use my own stash. Any design idea? I know Dear Jane software will allow me to do some "design." How do people do when they do not have the kit? They pick colors as they go? Or they buy some fabrics and go from there?

[Judith T.]

Allison:

I am making the Dear Jane quilt, and I am using only 2 fabrics, a white on white for the background and a colorful geometric fabric for the rest of the blocks. It is turning out quite nice so far.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

[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

Hello, when you said you use freezer paper, do you also stitch with freezer paper on? I take a look of your blocks again, so nicely done!!

[Jules M.]

Any design idea? I know Dear Jane software will allow me to do some "design." How do people do when they do not have the kit? They pick colors as they go? Or they buy some fabrics and go from there?

The original makes a sort of Trip Around the World coloring with the colors radiating out. So you can mimic that if you wish as you choose your fabrics.

But think if you want to use reproductions, if you want all your backgrounds the same (buy a bolt if you do), or all batiks, or a two color quilt. Lots of options!

Also a search for Dear Jane quilts will offer lots more ideas!! Even brights on an all black background is stunning!

What colors or fabrics do you like?

Joyce

[Jules M.]

The major two colors I like are pink and brown. I like the one on "Dear Jane" book, p75, "I weep with you, Jane" by Susan Pieper.

[Jules M.]

The major two colors I like are pink and brown. I like the one on "Dear Jane" book, p75, "I weep with you, Jane" by Susan Pieper.

Yum!! Twill be gorgeous!! I love pink & brown too!!

[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

Joyce, did you mean the numbering suggested by the software isn't a good suggestion or not?

[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

Joyce, did you mean the numbering suggested by the software isn't a good suggestion or not?

[Jules M.]

Joyce, did you mean the numbering suggested by the software isn't a good suggestion or not?

Sometimes it is fine the way the software does it and sometimes I rearrange. Today I printed TR7 (I think.... :?: ) and there is a way to paper piece that my instructions from Stitchin' Heaven give. So I redid the sections on the software and printed it.

I don't remember other specifics but you'll see when they make sense. Or sometimes you just feel your way would be better.

I don't just print automatically pushing the button, I check to see if it is how I want it. You can also move the sections around on the page to make them all fit on one page by clicking the preview button after the sections are made and numbering is done.

Tip: You have to change the size printout for the triangles or you get short squatty ones. :shock:

Joyce

[Jules M.]

I'm ready to scream! This block is my first to about do me in! :shock:

Working on month #4, block C-4, Streak of Lightning.

Have you BTDT yet? :x

I hope I don't use up all my background piece. ops: I made the center diamond and am working on the background pieces. I made FP templates, ironed them to the wrong side of fabric (insert laugh track now...), cut them out. Re-ironed them to the right side of the fabric and used up more fabric. :roll: Sewed on top & bottom. Ripped out ends... restitched w/o stitching into S.A. :roll: Found that side pieces were too small.... REALLY add lots extra to those short sides....

Oh.my.goodness.

It is time to head out to a picnic. I hope the food is good! :wink:

Joyce :?

[Jules M.]

I finished that block in no time when I got home this evening! Oh brother!! I guess I needed to just walk away. The miters were even fine.

Don't let my previous post scare you! :wink:

Joyce

[Jules M.]

I guess I'll join the fray!

I just started my Dear Jane last night -- I have A-1 done, and am half finished with A-2. I decided to go in order, and to use only fabric from my considerable stash. I'm sticking with traditional fabrics, and hope to use a completely unique fabric for each block. The background is ecru Kona cotton, which I buy by the bolt because I also use it for my Baltimore Album blocks. I just have the book and templates, not the EQ software.

I'm piecing by hand -- I've never managed to master paper piecing, and I really enjoy piecing by hand. So far the blocks are going together easily -- it's weird sewing such tiny pieces. I'll be happy to get to an applique block, because that's one technique I'm really good at.

'thann

[Jules M.]

I guess I'll join the fray!

I'm glad you jumped in!

I haven't worked on my DJ blocks in about 6 weeks because of other sewing but they are on my list to get back to them this month.

I do like working on them and I DON'T like being behind. :roll:

I think it is row C that gets to lots of hand applique. Otherwise splattered about. I loved row A with all the piecing. :wink:

Joyce

[Sharon E.]

Welcome to the group! I don't have the software, just the book and templates. I am over half finished, but am trying to obtain Civil War prints and having trouble finding shops that carry that fabric. May have to go on line. I am also using Kona for background and different one for each block, but definitely not hand sewing.

I also haven't been able to work on it for about a month, due to other sewing obligations. I sew for a living.

Welcome again.

Sharon in much cooler Colorado

[Sharon E.]

Well, I have all of six blocks completed (A-1 through A-6). I re-did blocks A-1 and A-2 for a variety of reasons and I am much happier. I'll probably re-do another if I get the urge.

I started with the DJ book, but broke down and bought the software, which makes it easier to print the templates. What is interesting/frustrating is that if you compare the blocks printed from the program and ones from the book printed on a copier, the ones from the program are a tad larger. Actually, that's why I re-did the first two blocks -- they were a smidge too small, and with this quilt I know the blocks have to be spot-on.

I'm having a fantastic time, though, and find it meditative to work on the blocks completely by hand. I'm adding sashing as I go, and can't wait to get to the wonderful triangles and kites!

'thann