Dear Jane Quilt - Block B4 Chris's Soccer Field

Dear Jane Quilt - Block B4 Chris's Soccer Field

Here is Dear Jane block B4 Chris's Soccer Field.  A simple Dear Jane block.
As you know I have completed all the blocks and I am slowly putting the whole thing together.  This is the slow part about English Paper Piecing.  This is the part when it becomes less portable, so I have less opportunities to stitch.  This is the time when I start thinking I need a NEW project ...  any suggestions?

However, there are still plenty more of the blocks to show you, so keep watching!
Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 21 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block K2 - Grandpa's Chickens

Dear Jane Quilt - Block K2 - Grandpa's Chickens

Dear Jane block K2, Grandpa's Chickens. Someone, somewhere is probably making a king size bed out of squares this big.  I would certainly get a lot of pleasure making the most of scraps that small, but maybe not a King size quilt.

En Provence Mystery Quilt - Part 1

I have also finished stitching, pressing and twisting those seams for my En Provence Mystery quilt.  I have done a random number of 126 4-patches, which is more than half, in fact 57% of the total required for this stage.
 
Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 40  pieces

Part 1 - En Provence, Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt 2016

Suzi the Cat enjoying the 2015 Allietare Mystery Quilt 

So we are off!  The 2016 Bonnie Hunter Mystery quilt, En Provence, has started.  Suzi the cat loves this time of year.  As you can see, this morning she is making the most of last years 'Allietare' Mystery quilt which is currently on my bed.

I was away over the weekend at the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate which meant that I didn't access the full details until Sunday.  Since then I have cut all my pieces and have sewn about 50% of the four-patches.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I am not going scrappy, which was a bit of problem with Part 1 of the En Provence Mystery quilt.  However, Bonnie must have been sending me vibes as I had decided to pick up an alternative French General neutral whilst I was at the show, so this has worked out perfectly for her 'two neutral' option.

Part 1 - En Provence, Bonnie Hunter 2016 Mystery Quilt

I will admit that all the preparation required to get going on Part 1 reminded me why I do lots of English paper Piecing by hand.  Before I could get going I had to clear some space for cutting.  The area around my sewing machine had become a dumping ground, so that had to be cleared as well.  I had bought some extra bobbins for my machine at the show, so I wound several of them ready for the next few weeks.  I cleaned my machine.  I put on my single needle plate.  I put in a new needle. After having my machine nearly 8 years I decided to use the table which came with it for the first time which required setting up.  Then I decided that I needed to get my 'Leader and Ender' project set up from the start to make the most of my machine sewing.

Part 1 - En Provence, chain piecing

In the 2015 Black Friday sales I picked up an Accuquilt fabric cutter and knew this would be the perfect project to make the most of it.  It made quick work of cutting the strips and in my enthusiasm I decided to cut the strips into squares. This was perhaps a step too far as it meant that the time I had saved with my cutting, I lost stitching squares instead of strips.  But my squares were very accurately cut .... So far the chain stitching has been very efficient and as a result I haven't made much of a dent into my 'leader and ender' project.
Finally, I want to put out a BIG THANK YOU to Bonnie Hunter for her generosity and for taking the time to put this together.  When I started to read her instructions for Part 1, I remembered why I enjoy her Mystery Quilt so much.  Her instructions are excellent and so thorough that it makes it easy for a quilter at any stage to get a quilt together.  Writing a blog every day takes time, so I really appreciate the work she puts into this.

I know a lot of my Followers are Mystery Quilt fans, so I look forward to seeing your progress too.  Linking up to the Monday Link UP!

Dear Jane Quilt - Block E9 Quilt Jail

Dear Jane Quilt - Block E9 Quilt Jail

For some reason this one really did feel like what it might be like to be in Quilt Jail.  Lots of fiddly pieces that had to be squeezed into four sides. This really puts English Paper Piecing to the test.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 35 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 52 - B4, E9, K2, K3

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 51 - E13, I7, I8, L3

I will try to fit in a few more Dear Jane blocks before the Bonnie Hunter 'En Provence' 2016  Mystery quilt takes over.  Here is an overview of the recent purple selection and ready to move on to the next Draw.  BTW there are only six more draws to go.

Draw 52
B4 - Chris's Soccer Field
E9 - Quilt Jail
K2 - Grandpa's Chickens
K3 - Seven Sisters

This Draw will be in Red

En Provence - Bonnie Hunter's 2016 Mystery Quilt - Introduction

Suzi the cat enjoying Allietare, 2015 Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt

It was four years ago when I started this blog, mainly to share my progress on Bonnie Hunter's 2012 Mystery Quilt, Easy Street. I completed Celtic Solstice in 2013 (but it still needs quilting), opted out of Grand Illusion in 2014 and picked up again with Allietare in 2015, which is currently on our bed, which Suzi is modelling above.

I have been dithering whether I was going to do Bonnie Hunter's 2016 Mystery Quilt 'En Provence' this year.  It is an 'extra' for my To-do list which I could probably do without.  But there is that period between Christmas and New Year where doing the Mystery Quilt has now become a tradition.

