Jacqueline de Jong ...is it easy
 

http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/shopp...?ID=0319306426

I would like to make this Jacqueline de Jong, Elements of Nature, quilt for my daughter. I think her quilts are list for how hard they are with 1-5, 5 being the hardest. Has anyone done this pattern and how difficult did you find it. I have done paper piecing before so I have some idea what I'm getting into. My understanding is this directions are not real clear.

I have done a few of her patterns.. The directions are not the "best" English is not her first language and sometimes the translations are not the right words. Additionally the format used is not the easiest to follow. If you do decide to go forward... read the directions several times. Also, make sure the pattern you purchase has the papers. Lots of complaints about not including the papers led to including them .. but there are still some of the old ones around that do not have them. It hard to work with her ones that don't have them as they are sized for European paper and some don't fit on US paper sizes.. even the large legal size. I spent lots of $$$ having to have them printed on blueprint size paper. Not to mention dealing with each one having "COPYRIGHT" printed on them. The directions for the older ones call for you to trace each piece.
Her patterns are some of the most beautiful.. but not for the faint of heart. I suggest you give a few New York Beauty blocks a try , before this pattern.

I have one of her books but have yet to make any of her patterns. you might try some other designer who is similar first.

The link you provided says the pattern is imported from the Netherlands. It also says foundation pieces not included. If the pattern is imported, I would make darn sure it is in English and even then I suspect you will have trouble. I consider myself an experienced paper piecer having tackled MC, FG in a circle, NYB and many others. I would consider that pattern, just looking at the link you provided, a 5 on your scale. It is beautiful but I'm not sure I would tackle it. Additionally it is pretty expensive for just a stand alone pattern.

her patterns are not for timid quilters- English is not her 'native tongue' and so the patterns are not the easiest to follow- some of her patterns do not come with the papers, you have to trace out each section- if you are comfortable with paper piecing and patient enough to have to re-read numerous times and really take your time you can do it- I would spend some time doing a practice block or two before committing to the 'real' fabric you intend to use. her designs are beautiful but you really really have to be able to pay attention and take your time to get through them

i've done paper piecing quite a bit. but this pattern looks like a 5 to me.

Thank you for all your input, and it sounds like I should try something else. The one I really want to do looks even harder, this is the 2nd choice. I will think on it for awhile, maybe try a NYB block just for fun.
thank you all

The lady that owns the online shop you posted is part of my quilt guild I have talked to her about these patterns as I love paper piecing. I know these patterns can be quit challenging. If you e-mail her she can answer your questions on these patterns she carries if you still have questions .

I checked out the link you sent and her pattern does not look like it is user friendly. I love to paper piece and think I could do it but not if I had never done very much paper piecing before.

It's very pretty but I don't think I could do it.