i agree she never wanted to do a "how to" she wants you to take her class.

if you want to make a DJ you don't need the book at all - the software with its limitations is more useful then the book.

if you want to read the random chatter of this author then buy the book.

I was surprised at the lack of info in the book also. I ended up with the software too. I like the book as a reference for the block and the software for the patterns so I don't have to draw them all out. The software can get very involved-like the EQ6. I just use the patterns and don't deal with the "fabrics" and planning. I'm not very good at following directions so the lack of them isn't a problem for me. I'm just starting -have 6 blocks finished and I started with the "beginners". So far they are all hand pieced but I know I'll give that up and move to the machine soon. There is a small group at our guild that are working on the DJ. They gave themselves 7 years. :wink:

There is a wonderful website that will help you with the construction questions:
http://thatquilt.blogspot.com/

She has an index on the lower right of each block, which takes you to a brief (but thorough) photo-illustrated blog entry on construction.

Hope that helps!
Janet

Janet, it's a good site but if people prefer not to use reverse applique, they won't find the assistance they're looking for.

Check out the hints on the original dj site if you need assistance. There are several programs that can guide you through it if you are not able to look at a block & immediately understand how it was constructed...but if you prefer to find some free advice, add yourself to the listserve there. A good number of people who have completed the quilt respond to individuals looking for advice, regardless of skill level.

The same here , have the book and software but haven't started. 8-)

skothing, it's a great project & regardless of your skill level, you will learn something making it. I've learned A LOT...it's been a really fun year. Now I have to put it all together for this fall and am dragging my feet.

you all crack me up...the DJ is NOT a hard quilt to make...the blocks are pretty basic...many, many people made them long before the Software came out..and many still are making them with NO software, no tools..just the book!

It is no different than the Farmer's wife book,or the nearly insane, or Jane Austin...they all have NO directions, they are meant for the more experienced quilter I suppose!

as for not being able to make them even with the software..well..how much more instruction do you need? if you know how to paper piece, that is all you need. The pieces are tiny, but pretty self explanatory when it comes to putting "A" with "B"...etc...the ONLY thing I found was that some of the blocks printed off backwards..meaning the right side should have been the back side so when the block was done it was going in the right direction..but that was really minor!

you can join the DJ yahoo group and research their archive where they give FULL details and hints, tips, etc on doing each block and tri...

wow..you really know so little about Brenda and how the DJ got started...Brenda NEVER knew this book would become the international phenomenon that it has become! She wrote the book after falling in love the REAL quilt that is in a museum. The book is more the history of Jane Stickle and not a "how-to" really!

Brenda did not teach classes on the DJ until years after the book was out and QUILTER'S begged her to teach the class.

WE the public of quilter's took the book, made the quilt and started what has become a "cult" as some call it, of quilter's around the world who share the common bond that is a love for this quilt and ALL that one learns from making it!

Perhaps you need to take the book back to the library, it is clear you would not be happy trying to make this quilt!

NO it is not..you have to have EQ5 or newer for it to work!

No you don't I didn't have any of the EQs but the Dear Jane one and it works just fine