Bonnie Hunter's 2016 Mystery Quilt colours 'En Provence'

Here is a pull from my stash of the colours which Bonnie intends to use.  Lovely colours.  I love the beautiful colours she has chosen, but I know I just wouldn't use the quilt at the end. Usually at this stage of the year I have a colour scheme in mind, perhaps one I have been meaning to use for a while, but this year there wasn't any scheme which I was itching to try.   

Bonnie Hunter's 2016 Mystery Quilt - Fabadashery 'En Provence'

So instead I have gone for this colour scheme.  It is a cross between the lavender of Provence and the heathers of Scotland. This range is made up of Moda French General fabrics and I will be keeping to one fabric and not going scrappy.  I WILL NOT BE GOING SCRAPPY!   Also, I am not going for full size.  I AM NOT GOING FOR FULL SIZE!  I feel a bit of a lightweight admitting all this, but again, I do not have a shortage of very large quilts and a smaller, lighter quilt would be more versatile.  I do intend to follow the Mystery Quilt each week, so no peeping to see the outcome before I make it.  I have yet to decide which colour substitutes which or how big it will be.

Let me know if you are joining in this year. I can't wait for Friday for the first stage and I can't wait for New Years Day for the BIG REVEAL!

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L3 Reflections Abound

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L3 Reflections Abound

There has been a bit of a delay with this block as I had lost it.  I didn't label the blocks as I guessed I would know by their colour, but I did get myself in a muddle trying to identify this one, L3 Reflections Abound.

Other sewing news - I think I have committed myself to doing Bonnie Hunter's 'En Provence' 2016 Mystery Quilt and once I have a minute I will bring you up-to-date with my plans which, as usual, are slightly off piste.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 25  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block E13 Moth in a Web

Dear Jane Quilt - Block E13 Moth in a Web

I do love the variety of sampler quilts.  Each one is like a little mini quilt of its own. For Dear Jane block E13 Moth in a Web, I think there was a choice of applique or piecing for the little triangles - I chose piecing as little triangles can be a bit trying.  I haven't cut any Dear Jane for ages now, but after this post I am off to cut more sashing pieces.

'Nearly Insane Quilt' by Frances Meredith

Also in the news today, my Nearly Insane quilt has had further success at the 2016 West Country Quilt and Textile Show, full details are over at my other Fabadashery blog .
Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 26  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I7 Mac and Muff

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I7 Mac and Muff

Here is another pretty purple Dear Jane block, I7 Mac and Muff.  Again I couldn't face appliqueing those tiny triangles onto Dear Jane block I7 Mac and Muff, so I sliced up the borders and pieced it instead.

A quick look around to find a reference to Mac and Muff and I see that it was series of 'Early Reader' books.  Did anyone learn to read with these?  In my day it was 'Dick and Dora'.

'Nearly Insane Quilt' by Frances Meredith

featured in British Patchwork and Quilting magazine, November 2016

Other news - my Nearly Insane Quilt is currently being featured in British Patchwork and Quilting magazine, November 2016.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 27 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I8 Pete's Paintbox

Dear Jane Quilt - Block I8 Pete's Paintbox

I think its time I moved on with these purple blocks. This Dear Jane block, I8 Pete's Paintbox, which seems to be a square in a square in a square.
I have spent most of my TV time this week basting sashing for Dear Jane as I have run out and that is stopping me get the whole thing together.  A small pile has grown, and the next few rows are ready to be put together.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 25  pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Draw 51 - E13, I7, I8, L3

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

November is always a busy time of year for me and it feels like other things are taking over my stitching time at the moment.  I have found a little slot to keep you posted on my Dear Jane blocks and below are the details of the next blocks.

Suzi the Cat, November 2016

Suzi has found a spot to catch a bit of November sunshine today, whilst I am making the most of a Sunday to slowly stitch the Dear Jane rows together.
Don't forget to Join Kathy over at Slow Stitching Sunday  and Feline Friday

Draw 51
E13 - Moth in a Web
I7 - Mac and Muff
I8 - Pete's Paintbox
L3 - Reflections Abound

This Draw will be in Purple

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L13 Harvest Moon

Dear Jane Quilt - Block L13 Harvest Moon

Another round Dear Jane block, L13 Harvest Moon.

Yesterday, I mentioned the 365 circle project.  Little did I know that it was a year ago since that Quilty Folk started it and today they are sharing their progress.  Great stuff.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 8 pieces

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C4 Tic Tac Toe

Dear Jane Quilt - Block C4 Tic Tac Toe

This Dear Jane block, C4 Tic Tac Toe, had a difficult birth.  Those little pieces in the middle are not ideal for English Paper Piecing, but I got there in the end.  I have just stitched this block into the actual quilt and there were a few extra stitches needed to fix the points.

Techniques: English Paper Piecing and Applique
Pieces: 37 pieces

Dear Jane update - October 2016

Suzi the cat helps with the Dear Jane Quilt

I have been promising an update on the overall progress of my Dear Jane.  I indulged myself in an afternoon of stitching Dear Jane blocks together yesterday.  So far I have 2.5 lines together and Suzi the cat is monitoring progress closely. 

Completed Dear Jane blocks

All the blocks are completed and all but one border block is complete.  Also there are several plain triangles and loads and loads of sashing pieces to be done.  And did I mention the scalloped border?

Electric Quilt - Dear Jane progress, October 2016

Here is a glimpse of how that all looks in the Electric Quilt software.  I am still using Electric Quilt 5. 

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