Journeys with Dear Jane: Baby Janes in the making and complete
 

Well..... here we are!! ready to start the third "Dear Jane" thread. I have sent out 137 PMs to QB members who either started with me in 2012, have Baby Jane UFOs or WIPs, or have been intrigued with Jane and want some company while watching their Baby Jane "grow up" :o

I hope to "see" all of you from time to time - we all know life gets in the way from time to time. When it does, I hope it will mostly be for a happy reason!! The important thing is that you have fun - don't worry about 'when' you get it done, but do try to add your baby to the growing number of "baby Janes" since the original was completed back in 1863. It will be a real tribute to both Jane A. Blakely Stickle and Brenda Manges Papadakis who took great care in drafting all of Jane's blocks: squares, triangles, and kites.

There are RULES - besides having fun...
You MUST have either a book or software. I may give my own cutting directions from time to time to offer a different approach to a block along the way, but giving exact instructions on how to make every aspect of Jane would be an infringement of copyright.

Follow the general board rules please... no insults, keep things upbeat, no politics and no dwelling on personal issues [I had one of my posts pulled for that reason]. There are other threads that can be started for this.

enough of the rules [I think!!]

There will be a second thread I will begin shortly to which I will be the only one able to post [I still need to ask PatriceJ how this works] It will consist only of tutorials and tips. At some point I will also post links to post #s for tutorials and advice given on the 2d cyber DJ thread which ran from 2012-March of 2014.
My first post on that thread contained lots of info. If you've never read it this may be a good time to check it out. The one thing that failed to work last time was a weekly "chat session." A couple of people showed up once, but that was it. If someone feels they need to be "walked through" a particular block construction or has a specific situation that requires some continual feedback, PM me and set up a chat time for the board chat room.

I'm re-posting the schedule that was used on the last thread. There will be members at various points, working on many different blocks. Don't let this keep you from posting! If we start finding it too confusing, I will make sure that the "blocks of the week" are posted on the parallel thread. Please jump in wherever you want. The schedule is for guidance - most of us found it useful. I integrated blocks of different levels of difficulty, based on Brenda's difficulty charts found in her software. The schedule is 'beginner heavy' at the start with triangles added a little later and scattered throughout the remainder of the schedule. I've tried to schedule "breaks" or "catch-up" weeks around holidays.

If you are just starting, don't get discouraged if you fall behind. Am I done?? No - but I'm sort of close. I have one center block remaining. It is "L10" - I call it my Mom block because Jane Stickle's fabric reminds me of one of Mom's dresses. She passed away 1-1-08 and I saved some of her clothes in a bag in storage thinking some day I will make a quilt of my favorite memories of Mom. I have to go to storage and locate that dress so I can finish the center of my Baby Jane! I often lagged a little behind. When I was first asked to start this new thread, I thought... but I'm almost done! Now I'm thinking I'd like to see others finish and being almost done means I have all those pictures already so this time I will actually be able to post the 'weeks blocks' on time!!

Without further ramble... here is the schedule. There is much more to cover, but I will do that separately :)
Looking forward to all those pictures!!!!
Cre8tvlwyr [yes, I am an attorney, but not practicing and I much prefer to be cre8tv!!]
[aka.... Monica (real name) Gus (preferred name...why? because it was given to me by my DGS when he was about 16 mo old and it has stuck!):)]

Attachment 465834

Good luck on your journey - I admire those that attempt the Dear Jane quilt - it is beautiful but I am not ready to tackle that project but will look in and admire your progress.

Hi Gus, I have followed you to here (up 'til now I haven't had a PM - maybe later )

There is a great article and tutorial on the Dear Jane scalloped border in the March / April issue of Machine Quilting Unlimited - which came the post here in the UK today - really worth looking at.

Lovely to be part of the new thread Gus and looking forward to carrying on !
Regards,
Dot.

Gus, Thank you for all the time and effort you put towards this project. You're such a great Jane example.

Dotty,
I just PM'd you :p

For those of you I didn't PM who have been 'expecting one'.... it's not that I don't love you - I had so many to send and was limited to 5 at a time and if I did it more than 4 times at once, the system shut me out. So I did not PM those who have been posting on a regular basis lately... don't take it personally. I sent out 137 and I wanted to get this one up.
Gus

Thank you for hosting this thread; I hope it encourages me to dig out my Dear Jane book and CD and stuff and actual work on it...when time to do so presents itself. I will be following this thread until I can have that time...trusting the Man above to give me that time soon.

Wow Monica you are on top of thing. Received your PM and was happy to see this post. I am planning on making great progress. Blocks, Tris and corners all completed. Sashing and scalloped edge finish in 2014. Will take planning on my part :)

Judy in Phx, AZ

QuiltingNinaSue...."that Man" certainly has plans of His own some days doesn't He??!!??

