I can't believe I'm still here doing this at week 31 !!--Week 31 !!--Other than being married for 43 years I have never committed to something this long and still doing it....Between North Carolina and home I kind of slacked off...after trying to catch up I'm in the groove again and fell energetic about getting more previous blocks done.

Now the Notice, It is time to send the blocks that several of us decided to do for Muriel. If anyone needs her address please PM me. If you would like to post the photos of them please do it in this thread as it might confuse others as to what they are. Thanks, Anne

I am trying to keep a few weeks (blocks) ahead, just in case I am unable to sew for a period of time. I really am enjoying making all the blocks and seeing all the variations that everyone else is making.
It appears that the majority of the blocks I have made are measuring about 6-1/4". I guess it really doesn't matter as long as they are all the same. I am using the pp from the yahoo group, which has really been convenient.
I am also quilting each block with the batting like some of the "Dear Jane" quilters are doing. Handling a large project just doesn't work for me as I just quilt in my lap and really like the portability of the small squares. Anyone else quilting as you go?

Had some problems with computer in trying to post this week, but I finally got it done. I am working ahead, on 79 now but it went wonky in pp, and that means I have a mess of a block. So I did the mature thing and tossed it aside for now and working on a different project.


This is the first project with a group that I have done; other the the commitment to husband of 46 years...living in five states and raising our 3 children. Doing all the driving the last five years since he cannot drive because of neck pain since we retired.

QNS: did you do block 78? I started it and 2 pieces are missing from the templates: 83 & 83R. Where did you find them? Thanks for the help.
I'm also grateful to all of you for keeping me motivated; like you my only long-term commitment is to DH--41 yrs this month. Thanks to all of you.

Jan I drew mine out. they where off a little bit, but my printer is dead, sooooo I couldnt print it off my CD. it wasnt as bad as I thought it would be.
I placed each template under a paper and traced the sew line, then used my ruler to finish the edge for piece 83, then added seam allowance and cut it out.

Violetsfarm, I have seen some samples of this technique but have never attempted it....are you hand quilting or doing it by machine? are you following a pattern or doing a stitch in the ditch?
Some of the intersections are so thick how would you address this in sewing them....I guess you could go around them. How would you finish the back?? I've seen where a strip much like sashing is placed on the seam...is this what you're going to do?? Show some pics as you go..I'm curious. Anne

Jan, did you check your CD, where each template is listed separately? Both templates are there.

Anne - As I have said before, I am relatively new to quilting. I am stitching each block by hand, with a neutral cream thread. I have sometimes stitched in the seam, followed some of the lines, sometimes stitched the print of the fabric. I am also using various handmade templets as well as some designs I have found in magazines.
I just finished one on block 66 Periwinkle. I will scan it and add it to this note. I haven't washed out the chalk marks.
I croped out the scan, but have 1 inch of batting all around the square. As you can see, I am not great at quilting, but such a thrill to be involved in a project this big.

I am going to add the sashing to each block and quilt along the seam lines like you stated with the backing attached. The individual quilting lines in the blocks won't show on the back, but for me that is okay. I read a lot of comments in the Dear Jane BOM and several have done this. I will have to whip stitch the batting together then the backing can be all in one piece and stitch down the sashing lines.
I am currently doing this on the "Circle of Life" baby quilt and it has worked out great.

Here is another one where I quilted the design of the fabric. Block 58 Mothers Dream.