The signature block at this point is simply something to think about. I would like an idea of how many are interested - and I would also think of it as more of a 'rail fence' idea as was mentioned by Quiltermomma. It would really be awesome if the whole group would do it, but since this is going to be going on for some time, I would put it on the back burner til at least the end of this Summer and possibly even the end of the year. I am not thinking of making 115 or so fancy or even simple Dear Jane blocks, but rather signed squares or rectangles of light fabric that we could each incorporate into a backing for our Dear Janes with the addition of our own fabric. This would require some additional piecing for the backs, but would be incredible. You could simply make a border of signature pieces for a border around the backing or string-quilted in the center.
If there is an interest, then I would take down a list of participants who want to make the blocks and let everyone know how many are on the interest list. If we keep it simple, then it would consist of every DJ participant in the signature block cutting 'for example 80 2x4 rectangles and signing their name, board name, city and state/country.' They would then be sent to my address with an additional stamped envelope for me to return one of each of the others.
AGAIN -DO NOT do this now. I will bring it up from time to time and take down an interest list in a few months.
If there were only 20 people interested - then making a A-6 block for each wouldn't be too bad. But if there are 50-100 who would like to do this, I think a simple signed piece of your fabric would be plenty. As nice as a fully sewn block by someone else is, I personally think a larger number of signed squares or rectangles is more impressive and memorable.
On a totally different note - Brenda Papadakis and I have been texting about the DJ. I went to Road to CA quilt show and picked up wool batting per her suggestion. Many quilters at the show also had used wool to quilt their DJ. I am told it is warm in winter and cool in summer. I also spoke with a quilt appraiser & expert on vintage textiles at the show. For those who want to keep their DJ 'authentic' - women used what fabrics they had in their possession during the Civil War. They couldn't afford to buy more. Since the fabrics available immediately prior to the war were often bright, the resulting quilts made during this time were often vibrant. What did also happen was a mixture of whites and off-whites - fabrics you wouldn't normally put together. But because the left-over fabrics varied the quilts usually had scrappy looks. - so anything goes!