Thanks Judy - did you indicate you are done with all individual parts??? picture please!!

Here is my Baby Jane so far..... toying with the idea of a name... along the way I thought of "Not Quite Jane" as I messed up here and there and I do want to change the location of some of my blocks... hmmm realize I failed to put the pic of M4 in my chart...
[ATTACH=CONFIG]465849[/ATTACH]
Gus......[hope it gives some an incentive to keep going!]

by the way - this is Sharon Mastbrook's chart and if you have the software, you have the ability to put your own pictures in the places. It can be tricky - I had to email EQ to get the program to work properly. This will be one of the things I address on our parallel thread when it's up.

Color Planning Pointers:
For those of you starting Jane... if you want the "around the world" look with a color scheme starting with the center and 'color circles' around the center as the original Jane seems to follow, I would advise you do the following...

Either copy the chart on page 12 of your book, or print out a blank block chart from the software [or use graph paper and mark off 13 x 13 blocks] Start with a color in the center [seven rows down, seven blocks/columns across] and either draw a line connecting corners in a diamond pattern representing the four blocks around the center, eight blocks around those, etc. Some people make their blocks by starting with the center block [green or whatever you decide] then making the four block row [some of these are NOT easy and I think many beginners have been turned completely off by doing so!]
If you do keep a chart that indicates blocks in the same color scheme, you can refer to it when you follow a schedule and use the chart to decide which fabrics to use for each block.

Hope this helps! I did NOT do it and am not sure if I can get a "around the world" pattern to work with my blocks.

Gus

WOW Gus - your baby Jane is fabulous - you are so nearly there - the link to my wall is below if anyone would like to have a look !
Dot.

I see you "straightened up" your basket, Dotty :)
Can't remember who [Fraew???] posted a link to the pictures she took at the Bennington of the original Jane on our last thread.... one of the first posts. She said that the quilt is actually hung rotated 90 degrees so that M1 is the upper left hand corner and the basket sits upright second row up from bottom and 4th position from the left.

a Civil War Note...
for those of you wanting to make a "Civil War" Jane, please realize that the fabrics that were manufactured prior to the Civil War were amongst the brightest ever made. Jane Stickle's quilt is full of rich color. This is the fabric that was leftover in her stash. People didn't have the money to purchase new fabrics, nor was very much produced at the time. My very very dear friend somehow managed to convince me that my quilt should be 'dull' because the CW was unhappy, fabrics produced were dull.... yes those fabrics produced immediately after the CW were not nearly as rich as the ones produced earlier but if you want to make a quilt truly representative of the CW era itself, make it bright! The repro fabrics are rich in color. In fact, Brenda Papadakis worked closely with a fabric company to create fabrics close to some found in Jane and can be purchased at her site. The first few blocks I made are dull - I will leave them that way to honor my friend :) she is far from dull and I love her dearly. :) :D

How much fabric is needed??
most blocks can be produced with 2 charm square size pieces of print, few will require 3. There is a website -http://quilts123.comthat carries 10" squares of repro fabrics that is perfect for what you'll need. Many LQS have jelly rolls and layer cakes of repro fabrics. I have enough CW fabrics to make a few more quilts!

see you soon!
Gus

Gus asked me to post some photos of my Baby Jane quilt. I named her Jane's Journey as some of the fabric was purchased in New Hampshire & journeyed with me when we moved to Wisconsin. She was worked on in Wisconsin & journeyed to New Mexico where the top was finished. She has journeyed again, & is now in San Antonio, Texas. I think she will stay here. She was hand pieced & is being hand quilted. I started her in 1997 & finished the top in November 2010. She is about half quilted, but the arthritis in my hands has gotten pretty bad. I'm saving up so I can ship her to the Amish & let them finish her.

The first 2 photos are of her being basted. Then there are a couple detail shots of the hand quilting. The last one is how I'm doing the scallops. She has been so much fun to work on.

Good luck as you begin your journey down your personal Dear Jane road. I'll check back in once in a while.

Here is a photo of how I organized my blocks. This was done during that era when PCs weren't on every table in America!

Also found some more photos & one of the finished center hung up so It's more viewable.

Kathy!!!! WOW!! I knew you were the perfect person with the perfect Baby Jane to share
[and I still see that Judy Matheison inspired quilt peeked out from the wall!! :hunf::p]
Dotty and Kathy - thanks so much for the inspiration! What a great way to start this thread :)
Gus

Gus, thanks so much for all your work on this, maybe this will be my year to get mine going. I think the title of yours, Not Quite Jane, is great. I should title mine that as I'm not sure I will get all the way thru. I'll try though, everyone is such an inspiration! Thanks all for your pictures everyone.

