Dear Jane Quilt - West Country Quilt and Textile Show 2019, UK - Best Piecing

'Dear Jane' quilt made by Frances Meredith

My Dear Jane quilt has been out and about again, this time to the West Country Quilt and Textile Show 2019.  I am pleased to say that it won a rosette for 'Best Piecing'.  It was lovely to chat to those of you who are in the middle of your Dear Jane journey - keep going, it will be worth it!

'Dear Jane' quilt made by Frances Meredith

Great Northern Quilt Show 2018 - Dear Jane Quilt, Referendum Quilt

Great Northern Quilt Show 2018 -  Dear Jane Quilt,
Overall Runner Up, Scrap Quilt, Bed Quilt, Judges Choice

A couple of weeks ago I had some of my quilts in the 2018 Great Northern Quilt Show in Harrogate, UK, and my Dear Jane quilt had success in achieving the Runner's Up Prize, Best Bed Quilt, Scrap Quilt and a Judge's Choice certificate from Jennie Rayment.  The Runner's Up prize was a 'basket of goodies' sponsored by Sylvia Critcher and Maggie Davies - who doesn't love a basket of goodies! 

Great Northern Quilt Show 2018 - 
Referendum Quilt, Best Computer Guided Longarm Quilt

I also entered my Referendum Quilt which was awarded the Computer Guided Longarm rosette. I completed the top as part of a Quilt Along several years ago, but it was a few years until It finally got quilted! I love this quilt and when it isn't at a quilt show it hangs in our staircase.  It is good to have them all home again.

2018 Festival of Quilts - Judges Choice for Dear Jane Quilt

'Dear Jane' quilt by Frances Meredith
Festival of Quilts, NEC, 2018

A busy few days up at the 2018 Festival of Quilts, NEC Birmingham, with the added bonus of a Judge's Choice for my Dear Jane quilt.  They don't hand out many accolades at this show (let alone any rosettes!), so I was very surprised to receive anything.  However, this photograph is the only evidence, as when my quilt was returned to me at the end of the show the little plaque was not included.
For the record it said "A lovely,warm quilt displaying accurate piecing and applique techniques with careful  colour placement and some intricate quilting" Judge: Vera Walker . Thanks Vera.
I also had the pleasure of quilting five of the quilts in the Two Person Category, which you can see over on my Fabadashery Longarm Quilting blog.

21/08/2018
Good News! the little plaque has arrived in the post today.

Dear Jane Quilt - Festival of Quilt, NEC Birmingham, August 2018

'Dear Jane' quilt by Frances Meredith, 2018

If you are heading off to the Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, UK, this week you will be able to see my completed Dear Jane quilt on display, No FO48 in the Traditional Quilts section.  It is a few months since she was completed and there have been a few requests for a bit more information about how I reached the finishing post!  
I guess you need to start at the beginning, with the trip to Nantes, France in April 2013, where there was a spectacular 150th Anniversary display of Dear Jane quilts, which was the inspiration to start on my Dear Jane quilt.  Then in August 2015, once my Nearly Insane quilt was completed I was able to start my Dear Jane journey.  Wow, three years ago.  As you all probably know, my Dear Jane quilt was completed by hand, using English Paper Piecing in conjunction with the Electric Quilt Dear Jane software.  Steadily each block and side triangle was completed during trips away and in travelling time.

'Dear Jane' quilt by Frances Meredith, 2018

About a year ago in the spring of 2017 I managed to get the top completed and together, which was followed by the mammoth task of removing the papers.  There are 5163 pieces in the quilt. I think this took about 5 days this time and is not something I rush to do straight away.  Meanwhile, there were a few challenges that lay ahead - quilting the quilt and doing a scallop edge for the first time.  I will admit that I have a long pause between finishing a top and quilting my quilts, but a show deadline is usually a good prompt to get it done.

I am lucky enough to have a long arm quilting machine and having put so much time into each block of the quilt I wanted each one to shine.  Each block is stitched in the ditch and then I designed my own pattern for blank triangles and the sashing.  At the time of quilting the edge of the quilt was a straight border.

To tackle the scallop edge I would recommend making some practice quilts.  I made a few charity quilts for Project Linus which were lucky enough to have scallop edges.  By making these I ironed out the problems before I encountered them on my masterpiece.   I chose quite a narrow binding for the edge and applied it with the machine and then finished it by hand.  I only trimmed the scallop border once I had applied the binding on the machine.

