Dear Jane Quilt - Block B3 Mirror Image

Dear Jane Quilt - Block B3 Mirror Image

Here is Dear Jane block B3 Mirror Image.  I have surprised myself with this quilt by actually enjoying appliquing circles.  I have seen several people this year do the 365 circle project which are building up into great quilts.  Maybe if it had launched about now I might have joined in.


Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 8 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J3 Rick's Volleyball Net and the launch of En Provence, Bonnie Hunter's 2016 Mystery Quilt!

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J3 Rick's Volleyball Net

I was just about to start writing this post when I noticed on my sidebar that Bonnie Hunter has just released details of En Provence, the 2016 Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt.  I really WANT to do it, but I ought to check out some other priorities in my life before I commit completely.  The colours look lovely this year.

Anyway, back to Dear Jane block, J3 Rick's Volleyball Net.  Piecing and applique, fussy cutting and green - a nice combo!

Thanks for the comments on the last post.  Helen S is just about to start on her Dear Jane journey, I'm not sure if she will be posting the progress anywhere, but let us all with her well on her way.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 17  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 50 - B3, C4, J3, L13

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 49 - Border Blocks LR3, RR3, LR11, RR11

Yes, we are on Draw 50 which means I have shown you 193 of the blocks I have done so far. 

As you will have guessed I am quite persistent in nature and once I have committed to do something I am pretty confident in finishing it.  As you know, I take time to share my progress on my blog, which gives me some discipline on this project.  Some of you are kind enough to leave comments as I go along which I really appreciate. 

Today I am giving a shout out to Sally and the 'crew' at The Objects of Design for sharing the journey.  Sally has joined in and is also making the Dear Jane quilt in a completely different colour scheme. She also takes time to share the work of her team on her blog.  I know she only has a few more to do - but has she done these yet?

Draw 50
B3 - Mirror Image
C4 - Tic Tac Toe
J3 - Rick's Volleyball Net
L13 - Harvest Moon

This Draw will be in GREEN

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block LR11 Kathy's Cake

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block LR11 Kathy's Cake

Poor Dear Jane Border block LR11 Kathy's Cake has been 'missing in action' here at Fabadashery HQ.  It has a doppelganger in the shape of TR3 Checkerboard which is also purple.  The key difference is that this one has a candle shape at the tip and it was this finally cleared up the confusion.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 24  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block RR3 Epicentre

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block RR3 Epicentre

Dear Jane border block RR3 Epicentre is one of the more interesting blocks of this quilt and a chance to do something fancy with the fabrics.  Quite a bit of applique to keep the piecing simpler.

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block RR3 Epicentre

I hope you appreciate this 'work in progress' shot which shows how I did the centre circle.  I contemplated several approaches to this and as ever, there is more than one way to skin a cat. (PS: Don't tell Suzi I said that).

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 20  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block RR11 Hills of Jerusalem

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block RR11 Hills of Jerusalem

At the weekend I stitched my last block but one for my Dear Jane quilt which I have been making using the English Paper Piecing method.  Still quite a few for you to see yet ....., BUT the news that www.paperpieces.com have just released a full set of pre-cut Dear Jane English Paper pieces is interesting to say the least.  It is nice to know they are there, but in all honesty I know I am too stingy to pay out the money for pre-cut pieces.  All I know is that I have $350 worth of paper due to be removed from my quilt.

Anyway, back to the block of the moment.  I like this Dear Jane border block, RR11 Hills of Jerusalem.  At the top there seems to be a bit of a wobble, but taking the paper out and some coercive quilting should sort that out.
Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 31  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block LR3 Connie's Brownies

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block LR3 Connie's Brownies

Dear Jane border block LR3 Connie's Brownies is a good reason NOT to be scared of the Dear Jane border blocks.  It only has 16 pieces which is far less than many of the square blocks.  Nice sized applique. Easily done.

I promised you an update of the overall Dear Jane progress, but technical issues my end have prevented it.  It will come.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 16  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 49 - Border Blocks LR3, RR3, LR11, RR11

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 48 - H1, H4, I9, I12

Here are the green Dear Jane blocks from the latest draw.  Some were easy, some  more difficult with lots of pieces. Moving onto the next blocks

Draw 49
LR3 - Connie's Brownies
RR3 - Epicentre
LR11 - Kathy's Cake
RR11 - Hills of Jerusalem

This Draw will be in PURPLE

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I12 Fred's Fair Square

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I12 Fred's Fair Square

Dear Jane block I12 Fred's Fair Square features some of my favourite Kim Diehl fabrics in green.  Lots of little pieces for a classic looking block - does it have another name?

