Dear Jane Quilt - Block C8 Hani's Crown

Suzi the cat helping out with the Dear Jane Quilt

It has been a day of preparing Dear Jane quilt blocks.  Don't underestimate how long it takes to cut out these blocks, let alone sew them together.  Almost every piece needs to be cut individually and is a far cry from any bulk rotary cutting which makes the modern day patchwork and quilting process quicker.  If I am honest I quite like fiddling about with tiny bits of tiny fabric ... Luckily I have had the moral support of Suzi the cat who has been playing a variation of 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey', called 'Place your tail under the Rotary Cutter'.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C8 Hani's Crown

Onto the latest block.  The way I have designated the colours of this Dear Jane block, C8 Hani's Crown, makes it look quite weedy compared to some others, but pretty nonetheless. 


Dear Jane Quilt - Block C8 Hani's Crown Quilt

To increase its impact, how about a whole quilt of Hani's Crown blocks instead?

So more slow cutting than slow stitching today, but still EPP - hop over to Kathy's Quilts and Help For Hexis and Feline Friday

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 21 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block B10 Jud's Trophy

Dear Jane Quilt - Block B10 Jud's Trophy

Here is B10 Jud's Trophy.  Those centre triangles are small, so I went for a folded piece of fabric option rather than wrapping around a piece of tiny paper.  A pretty standard squares and triangles block, but I quite like it.
I made this Dear Jane block whilst taking some time out to watch an art history documentary on the British artist David Hockney.  I love watching artists at work and seeing where they find their inspiration.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces:  29pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block A3 Hunter's Moon

Dear Jane Quilt - Block A3 Hunter's Moon

This round of blocks seem to have very few pieces.  Only 5 in this one, A3 Hunter's Moon which reminds me of a 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul' block. I have another 'in progress' shot for you, where you can see that I tacked on the centre shape to position the pieces, which I then removed.


Dear Jane Quilt - Block A3 Hunter's Moon



 I have been looking back at my Nearly Insane quilt journey and see that 100 pieces in a 6" block was my preferred amount.  That was piecing, this is applique, so 5 will do. 

Techniques: Applique
Pieces:  5 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 27 - A3, B10, C8, M13

It feels like Papa's Star from Draw 26 came and went without too much of a fuss, so I guess the 'only way is up' from here with regard to the Dear Jane blocks.


Suzi the Cat working on her Dear Jane quilt

When I am away I seem to use up my Dear Jane blocks quite quickly, so I have spent a bit of time catching up with myself.  After lots of rain yesterday, today has been beautifully sunny and Suzi the cat has found just the spot to help.  More cat helpers can be seen over at Feline Friday - yes, EVERY Friday!

Alongside my Dear Jane blocks I have also been working on my Doll Quilt Swap which is now completed, in the post and on its way to the USA.  Did you take part this year?

Moving onto Draw 27

A3 - Hunter's Moon
B10 - Jud's Trophy
C8 - Hani's Crown
M13 - Lynette's Diamond

This draw will be in Yellow.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block F9 Autumn Aster

Dear Jane Quilt - Block F9 Autumn Aster

Here is Dear Jane block F9 Autumn Aster, quite time consuming due to the way it is constructed.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block F9 Autumn Aster

Here is an 'in progress' shot.  This Dear Jane block involved a lot of applique, in fact applique on applique.  I am using some Japanese silk Kimono thread for my applique and despite it being like very fine hair to sew with, I have found it very satisfactory so far.

South Devon Coast Path, April 2016

For those of you who visited yesterday's post, yes, you were correct - Dear Jane block Starlight Star Bright was on the Mayflower Steps at the Barbican in Plymouth.  Back in August 2015 we finished walking the whole Cornish coastal path, so we have now moved onto Devon.  Our first few miles were walking through the City of Plymouth which were in fact extremely interesting due to its history and a great contrast to the usual mind-blowing views of the South West coast path which we usually have to put up with ...

Techniques: Applique and English Paper Piecing
Pieces:  13 pieces
 

Dear Jane Quilt - Block A13 Starlight Star Bright

Dear Jane Quilt - Block A13 Starlight Star Bright

Where am I? 

So far this Dear Jane quilt has not been on many trips, but recently block A13 Starlight Star Bright has been treated to a day out, since it is officially the completed 100th block on my Dear Jane journey. 


Dear Jane Quilt - Block A13 Starlight Star Bright

Starlight Star Bright is a nice simple block using EPP, so not too much trouble for me

So where am I?