'Dear Jane' quilt by Frances Meredith, 2018

Once I decided to make a Dear Jane quilt I knew I had to go the whole way - all the blocks, all the triangles, and the scalloped edge, just as Jane Stickle had done. Now this quilt is done, my next Dear Jane quilt can be done in any way I choose!  I will admit that while I was quilting each block I was reminded of what a fun quilt this was to make.  The variety of techniques that you can choose to make each block, makes it interesting. Fussy cutting each block makes it interesting.  Choosing colour combinations makes it interesting.  I wouldn't dismiss the idea of making another one.

How much fabric did I use to make my Dear Jane quilt? I don't know, but I know I have enough Kim Diehl fabric left to make probably three more of these!

As I write this I am reminded of the true beauty of English Paper Piecing.  When I was away in Nantes, I was most probably working on a few Nearly Insane blocks. Dear Jane has travelled with me for the past three years and my handmade quilts really do weave their way into my life.  They hold memories of where you were, trips you made and follow you when you are out and about living your life.  The quilts I make when I am sat down in the same room on a sewing machine, perhaps don't have that weight of value.  I am often asked 'How long did it take you?' Well, like friends, you don't measure the number of days you have been friends as a measure of special your friendships are, they are just friendships.

Dear Jane Quilt Finished!

'Dear Jane' quilt made by Frances Meredith

Did I say I had finally finished my Dear Jane quilt?  There is nothing like a deadline to get things done and as a push I had entered my Dear Jane quilt into the 2018 Quilt UK Show at Malvern this weekend.  The good news is that it has won some prizes including, Best Piecing, Best Sampler Quilt and a first prize in the Bed Quilt category.

Dear Jane Quilt - Recording history with embroidery

Embroidered corner block - Dear Jane quilt

Here's a little job which I have been putting off for a long time - embroidering my name on my Dear Jane quilt.  Now it is done there is nothing stopping it from being quilted.  Then all I need to do is the scallop edge ....

Dear Jane Count

The Dear Jane Quilt  - counting the pieces

I have taken some time today to count my Dear Jane pieces.  As you may know, the original has her name and a count of all the pieces in the original Dear Jane quilt.  It is a job I have been putting off, thinking it would be long a tedious, but no so.  I also managed to find some rogue paper pieces along the way.  In total I have 5163 pieces in my Dear Jane quilt.  Jane Stickle had 5602.  I have clearly introduced modern day efficiencies into mine.  All I need to do now is to embroider the details onto the quilt.  Can you think of any other cryptic messages I should include?

Dear Jane Progress and Rainbow Scrappy Challenge catch up

Dear Jane quilt - English Paper Piecing, removing the papers.

I have had a few days where I have spent time moving a few projects forward.  Firstly, the Dear Jane quilt has been pulled out and I have made a big effort to remove all the papers. This is slow.  Very slow.  I have done over half, but I have now left it out so that I can go and pick at it in odd moments.  Once this is done I need to count all the pieces so that I can embroider the total on the corner block.

Rainbow Scrappy Challenge - cutting May, June, July, August, September

Then I saw that the September colour for the Rainbow Scrappy Challenge had been released.  I know that my progress on this had lapsed, but when I looked back I realised I was 5 months behind.  Again, I pulled out my remaining Kim Diehl fabrics and cut enough to keep me quiet for a while.  I sewed a few, but some serious machine stitching time is required on this one.

Finally, for a second time, I forgot to enter Suzi into the 2017 Pets on Quilts competition.  So please enjoy this photo of her.

July 2017 Update - La Passacaglia

La Passacaglia - June 2017

I thought I had better put up a post as my dedicated followers (Jocelyn / Mollie) have been wondering what I have been up to.  Last time I posted I had just started the La Passacaglia quilt and in the picture you can see the progress.  This one is much harder than the previous projects as there are a lot of design decisions along the way.  Life was so simple when it was just a little Dear Jane block to do. Naturally I want to put my own twist on it and finding the time to do that has been the obstacle.  It demands a lot of different fabrics and as a result my workroom has imploded with fabric and there is currently restricted access.  I haven't had time for the Scrappy Challenge and Dear Jane is still waiting for her papers to be taken out.
I have also been creatively sidetracked with other creative stuff.  I bought a Gelli plate and it has re-ignited my interest in mixed media.  Then I bought a Brother Scan N Cut once I realised I could cut all my English paper pieces from it - yes it really can.
If you are wondering what sewing I am really up to, you had better head over to my other blog.  There is no shortage of sewing going on there and it probably the best place to find me  / Follow me if you want to check I am still alive.

