In my opinion, a person would have to be a very dedicated and/or experienced quilter to take on the Dear Jane quilt. The Farmer's Wife seems much more do-able. But there are many many sampler patterns around. Just go to Quilterscache.com and look at all the patterns for various sized blocks. You could easily put together your own sampler quilt just by utilizing that website, and you would be learning different techniques--paper piecing, curved seams, set in seams, applique...so much to try and so little time!!