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 41  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H1 Peek A Boo

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H1 Peek A Boo

I have had a busy few days away in Devon on a longarm quilting course with Deloa Jones from the USA which is why it has been a bit quiet here on the blog.    Poor Dear Jane did not get a look in.
This is Dear Jane block H1 Peek A Boo, simple enough to do, but just look at the fussy cutting in the corners.  I surprise myself sometimes.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 17  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I9 Chase A Myth

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I9 Chase A Myth

It really is time that I start to get some figures together about how many pieces are in this Dear Jane quilt.  Dear Jane block I9 Chase a Myth is one of those with quite a few pieces for a 4.5" block.  It would be interesting to know the maximum and minimum pieces ever recorded for a Dear Jane quilt.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 41  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H4 Abbey's Eyes

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H4 Abbey's Eyes

I was in a dilemma  with this Dear Jane block, H4 Abbey's Eyes, as to which way to place the neutral background - it could have gone either way.  I think the way I have chosen is more like an 'eye'.
Last night I had a dream about my Dear Jane quilt and surprisingly the dream had a different quilt layout, which has got me thinking of how I should finish the quilt.  I haven't sewn any blocks together yet, let alone removed the papers, so maybe time for a re-think.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 9 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 48 - H1, H4, I9, I12

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 47 - B1, C9, C11, D2

Draw 48 marks the start of the last 40 blocks.  I am drip feeding them to you, as much as to keep a record on my blog for myself and to give each block its 'time in the sun'.

Draw 48
H1 - Peek A Boo
H4 - Abbey's Eyes
I9 - Chase a Myth
I12 - Fred's Fair Square

This Draw will be in Green

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D2 Mouse in the Mirror

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D2 Mouse in the Mirror

There was no applique in this little Dear Jane block,  D2 Mouse in the Mirror, but a few little tiny triangles to cope with.

The colours of this block are quite autumnal and as we entered October this weekend, it made me think that if Bonnie Hunter is running her Mystery quilt this year, in three months time we would have had the BIG REVEAL.  Still deciding if I will join in this year and keeping a eye out for any news.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces:  29 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C11 Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C11 Soldiers and Sailors Monument

I had a little smile this morning as I browsed through my blogs.  Whilst those of you in the southern hemisphere are seeing the first signs of Spring, up here in the Northern hemisphere we are starting to fish clothes out of our winter wardrobes as the nights close in and the first signs of Autumn emerge.  As I look out of my window now, it looks 'damp'.

Here is some more applique for Dear Jane block C11 Soldiers and Sailors Monument. 

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 10 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C9 Jane's Tears

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C9 Jane's Tears

No tears for me on this Dear Jane block, C9 Jane's Tears.  Moderate success with the fussy cutting, but again just 5 pieces.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 5 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block B1 Batchelor Buttons

Dear Jane Quilt - Block B1 Batchelor Buttons

I have said it before, my love of applique waxes and wanes depending on the size of the piece.  These circles required for Dear Jane block B1 Batchelor Buttons, were quite satisfying, and look just five pieces in total to get a block finished.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 5 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 47 - B1, C9, C11, D2

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 46 - G2, G9, I4, L5

Now I am nearing the end of these Dear Jane blocks, I would say that the Dear Jane quilt is harder than the 'Nearly Insane' quilt because of the variety of stitch techniques you need to complete it.  Nearly Insane is all piecing but because the blocks are bigger (6") they are something to get your teeth into and can take a couple of days to complete.  On the other hand you can often fit a Dear Jane block in a day, so it feels like you are finishing them quicker (but you aren't because there are so many of them!) .  Just saying ...

Onto the next Draw

Draw 47

B1 - Batchelor Buttons
C9 - Jane's Tears
C11 - Soldiers and Sailors Monument
D2 - Mouse in the Mirror

This draw comes with a RED ALERT applique warning, but I am looking forward to it as there are actually only a few pieces in each block.
This Draw will be in YELLOW

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I4 Stability

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I4 Stability

OK, so this block decided to slip in a bit of applique.  I4 Stability is a simple block, but that centre square has those curvy bits, which I appliqued onto the centre square, once EPPed and then put the rest of the block together around it, hiding the applique seams in the process.  It is a nice effect though.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 25 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G2 Mohawk Trail

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G2 Mohawk Trail

I am not sure if this Dear Jane block, G2 Mohawk Trail, is an actual traditional quilt block or not - does anyone recognise it?  I can't say it works for me as it isn't symmetrical and it isn't a proper pinwheel, but I am sure in the final quilt it will blend in with all the other lovely Dear Jane blocks.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 26 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G9 Mary's Journey

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G9 Mary's Journey

Another pretty red Dear Jane block, this time G9 Mary's Journey. 
As you know I am over a year into this project but I have yet to actually 'read' the Dear Jane book and I am wondering if that will ever happen.  Have you read the book?  Have you read the book and not made the quilt?  Have you made the quilt and like me, never read it?

