Jackqueline de Jonge Pattern
 

Hello, went to the local quilt show (Des Moines) and picked up a de Jonge pattern called Brillant Beauties of Joy. Once I got home and started cruising thru the instructions I told myself I think I am walking thru "OZ" land. I've done PP before and find it fairly easy or at least Jinny Beyer's patterns are easy but this one I think I've overstepped my abilities. Please tell me someone here has done one of her patterns and its not that intimidating as it looks? Also picked up her Aurora pattern for half off as I wanted to add the spiked border to the "Joy" pattern to make it larger for a queen bed. Her website states the Aurora is #5 difficult and the Joy is only #4 difficult. Haven't picked out the fabrics yet from my stash but I'm thinking this is not going to be easy for me to do.

Has anyone done any of de Jonge's patterns?

Thanks for any advice as I think I'm going to need it.

I have taken classes on all type of paper piecing. The bottom line is all are basic paper piecing with added steps or less steps. I don't think you will have any trouble if you are comfortable with paper piecing methods.

I have made a couple of her patterns. They are both some of her early patterns before she began included the paper patterns. The purple one was the first back in 2008 and I felt the same as you do now although I did get a ribbon for it. Now that you don't have to trace everything I would think it will go easier. About the only advice I would give is to NOT cut out all of your pieces at the first unless you just have an abundance of fabric. I constantly referred back to the layout for a visual verification of what I was doing. You have done paper piecing before...use those skills along with her pattern and you will be fine.

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You can do it! We're all here for you when you have questions!

My advice would be to take it one step at a time. Don't read too far ahead and then get overwhelmed and put it aside. If you're unsure about a step, try it with scrap or muslin first. Sometimes when I'm working with a pattern and don't understand the instructions, they become clearer when I actually walk through them with scrap fabric.

I can't wait to see your pictures! I love her quilts, they're so vivid and happy.

I haven't done one of her patterns, but I have heard that they can be hard to follow because of the translation to English. That doesn't necessarily mean that the sewing will be harder, just that you need to spend a little extra time to be sure you are following the directions correctly. You can do it!

I have one that I have yet to start. Her translations on at least the earlier ones are very tough to get through. And I don't like the idea of having to do so much cutting/copying and tracing. I am spoiled by Judy Niemeyer's and Norah McMeeking's where you can buy the paper pieces. I don't know if I will ever tackle the one I have of JdJs. (I've done 2 of Judy's and one of Norah's).

My other issue is that the pattern I bought calls for many shades of many different colors. At the quilt show the fabric kit was over $200. And you only got small pieces of each. It worried me to buy it because what if I accidentally make a wrong cut, etc? So I have been very hesitant to start it. But I still have the pattern because I do think it is a beautiful quilt. ..... maybe someday!

Oh I have one of her books but have yet to use a pattern from it.

I think dunster has it correct. You just have to check that you understand what needs to be done. If there are not any extra patterns, I would copy one to do a test block.

Thanks for the confidence that I can do it. Think if I do as suggested and not read too far ahead that will help. This one has all the paper pieces but think I did read about using freezer paper in some steps which I have also. I didn't pick up the fabric kit as I have so much fabric to choose from in my stash. Yes there are a lot of colors but don't think that will be an issue. They give you a nice color chart will large enough sample pics to match up with. Plus I picked up Jinny Beyers 150 sample color matching thingey (can't remember what its called but its real fabric on cardboard backing to help with my fabric matching. Just got it in the mail the other day along with her jelly rolls and 5" squares for another quilt pattern on my UFO cabinet.

Again, thanks for the confidence that I can do this. It won't be anytime soon as I have too many quilt projects ahead of but it is in the line of future projects.

As they say just eat the elephant one bite at a time.:)