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

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