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces:  21  pieces

GIVEAWAY 2016 Malvern Quilt Show Tickets + Dear Jane Quilt - 100th Block Edition

Giveaway - A pair of tickets to 2016 Quilts UK Malvern Quilt Show

THIS GIVEWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

I am celebrating reaching my 100th Dear Jane block by having a GIVEAWAY!


Dear Jane Quilt - 100th Block Edition

Yesterday, Mystic Quilter commented how I must be accumulating quite a pile of Dear Jane blocks.  Yes, indeed. This is what 100 English paper pieced Dear Jane blocks look like.  Steady hand piecing since August has produced this pile of pretty blocks and I am starting to feel a sense of PROGRESS.

To celebrate I am offering the chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2016 Quilts UK Malvern Quilt Show.  Each ticket is valid for one person for one day and are non-refundable.  The show runs from Thursday 19th May to Sunday 22nd May 2016 at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW, UK.  There will be one winner who will receive the prize of two tickets.  The draw will be made on Saturday 23rd April 2016. 


Alongside the personal quilting projects you can follow on this blog, I also have a Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting service (www.fabadashery.co.uk) which I offer to customers, which has its own blog and Facebook page, where you can see other lovely quilts made by my lovely customers. 

How to win the tickets - you have three chances

• Go to my Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting Facebook page where you will find a post about the Giveaway, leave a comment, SHARE it and the LIKE my Fabadashery Long Arm page, or let me know that you are already a Follower and you would like to enter the draw. 
• Go to my Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting Blog (www.fabadashery.co.uk) and become a Follower or let me know that you are already a Follower, leaving a comment on the blog to let me know.  You can link from the button on the sidebar.
• Become a Follower on my regular Fabadashery Blog or let me know that you are already a Follower and you want to be entered into the draw.

Be sure to leave a comment to let me know what you have done by 12pm Saturday 23rd April to be entered into the draw.

 

 

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H6 Pie Sale

Dear Jane Quilt - Block H6 Pie Sale

For my version of Dear Jane block H6 Pie Sale there are 12 pieces to applique.  It is a pleasing pattern, but the applique always seems to take up more concentration than anything else in my life.

I have been out and about for the past few days and popped down to the Exeter Quilt Show which kicks off the quilt show season for me.  There was a lovely display of quilts by Kay Bell and enough fabric stalls to satiate my fabric appetite.


Red Telephone Fabric

I have seen this red telephone fabric at the shows for several months now and at £4/m I relented.  I can't see it on the front of a quilt yet, but I have enough for backing a quilt.


Midnight at the Oasis - Fabric Selection?

I also bought some of the basics for a Jen Kingwell pattern I hope to make in the near future called 'Midnight at the Oasis'.  There have been several quiltalongs for this quilt design, but as usual I will need to work to 'the beat of my own drum' for this project.


Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 17 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G6 Papa's Star

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G6 Papa's Star

I think there is a general consensus in Dear Janeland that if you can do Dear Jane block G6 Papa's Star, you can just about do any of the blocks in the quilt.  Yes, the centre star is a challenge and yes I have just had to buy my first set of spectacles for 'close work'.  However, don't take a breath too quickly once it is done.  Those orange points on the bigger star are all different sizes and need to be placed in the right direction and position too.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block G6 Papa's Star

When you see the completed star above you make think it looks very accomplished.  I thought I would share this picture of the back of the mini eight-pointed star.  It looks slightly crazy.  But hey, no one is going to see it!

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 30 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 26 - A13, F9, G6, H6

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 25 - Border Triangles LR2, RR2, LR12, RR12


Are you still with me?
I imagine that most of you are making quilts at a much faster pace than I am with this Dear Jane, but for me it is usually the journey and not the destination which counts. 

Here are the most recent set of border triangle blocks which means we are ready to move onto Draw 26.

A13 - Starlight Star Bright
F9 - Autumn Aster
G6 - Papa's Star
H6 - Pie Sale

This draw is Orange and we are back to the 4.5" blocks.

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block RR12 Linda's Church in the Valley

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block RR12 Linda's Church in the Valley

I am getting to the stage with this  Dear Jane quilt where I am starting to think about designing my own blocks, maybe altering some.  The border triangles in particular seem to have a lot of the same repetitive triangle shapes in them to make them work.  This is RR12 Linda's Church in the Valley and follows a similar theme to Megan's Cathedral which I pieced back in January.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 29 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block LR2 Barb's Diamond

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block LR2 Barb's Diamond

Suzi the cat is with me as I write my post today.  She likes to help with any work on the computer and has been inspecting each block as I design it on my Electric Quilt software.


Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block LR2 Barb's Diamond

This is Dear Jane Border Triangle block, LR2 Barb's Diamond.  Only 22 pieces and just one simple diamond shape to applique.  Did you note how I said 'simple applique'.  Jane is certainly starting to change my thoughts on the matter.


Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 22 pieces

Eat Your Greens - Mug Rug

Green vegetables - Brussel Sprout Mug Rug

It hasn't all been Dear Jane blocks here this Easter.  I have been working on some other projects which you will hear about in due course.  One little project was this 'Brussels Sprout Mug Rug'. A finish deserves a link with Crazy Mom Quilts.


Brussel Sprout patchwork fabric

I guess sprouts are popular with some people and not so much with others.  I tolerate one or two with my Christmas dinner, but I tend to draw the line there.  However, my husband loves them and tries to sneak them into as many dishes as possible.  I saw this Brussels Sprout fabric in a shop a while ago and had to purchase a fat quarter.  I always love to look at the 'fruit and veg' section in a quilt shop.

Green vegetables - Brussel Sprout Mug Rug

So for Easter he was gifted this little mug rug for his cup of coffee.  It was a quick make.  I didn't want to cut up the sprouts too much, so I went for a simple design, which is large enough for a cup and a biscuit.  I think he was quite pleased with it.
So which side of the fence do you sit regarding sprouts?

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block LR12 Button Hook

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block LR12 Button Hook

Here  are at the end of March and looking back on the Dear Jane progress I have managed to complete 18 blocks this month, which must be a record for me so far. Border triangle block, LR12 Button Hook looks quite straightforward, but what look like squares were slightly diamond shaped so a bit of caution was required and then you get to the applique...


Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block LR12 Button Hook



There is a very small diamond shape at the top of the triangle which could easily be conveniently overlooked, but I know that even if there are no Quilt Police, there are definitely Dear Jane Police out there.  I approached it by cutting out some iron-on Vilene the same shape, pressing it, tacking it and appliqueing it down.  I knew trying to remove paper from this itty bitty bit was going to be fruitless, so the Vilene stays in.  In reality it is so small it only requires about six stitches, so once started it is quickly done.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 25 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block RR2 Cherokee Lee

Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block RR2 Cherokee Lee

I always feel a quiet sense of relief each time I complete a triangle border block from the Dear Jane quilt.  Before I started the journey I promised myself that I would complete ALL the triangle borders and that I would give the quilt the traditional scallop edge finish, so another triangle done keeps me on track.  This is border triangle block RR2 Cherokee Lee.  In my edition of the Dear Jane book there are no names given to the triangle blocks, I seem to be picking them up from the Electric Quilt Dear Jane software that I am using.



Dear Jane Quilt - Border Triangle Block RR2 Cherokee Lee

Here you can see all the Cherokee Lee pieces laid out ready to be basted.  Some of the shapes are 'unique' and with diamonds scattered amongst it, I made sure that everything was in its exact position.  Before I cut out the pieces I take a photo on my iPAD to see the exact position of each piece which I refer to plenty of times!

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 24 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 25 - Border Triangles LR2, RR2, LR12, RR12

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 24 - A12, C13, D11, E6

I think Draw 24 is a particularly pretty set of Dear Jane blocks.  I always prefer blocks set on point as it always manages to make them look more elaborate and more interesting. 

I usually post these regular sets of four blocks up on my Pinterest page, where you can increasingly get a good visual idea of where this quilt is heading.

Draw 25 is another round of border triangles.  For some reason the triangles feel difficult but when you actually do them, most of them are simpler than the Dear Jane blocks themselves.

Draw 25
LR2 - Barb's Diamond
RR2 - Cherokee Lee
LR12 - Button Hook
RR12 - Linda's Church in the Valley

This draw is Red

Dear Jane Quilt - Block E6 Michelle's Medley

Dear Jane Quilt - Block E6 Michelle's Medley

I have had a very busy stitching weekend and have managed to do a few Dear Jane blocks amongst it all.  Here is Dear Jane block E6 Michelle's Medley.  Some fussy cutting, some applique and I have another completed block.


Easter Bunnies

I hope you have had a pleasant weekend - Easter certainly has its plus points!


Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 28 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C13 Lakota Sioux




Happy Easter - Hot Cross Buns

Happy Easter!  It is a beautiful day here today and I was up early stitching Dear Jane blocks to make the most of the extra hours, before we lose one on Sunday.  I am definitely an early person and was surprised how much I got done in the early hours.  I have been out for a walk and enjoyed a Hot Cross Bun already, as the weather doesn't look so promising tomorrow.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C13 Lakota Sioux

I don't know how big your screen is, but the little cornerstones on Dear Jane block C13 Lakota Sioux were small.