Dotty, where can I get that interactive design wall? Awesome. :)

To answer the "Dotty" question - as she indicates it is Sharon Mastbrook's design. Apparently it used to be available thru some sort of link on the "Dear Jane" site. This is no longer the case. It is however incorporated into the DJ software. If you have the software, which is an EQ product although it 'stands alone,' you can get there by going to "Home" clicking on "My Jane Journey" then "my block chart." I had problems getting my pictures into the chart. At some point I will get those instructions posted both here and on the parallel thread which I will begin soon.
Gus

p.s. I can't believe how many posts there are already!! good going girls! [I've had too much time on my hands today - don't guarantee I can always 'keep up' with you!]

thanks for the answer to the chart. I did find it on the Dear Jane CD and uploaded my first block. Yayyyyyyy! :)

This is wonderful Gus....thanks so much! The fun & inspiration continues!
Maureen

I have started mine and am almost done with row A but I am going to follow your schedule and see if I can get in a routine! I know I will have trouble during the summer when my GD is out of school and we have to spend time at the pool - wonder if I could take my little machine to the pool!

Have to book. Have rulers tho not sure I needed them. But no idea how to choose colors. Collected pics on line but just confused me more. Printed out instructions from someone on the internet. SOMEONE TELL MY A COLOR SCHEME but not civil war. Sigh....

Looking forward to getting back to my Dear Jane. Thanks Gus, for all you are doing.

I would love to join your group as I have been thinking about doing the DJ quilt. Can I be included in your group?

I have seen some really nice ones in a two toned scheme, red and white, blue and white.
I am doing mine in a variety of tonal solids (from Connecting Threads - Mirage line) with a consistent background of Caramel.
I thought about various colours and this caramel seems to be least likely to show the seam allowances behind (so far).
I think you need to decide what colours you like, and decide from there. Or, if budget is a concern, just find a background you like and work from your stash.
Having seen the original, the variety of fabrics is vast, and yet, as a whole, it looks so beautiful, I think you just need to find something you like - heaven knows, you'll be working with it alot!
Good luck!

Thank you for starting a new DJ thread. I have looked at some of the other threads, but felt like it would be hard to jump in. I have 77 squares done. I have been doing them somewhat in order, but have skipped a few here and there waiting for fabric or inspiration. I am using the original color scheme, and trying to find similar prints whenever possible. It will be fun to follow along from the beginning with this thread.

I started DJ last time...was just a lurker on the thread. Put it aside..way to intense, but now I am tempted to open the "Jane box" again and continue...hmmmmm. But, I must admit, I cheated...bought the software and enlarged the blocks to 6" to save my sanity....

I usually love to choose my colors in a quilt I make and have the stash, but the more I looked at DJ the more I was unsure of myself, so I ordered the BOM kit from Quilting on the Square...reproduction and batiks because I could not decide which I wanted. Yes, it will be $$$ spent in the end, but monthly its not too bad. Love the colors they have sent so far, and they are just a phone call away if I need help on what the directions are saying...very helpful and friendly...almost as good as the QB folks! Thought it would encourage me to 'git busy' and not delay action; but other things have to come first. Like DH in giving him attention, love and care...after 48 years its habit forming on daily basis.

Wow - lots of people coming back and at least 5 new janiacs on board!!
janie67, Everyone is welcome to join - pop in - post [in fact we would much rather you share than simply lurk....ahem although lurking is also acceptable Geri B]

sew4nin - you mentioned looking for prints similar to the original - first remember 'bright and cheery' is good!! check out Judie Rothermel's reproductions by Marcus at your LQS - many stores carried a pkg of 20-25 don't remember if they were 8 or 10" squares of one of her latest lines, all CW repros that would work and the pieces are large enough to finish a block in fact possibly a tri and a block depending on which ones. Other wonderful sites are quilts123.com and http://www.reproductionfabrics.com/l...hp?subcat=1033 - the advantage to the first one is that they have packs of smaller pieces [charms, layers] that will be big enough. The link of the second one will take you directly to a line of fabrics called "crossroads to Texas." This currently is a closeout fabric they are offering at $7/yd - the first fabric listed #TX111M is a collection of prints put together. I have used that particular piece of fabric in 5 DJ blocks!! You will have to fussy cut but 1/2-3/4yd will be enough please don't one person buy all of it :( SHARE :) I only bought 1/2 yard and have some left it that I will use in a couple of triangles and possibly in another CW quilt calling for 1" squares [eeek]. The disadvantage of the second site is that you must buy 1/2 yard of each fabric which is great for things you want to use more of elsewhere, but if you want each block to be different, you will spend a fortune and have major leftovers.