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 32 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L5 Chattanooga Charlie

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L5 Chattanooga Charlie

Yes, just squares and triangles as promised. This  is Block L5 Chattanooga Charlie.  I used to know all the words to the Chattanooga Choo Choo from music lessons at school, but I had to have a quick refresher from iTunes to remind me.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 22  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 46 - G2, G9, I4, L5

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 45 - Border Triangles TR4, TR10, BR4, BR10

All my talk about Dear Jane exhibitions over the past few days and I forgot to remind you all about the annual September Dear Jane display at the Bennington Museum!  Yes, the real quilt!  The Jane Stickle quilt will be on display at the Bennington Museum, Vermont, USA, until October 10th 2016.  Again, a bit too far for me to go this year, but note to self - if travelling to the USA make the trip in September.

Another set of Dear Jane border triangles complete and onto some more squares.

Draw 46
G2 - Mohawk Trail
G9 - Mary's Journey
I4 - Stability
L5 - Chattanooga Charlie

There are lots of squares and triangles in these blocks, so I am hoping they are straightforward.

This Draw will be in Red

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block TR10 Precious Gems

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block  TR10 Precious Gems

After my last post about Dear Jane exhibitions, I only just found out that there was a Dear Jane exhibit at the Alsace Quilt Show in France this week. I spotted it on the Facebook page of Christopher Wilson-Tate Antique Textiles, if you want to see more.

This is Dear Jane Border triangle TR10 Precious Gems, quite simple for a border block and the last one in this blue set.

I will be doing some Slow Stitching today.  Some slow,because I am procrastinating, some slow, because it is gentle hand stitching.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 28 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block BR4 Candy Dish

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block  BR4 Candy Dish

Many of you will be aware of the Dear Jane quilt exhibition that was held in Nantes, France back in April 2013, where I shared some lovely photos.  I mention it because there will be a 'Twenty Years of Dear Jane' exhibit at the 2016 Houston Quilt Festival in the USA.  Sadly, I have no plans to be there, but I just want to make sure that you don't miss if you do.

My Dear Jane quilt won't be ready for an exhibitions in November, but it really is close to having all the central blocks completed.  It is my birthday in a few weeks time, so look out for the birthday special!

Meanwhile, another day, another Dear Jane block.  This one is BR4 Candy Dish, using all those lovely Kim Diehl blue fabrics.  It is all English paper pieced as usual, but I did applique the little shape on the top of the block.
Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 22 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block TR4 Bennington Cross

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block  TR4 Bennington Cross

A lot of Dear Jane quilts just use one fabric for the coloured pieces in the block against a plain background.  I have to admit, I have enjoyed co-ordinating colours and playing with fabric to mix in as many fabrics as possible in one block.  Sometimes it is just one, others two and I think some even have three.

This is Border Triangle TR4 Bennington Cross where I have used two of my blue Kim Diehl fabrics.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 34 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block BR10 Nicholas' Diamond

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block  BR10 Nicholas' Diamond

Today we are enjoying a little heatwave in the UK - a last hurrah before Autumn comes.  I have had a busy week and blogging and Dear Jane blocks have slipped a bit behind, but here we go with the next Draw.
More border triangles and this is BR10 Nicholas' Diamond, using up some pretty blues.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 24 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 45 - Border Triangles TR4, TR10, BR4, BR10

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 44 - B8, C7, D4, I6

I hope you can see from this 'family' of blocks how there is some method to my madness when selecting my blocks for the Draws.  These all seem to go nicely together.
I am moving on to another set of Dear Jane border triangles.  There are only three sets of these left, plus the corner blocks.

Draw 45
TR4 - Bennington Cross
TR10 - Precious Gems
BR4 - Candy Dish
BR10 Nicholas' Diamond

This Draw will be in BLUE

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I6 Viewer's Choice

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I6 Viewer's Choice

I think you are getting the idea. Dear Jane block I6 Viewer's Choice was done exactly the same way as the last block.

I am hoping to get in a bit of Dear Jane stitching today so maybe a bit of Slow Stitching Sunday for me.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 9 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block B8 Water Lily

Dear Jane Quilt - Block B8 Water Lily

Once you have done Dear Jane block C7 Megan's Mountain Laurel, all these others seem quite easy.  This Dear Jane block is B8 Water Lily.  I English paper pieced the centre shape and then appliqued it on to the background.  Then another round of nicely sized melons for an applique fix.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 9 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D4 Crystal Star

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D4 Crystal Star

Here is Dear Jane block D4 Crystal Star.  This one is only 17 pieces and once the block is stitched together, the melons are appliqued onto the corners, neatly covering up the seam lines and making it easy for accurate placement.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 17 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C7 Megan's Mountain Laurel

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C7 Megan's Mountain Laurel

This is Dear Jane block, C7 Megan's Mountain Laurel.  There was a choice here of piecing those diamonds or appliquing them.  Either way it was dealing with tiny pieces. I went the applique route, but I don't think either way was an easy option.  Over at The Objects of Design, Sally has opted for the piecing route, stabilizing her stitching with Molly fur.  The good news is that we both survived block C7 Megan's Mountain Laurel and we can move onto the next block.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 25 pieces