I am enjoying the Dear Jane journey, partly because of the names.  The terminology makes it very 'American', and it serves to revive my knowledge of American history.  I know a little bit about Sioux Indians from studying Custer's Last Stand in school, so this block prompted me to go and refresh my memory.

Enjoy the Easter holidays!

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 25 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block A12 Framed Fancy

Dear Jane Quilt - Block A12 Framed Fancy

Here's a pretty block.  It has 37 pieces which is quite a lot for Dear Jane.  It is one of the few blocks which have Flying Geese in them, whereas I seem to remember the Nearly Insane quilt had quite a few.  I had a go a fussy cutting, but it is not shown off to its best on this block.

I am currently working on my Dear Jane blocks at my workstation in front of the TV.  On the side of the armchair is a growing pile of trimmings which accumulate during the process.  Suzi the cat has managed to jump up many times without it toppling over onto the carpet.  It shouldn't be long now.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 37 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D11 Snow Crystal

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D11 Snow Crystal

This is block D11 Snow Crystal.  I think the red looks lovely and I am pretty pleased with the appliqued diamonds, as it is ages since a Dear Jane block has demanded that I do some applique on it.

This is the bag I carry my Dear Jane blocks around in.  No I didn't make it.  No it isn't pretty.  BUT it is waterproof and has a zip to shut it firmly. All I know is, pretty stuff comes out of it.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 17 pieces
 

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 24 - A12, C13, D11, E6

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 23 - D1, I3, J2, L4

As I said before, this Draw has been quite RED heavy, but they will be evenly distributed throughout the quilt, so I don't believe they will look out of place.



Doll Quilt Swap 2015 - Mini Irish Chain quilt

Whilst Dear Jane is moving steadily along I  have signed up to Lori's Doll Quilt Swap over at Humble Quilts.  This is the little Irish Chain quilt I made for Wendy last year and I am at the stage of designing my quilt for my swap partner for 2016.  Thanks to Marcia and Wendy my Civil War era fabric stash is looking more healthy this year.

Anyway, moving onto Draw 24

A12 - Framed Fancy
C13 - Lakota Star
D11 - Snow Crystal
E6 - Michelle's Medley

These Dear Jane blocks will also be in Red.

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D1 Alison's Guiding Light

Dear Jane Quilt - Block D1 Alison's Guiding Light

I love it when these Dear Jane blocks quietly come together whilst you are stitching, but doing something else at the same time.  I think it is called multi-tasking.  The Formula 1 motor racing season has started and often involves sitting down to watch for a couple of hours during a weekend.  This is ideal stitching time and a good reason to follow the sport.

This is Block D1 Alison's Guiding Light and is the last of the current red fabric draw.  It was stitched whilst watching the Australian GP and the next blocks was started too.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 23 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I3 Family Album

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I3 Family Album

Here is Dear Jane Block I3 Family Album.

These last few blocks have been very similar, but that is part of the plan.  BTW THE PLAN started this time last year.  I was still finishing off the Nearly Insane border and removing the papers, but in the background I was devising the design and gathering the fabrics for the current Dear Jane quilt journey.  I am now starting to think about what the next hand piecing project will be.  Any suggestions?

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 21 pieces

International Quilting Weekend 2016

Fabadashery Long Arm Quilting

Happy International Quilting Weekend!

Are you quilting today?  I am busy stitching some customer quilts on my long arm machine whilst watching the episodes of The Quilt Show which are FREE as part of the celebrations.  I have watched nearly six episodes so far and have plenty more to revisit.

Later tonight we are moving onto the next Star Wars film, so plenty of hand stitching to look forward to and the completion of another Dear Jane block.

Have a great day. 

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J2 Picture Perfect

Dear Jane Quilt - Block J2 Picture Perfect

Hello friends. Another day, another Dear Jane block, J2 Picture Perfect.

I have spent some looking back at my Nearly Insane quilt journey and how much I enjoyed it. It was all piecing, no applique, with one 6" block having over 240 pieces.  The Dear Jane blocks have fewer pieces, but offers more of a challenge with new techniques.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 15 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L4 St George's Cross

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L4 St George's Cross

This is L4 St George's Cross of the Dear Jane quilt and I have made use of the red stripe in my Kim Diehl stash to fussy cut some of the pieces.  There was a time when I would avoid striped fabrics, but I have seen the light and this particular fabric has already delivered in many ways. 

We are on a red round of blocks at the moment and they are pretty RED heavy.

St George is the patron saint of England and this is officially celebrated on 23rd April each year, which also happens to be the birthday of Shakespeare.  Sadly we don't get a day off to stitch Dear Jane blocks.


Techniques: English Paper Piecing
Pieces: 21 pieces