Dear Jane Quilt - Block J5 John Jacob's Windmill

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J5 John Jacob's Windmill

Presenting Dear Jane block J5 John Jacob's Windmill.  I am enjoying working with the Kim Diehl blue fabrics.

When I post these blocks on my blog I think nothing of the fact that the photo shows the tacking stitches are still in place holding the papers behind.  It might be months before they are removed.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces:  13 pieces

 

French Boutis

Boutis Manon panel 17" x 17"

My Doll swap partner, Heather has a blog where she shares her interest in the French quilting technique, boutis.  It reminded me of a boutis project I did several years ago which I have resurrected to show you here.

Boutis Manon panel  - detail

I bought it as a kit from a French stand at the Festival of Quilts, Birmingham and they had all the boutis bits and pieces including this pre-printed panel.  I haven't seen them at the show lately but you can still get hold of the kits in France at www.boutis.com . I have just been over there and started drooling over the other kits they have - they are SO beautiful.

 

To get the effect of boutis you stitch just two pieces of fine white batiste cotton together with no wadding or stuffing in it.  With the kit I was able to follow the lines on the pre-printed panel and after a lot of hand stitching you end up with a piece of fabric with a lot of stitching on it.  But then the magic happens.  Using a stiletto or cocktail stick and the special soft white boutis cotton, you start stuffing the pockets of stitching and suddenly the work you have done comes alive.  Once stuffed you give it a wash and the pure whiteness of it really looks beautiful


Boutis panel  - detail

In the photo above I am holding the piece up to the window where you can see the pattern, but it really shows that the quilt is stuffed rather than quilted as three layers.  It is a beautiful effect, but for practical use maybe a bit lumpy and a bit heavy.  Saying that it is one of the pieces I have made which I seem to constantly have out around the home.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J11 Twin Sister

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J11 Twin Sister

This Dear Jane block, J11 Twin Sister, is totally applilque.  I think I am starting to like applique.  Obviously the size and shape of the piece will influence your feelings about it and these were just about right.

Techniques: Applique
Pieces: 6 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J1 Joseph's Jonquil

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J1 Joseph's Jonquil

This is Dear Jane block Josepha's Jonquil, J1.  Jonquil is a word I am familiar with but not one which I really knew what it meant.  A quick check on Wikipedia says JONQUIL is a shade of yellow, the shade of yellow which you will find on the Jonquil flower, which is very similar to a Daffodil.  So looking at the shape of this block that all makes sense. 

It is just that I did mine in blue.


Dear Jane Quilt - Block J1 Joseph's Jonquil

I did this appliqued Dear Jane quilt block whilst travelling on a car journey.  Here you see me with a teatowel on my lap holding all the bits and pieces.  Yes, I am still able to thread silk thread through a needle whilst we move along and I am enjoying this whilst this is still the case.  Early on in the project the applique was proving so mind-blowing that I needed to be stationary and be giving it 101% concentration.  So from this I am pleased to say that my applique skills and applique confidence are improving thanks to the Dear Jane quilt.

Techniques: Applique
Pieces:  6 pieces