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block BR2 Leigh's Wood

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block BR2 Leigh's Wood

Have you seen this one before?  I don't think you have.  It is the last block that I have to show you as part of my Dear Jane quilt journey.  It is Border block BR2 Leigh's Wood.
My head still has settled on the next project.  It has been over 4 weeks since I had a hand piecing project to haul about with me and I am still suffering from cold turkey.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 31 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block TR2 Australian Pines

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block TR2 Australian Pines

Here is Border Block TR2 Australian Pines from the Dear Jane quilt.  I haven't got any further removing the papers from my Dear Jane.  It seems like a job you would do when you have nothing more important to do.  At the moment there are plenty of important things to do, so my Dear Jane is sitting quietly in a cupboard.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 20  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block TR12 Jane's Oak

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block TR12 Jane's Oak

I haven't neglected the last few Dear Jane blocks and I will post the remaining three over the next few days.  This is Border Block TR12 Jane's Oak.  For me this was the most challenging block.  Just 4 pieces, but that appliqued oak leaf was a struggle.  I pretty much had the whole quilt together before I had a second attempt at this block.  Give me tiny pieces any day!

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 4  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block BR12 Jessie's Stained Glass

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Block BR12 Jessie's Stained Glass

Miracle of miracles! I actually took a photo of this border block, BR12 Jessie's Stained Glass.
I have seen many, many Dear Jane attempts which never go the full stretch because the triangles look difficult.  This one has just 18 pieces and as in the case of most of the triangles, there are less pieces than some of the 4.5" blocks. Have a go.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 18  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 57 - Border Triangles TR2, TR12, BR2, BR12

English Paper Piecing - Dear Jane Quilt

Here is a view from the back of my Dear Jane quilt as it is in its current status.  It is all together, just another border and the papers to remove.  This photo shows it in all its English Paper Piecing glory.

The photo is also to distract you from the fact that I did not do a collective photo of Draw 56, the little square orange blocks and that I swiftly moved on to Draw 57 - the FINAL one, which is a set of border triangles.

Draw 57
TR2 - Australian Pines
TR12 - Jane's Oak
BR2 - Leigh's Woods
BR12 - Jessie's Stained Glass

This Draw will be in Red

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M11 Rickshaw

Dear Jane Quilt - Block M11 Rickshaw

I am scraping together the final blocks of my Dear Jane quilt.  This one is M11 Rickshaw.  As I said before, the photo is taken with the block sewn into the quilt, the paper and basting stitches still in, so it looks a little peculiar.

The next job with this quilt is to add up the number of pieces, maybe I should have done as I was going along ....

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 29 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block E12 Mary Ruth's Corset

Dear Jane Quilt - Block E12 Mary Ruth's Corset

Here is Dear Jane block E12 Mary Ruth's Corset. 
It is a bit of a 'warts and all' photo as I have had to take it stitched into the quilt.  To me it appears to highlight the English Paper tacking / basting threads.   Below you can see the evidence that the paper is still in.

Dear Jane quilt helper

Suzi and I have reached a compromise regarding my priority of role of main lap provider versus Dear Jane quilt stitcher.

Dear Jane progress ....

Suzi the cat with the Dear Jane quilt

I am not the only one suffering from the inconvenience of not having a portable sewing project ....

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L8 Box Kite

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L8 Box Kite

More Dear Jane blocks, this time L8 Box Kite. 
Through this Dear Jane journey I have had plenty of ideas for different Dear Jane's.  I know many, many people make more than one Dear Jane quilt.  This is a true fact.  Yes, I think I could join the group, but then there are so many other projects I could be doing.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 15 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H7 Bennington Star

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H7 Bennington Star

I am sure this Dear Jane block, H7 Bennington Star, has hijacked its namesake, the Ohio Star.  Quick, where are the quilt police.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 25 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 56 - E12, H7, M11, L8

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 55 - E11, G1, H12, K7

Thank you for all the supportive comments about my last post.  My Dear Jane blocks have been laid out on my floor since October, so they are quite a familiar sight for me, but I guess the glimpse I gave you revealed the actual progress I am making.

In getting this blog post together I have realised that my photographic record taking of each block and set of blocks lapsed near the end when the excitement of getting it together took momentum.  This is the last 'set' picture I have and some of the blocks did not even get their photo taken before I had sewn them in!

In our progress there are only 8 more blocks to show you.  Once they are done what will I have to show you each day?  I still don't have anything planned for 2017.

Draw 56
E12 - Mary Ruth's Corset
H7 - Bennington Star
M11 - Ricshaw
L8 - Box Kite

This Draw will be in Orange