Dear Jane, Farm Wife
 

Someone suggested the idea of doing a more complex quilt that would take more time. I thought it was a great idea. I have looked at pictures on the computer but can't really differentiate between them. Please tell what the differences are between Dear Jane and Farm Wife. Thanks in advance.

One difference is in the size of the blocks - the Jane Stickle quilt block size is 4.5" and Farmer's Wife is 6". The Jane Stickle quilt was made during the Civil War, the Farmer's Wife quilts in the 1930's. The blocks are different, but both are samplers. The Jane Stickle quilt also features a distinctive scalloped border of cone shaped blocks. The Jane Stickle quilt would be more complex and difficult IMHO.

either will upgrade your skills about a thousand percent :)

Sylvia's Bridal Sampler is also another great one for skill building!

In my opinion, a person would have to be a very dedicated and/or experienced quilter to take on the Dear Jane quilt. The Farmer's Wife seems much more do-able. But there are many many sampler patterns around. Just go to Quilterscache.com and look at all the patterns for various sized blocks. You could easily put together your own sampler quilt just by utilizing that website, and you would be learning different techniques--paper piecing, curved seams, set in seams, applique...so much to try and so little time!!

I did the Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt, followed by Pony Club and Farmer's Wife 1930 and now Laura Aaron's Bible quilt on the side. I tried Sylvia's Bridal Sampler and Dear Jane, but had too much eye troubles which caused me to stop on them. Failed to keep my attention for some reason unknown to me, but both are a challenge to complete. The groups I worked with were great to work with in each case here on QB. I learned from each one, even if I did not finish the quilt.

In my opinion Dear Jane is most stunning of all the samplers with the beautiful cone border. I find, the directions for that quilt confusing, so I wouldn't attempt it. I did buy Judy Hopkins 501 rotary quilt blocks book. This book provides the measurements for making the block in different sizes, so you can make them small. The small blocks in the Dear Jane are also appealing.

Dear Jane was my first quilt. I learned every ( ?) assembly technique on a small scale .a real skill builder!

I looked at the different samplers when trying to decide, as well, and went for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. I've only been quilting for 2 years and the SBS was a challenge since I'd never done 6" blocks before as well as many of the techniques. After 2 months, my blocks are done and I am a better piecer as a result. Learned paper piecing and Y-seams and now those techniques are a snap. The SBS thread is an awesome thread, as well. Anael is incredible and still continues to support new people to the project after 5 years. There are several still making their blocks and would welcome and new bride.

I too would like to put in a vote for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. The blocks are just enough of a challenge that I feel I am learning a lot, with an easy one thrown in every now & then to keep the quilt progressing. There's a lot of support on the thread, and it's fun to see the variety of blocks in different styles and colors.

Grace, create your Jane Stickle (Dear Jane) with the help of this blog. I used it all through the process of making mine and found it very helpful. I was in no rush and found it a wonderful journey. Just do a block whenever you feel like it!

http://thatquilt.blogspot.com/2009/01/1.html

[ATTACH=CONFIG]592711[/ATTACH]

quilts do get more beautiful than your quilt. Part of me says dive in and another part does not know where to begin. I think I will finish my UFO's to get my skills up and back again. Give those to my kids and grandkids. Then do this one for me. God be willing

Kitsie.....Gorgeous!!!

Kitsie Thanks for the close-up picture. That is a beauty.

I was obsessed with Dear Jane some years ago and made 4 variations - not all the blocks, but most, and all the triangles. It was a wonderful experience and taught me a lot. I met quite a few Janiacs that I am still in touch with, too. I also have made Sylvia's Bridal Sampler variations a few times and it has been fun. You could also try "Simply Insane" and "Just Plain Nuts" by Liz Lois but the books are out of print, I think. There are many of these samplers out there - just dive in, make a few blocks, and see where they lead you.

There are so many quilts I want to make, I just don't think I could happily commit that much time to a single quilt right now. Unless you plan to make it a very long term project, while doing other projects, I'd wait.

