susanlh

I am wanting to start a Dear Jane quilt. I would like to purchase the software but would like to know if anyone has used it--both pros and cons. Also do you know where you can get it a good price? Thanks for the advice in advance.

Rose Marie

I would not even do a Dear Jane without the book and software. You can change the size of the blocks if you want to also. 4 in blocks are to small for me.
Only made a few blocks but used a simpler method to make them.
You really have to be dedicated to make one. So far Im not so will probably never finish it.

QuiltE

I have both.
IMHO you don't really need the book, as the software has all you need, unless you want the DJ story. If so, then you need the book. I have used the book to journal details about the blocks as I have made them.

As RoseMarie mentioned, you can change the size of your blocks, bigger/smaller as you wish. Also, you can change the shape to make rectangles. Kind of a neat feature, if you want to do something away from the traditional DJ. I see it as something I will use later for other projects.

At first, the software appears to be not the most user friendly, but now that I have used it some, I'm OK with it. There are many options for printing each block ... line drawings, templates, paper piecing patterns, and rotary instructions (where applicable) for each block.

I highly recommend you getting the plastic templates. I hesitated in purchasing them, but have found them to be a very valuable tool to square up and trim the blocks.

I now have 82 blocks finished!

Doggramma

I agree about having the book and software. I really think you'd need it for the harder blocks and triangles, but I haven't gotten to those yet! When I do a block I also Google the block (like "dear jane b3") to also see any tips others have used for making the block. I bought mine on-line, but maybe you could check Ebay and see if someone is trying to get rid of it for cheaper? I remember when I got mine I got "Dear Hannah" at the same time.

ManiacQuilter2

I think that Electric Quilt makes the Dear Jane software. I see the software occasional up for sale on eBay. Good Luck. I am not trying that or the Oh My Gosh pattern either. I would need to put a magnifier on my glasses.

QuiltnNan

and another invaluable site is thatquilt.com

Stashelf

My neighbor is doing it. she is using electric quilt and paper piecing. Hers is turning out great. A lot of work but will be spectacular when done.

Nammie to 7

I have the software and am very glad I purchased it. Even if you "only" use it to print the paper pieced blocks it is well worth the price. Also as QuiltinNan suggests check out the website "That Quilt" She has a tutorial for each block with detailed pictures and good instructions. Good luck with your quilt. I only have 4 blocks done. It took me 3-4 months to print out all the blocks from the software and to copy and print all the tutorials from That Quilt.

susanlh

I want to thank everyone for their input. I do feel like this will be a crazy project but I love them and want something to challenge me.