I would like to handpiece a Dear Jane quilt using the foundation method and a medium that tears away after stitching.
I have read a lot of posts on this but am still unsure what to use that is soft enough to stitch through and tear away yet firm enough to accurately draw the blocks on. I also didn't want to have to wash the quilt to dissolve anything later if I could help it.
I have the Dear Jane software which will make it a little easier.
Also, does anyone have an estimate of the amount of background fabric they used? Estimates seem to vary wildly.
Clues from other Boarders on this would be greatly appreciated before I start on this mega-task.
Thanks heaps in advance.

Never made a dear jane quilt but I have paper pieced. You can print/draw the pattern on regular computer paper, the cheaper the better, and using a small stitch sew your fabric. Using the small stitch will make it easy for you to tear the paper away from your fabric.

I always use the freezer paper method of paper piecing. No paper to tear away!

there is tear away interfacing available that is fairly inexpensive too, it is softer/ more flexable than just using paper...or you can use an interfacing that you do not have to remove.

I've used the stuff that melts in water, you just soak the block in cold/warm water when you are done and lay it on a towel to dry. Runs thru my printer easily. Easy. A little pricey but I found mine on sale.

http://www.softexpressions.com/softw...s/WashAway.php

Is paper out of the question? I used a very nice velumm and it works beautifully.

There is a whole group of us working on Jane quilts right now. We had lots of discussion about foundations. You might want to read through the first part of this thread. There is lots of information about fabric, foundations, etc. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-28063-1.htm Then scroll down to the very bottom and click on the virtual section for the Dear Janes and then mark that so that you can see all threads! We'd love to have you join the rest of us so we can pick your brain about how best to do the blocks also!

The software itself also has tons of fabric information...go to Jane Home and explore in that area..it tells you how much you need.

Duh, just realized you are handpiecing - oh my....guess the paper would be too difficult to work with. sorry.

I have found the cheapest paper for paper piecing is the scribble pad for children that you can get at the dollar store. Mine needs to be cut down to size for my printer but it tears away very easily, is cheap - 60 sheets for a buck, and folds nicely as I work with it.

I'll tell you who could possibly help you...Butterflyspain...she has hand pieced quite a bit using the paper piece method. I don't know how she does it actually, but she could tell you...