For someone to finish a sampler quilt they have to have the patience of a saint. I could never do it.

Could you post a few pics of your Sylvia's Bridal Sampler on that thread to show your finished product? It's pretty active right now. Would love to see your work.

Wow, Kitsie...great job. I have a few blocks done of the Farmer’s Wife...it definitely is challenging enough for me as I learn paper piecing. I do a few blocks in between other projects so I don’t consider it a UFO...someday I’ll get a quilt out of it. :p

jmoore, please learn the "fold and sew" method for paper piecing if you don't already use it! Thanks for you comment! If I do another sampler like "Jane" I think it may be "Sylvia's Bridal".

I'm being bitten by the idea of a Sampler quilt too. :) Has anyone done the Loyal Union Sampler by Jennifer Chiaverni? I was surprised that I couldn't find it as a BOW here on the QB. I'm thinking of either doing that one or the Sylvia's Bridal Sampler as a slow, long term project between other quilts. Dear Jane just seems too daunting right now!

For me? Where to start? Number A1! The first square block on the left of the top row!

I joined a Block of the Week and LOVE it. It is the first time I tried something like this. The program was free with good instructions and a gorgeous project called Stars Over Baltimore. I had to learn to applique to do it. Although the applique has slowed me down a bit, I am really loving the blocks. Another BOW is starting April 22nd--a sampler called Signs of Spring--I am signed up and looking forward to it. If you are interested, here is the link:
http://www.piecingthepastquilts.com/...ng-bow-program

I started in the center and worked out in circles. I'm so glad I did my Jane that way, so many started with the eaiest ones and then were discouraged when the more difficult ones came along.

I would recommend doing the left and bottom sashing as you go alone too. I think I was around 70+ blocks when I started and it was beyond boring :)

Go for it. It’s just like walking....one step at a time. What fun you will have learning as you go.

I am doing the Farm Girl Vintage quilt which is a sampler like the Farm Wife and Dear Jane. Farm Girl blocks can be made in 6" or 12" blocks.

Thanks sJens, I just looked up Farm Girl Vintage and it is cute. Since we retired and sold the house, I miss the garden and the animals. I might do this as a wall hanging to make me smile when I look at it.

I agree....mixing up simpler with challenging blocks kept me motivated on the SBS. I just finished the sashing and assembling and cursed myself for not doing that as I went along. I'll know next time to do that...

I have found this thread of great interest, as I have made three Sampler quilts and loved every minute and learnt so much on the long journey.
My first one was Dear Jane, - which took me a long time, I made it as a group on here with Cre8tvlwyr- (GUS)

https://www.quiltingboard.com/blocks...t175669-2.html

and here

https://www.quiltingboard.com/blocks...e-t242591.html


It was such a great help and there is loads of info there - lots of reading.

Your DJ Kitsie is stunning and yes, thatquilt.blogspot.com
was so much help.

I wrote on here at that time asking if anyone near Dallas TX was making a DJ as we were visiting from the UK and I heard from a lady who ran a group and she organised a meeting. Brenda Papadakis read the thread and she came to the meeting - what a truly lovely lady and I had an amazing day. I was thrilled to win a "Judges Choice " at a National Championship here in the UK a few years ago and you can see my DJ on the signature below.

I then joined the Sylvia's Bridal Sampler here with Anael

https://www.quiltingboard.com/blocks...236858-81.html
which is ongoing,

Here is a link to mine

http://www.amiga.talktalk.net/

I entered my SBS to UK National Championship and came first in the Sampler Quilt Category - couldn't believe it !

I have recently finished my third Sampler Quilt also with a bow on yahoo and is called Loyal Union Quilt also by Jennifer Chiaverini. I have added the link here -

https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictur...t-t292683.html

I have learnt so much and met so many lovely friends here on QB over the long journeys
and don't regret for one minute starting to make one - just jump in !!!