I think anyone can join and with a name like Janie67 you should join the fun! :thumbup:

I bought some fabric and started mine several years ago. Completed 10 blocks A1-A10 then stopped due to no motivation. Jan.,2014 I had a challenge thru another group to add 10 blocks to a long range project. I added 12 so I now have 22 blocks done with another 8 cut out/or partials, so close to 30. I think this group is exactly what I need to go forward. Looked at schedule and may do some blocks from 2015 so don't lose enthusiasm of starting something "new."

I was interrupted often and felt like I was typing for hours.....possibly because I started over an hour ago :(

julienm1 - you mentioned rulers - WONDERFUL!!! they are the best for sizing/squaring up everything!! and equally great for auditioning your DJ fabrics for squares and tris
WARNING [sorry for the large type but critical!] do NOT use these rulers for anything else as you will cut wrong [ask me how I know??] The rulers have a built in 1/4" seam allowance.

rakerlm - Almost finished with row A? congratulations! there are some tough blocks in that row ...either end!! If you conquer them you will do fine!

also julienm1 ...and anyone wanting to see some incredible Janes - There was an amazing international exhibit of Baby Janes in Nantes, France to celebrate the 150 anniversary of the original. You will find many Janes here:

http://fabadashery.blogspot.com/2013...on-nantes.html

also - you'll find one of my very favorites here.... [not CW, but awe inspiring Kaffe!]
http://www.greenfairyquiltsblog.com/...dear-jane.html

Bonnie Hunter made her Jane with 'storm at sea' sashing...
http://www.quiltville.com/dearjaneatsea.shtml

you should also check out the Janes on pinterest

Lots of possibilities - Thanks Brenda Manges Papadakis for making all of them possible!!

Happy sewing!
Gus

I would like to join as well. I bought the Blue Jane BOM several years ago from Stitchin Heaven, but didn't start it until I took Brenda Papadakis' class at Empty Spools. She is a great teacher and very motivating. However, after the class, life went on and I haven't touched it since. I think I have a name for it, "Jane gives me the blues," since I haven't had a chance to work on her.

I do want to finish it eventually, so I may end up watching more than doing, but your inspiration and plan sounds fun. I have both the book and the software (but I need to buy a PC laptop for it).

Yes caspharm.... ya kinda need a "machine" to make that software useful :)

janie67...just took a better look at your avatar....Affairs of the Heart??
Gus

[QUOTE=Cre8tvlwyr;6612790]Yes caspharm.... ya kinda need a "machine" to make that software useful :)

Well, I had an old PC, but then we switched to Macs. Macs are not really compatible with the software, so still need the PC laptop. Simulator software wasn't working well with others. :)

Delighted we are up and running. So looking forward to being part of this wonderful group. It is great that we are all at different stages. I am like Sew4nin as regards number of blocks. Also like Geri B I increased my block size to 6". I am doing QAYG (quilt as you go)on the squares. Leaving the quilting on the triangles until the end. Am using Batics left over from other projects. The quilt by Greenfairy was what inspired me to start. Gus a big thank you for what you are doing.

Howdy partners in crime! I'm also back for more fun with all of you. I have 24 pink, chocolate and cream blocks done in CW fabrics so just a few more to do. :)

Gus, you are awesome! Thanks for taking the lead again. Kudos and hugs.

Hi Gus, Please count me in...I have a DJ started but need inspiration.

Tuckie in Grand Junction, CO

HI Gus, count me in!

Hi everyone. I am new to this and so far have only the book and one partially pieced trial block done so was delighted to see this thread. Planning the fabric type and color seems a little mind boggling so am interested in hearing about how everyone chose the fabric for their project. Count me in.

Gus, thanks for hosting again. As with others, life got in the way [i've moved twice since starting :)] i REALLY want to get back into the groove. thanks SO much for the info on the chart... i was so bummed that i had missed out on the original one. i think i was over-volunteering when i first got to my present home, so i'm cutting back on that. i really should dedicate one day a week as DJ day...maybe that will help.

for those that think they don't need the rulers, it will be difficult without them. that said, if you alter the border triangles size [which i did], i printed out the EQ template and had my local Ace Hardware cut me a custom one... very useful, indeed.

looking forward to the group support to keep me going :thumbup:

caspharm -
someone else had asked the "Mac" question early on [first 100 posts] in original DJ thread we just closed - I believe there was an answer there. I would also call or email EQ - my DH is totally a PC guy and works with mega systems but the rest of the family much prefers the Mac, so I wouldn't necessarily get a PC just for that if there's another way.

good luck - and please let us all know if something works :)
Gus

Nancy, Nancy -
So glad to see you back!!:thumbup: yes I do see you're in another state
G