Dear Jane
 

I plan to start a Dear Jane quilt in the fall. Does anyone have any words of wisdom to impart?

Good luck. I haven't made one. Someone will be along to answer you.

I love that quilt, too, and was very excited about doing it a few years ago. I did about 50 blocks and then kind of got it out of my system. At the time, however, I was keeping a log about the blocks and following a couple of online groups. I was also trying to keep the colors close to the original and found that to be stressful for some reason! So my advice is to have a plan and enjoy the process. I did a lot of the easy blocks by using the book as a guide and got the computer program as soon as I found it on sale. I highly recommend it! I used tracing paper in the printer so I could paper piece many of the blocks.
I really admire those quilters (and Jane, of course!) who have completed the quilt. I plan on making a small quilt out of my blocks.

here is a link to the current dear jane sew along... there is lots of info on this thread
http://www.quiltingboard.com/blocks-...n-t175669.html

You need to be very dedicated.
I have the software and find it complicated to use.
Made a few blocks with simpler method than the software shows. Have lost interest now and moved on to other projects.

I found making the blocks was like playing at a piano recital. I got all sweaty everytime I started a new one. Decided it wasn't fun and put it away. Maybe someday I'll try again. I am in awe of all the completed ones I've seen. You go girl.

Hi Patti! I'm in the process now and loving the whole thing. I'm able to do one a day. If someone can give you a pattern or two, try a couple of blocks first. Or borrow the Brenda Papadakis book.The challenge of using different techniques is really fun! (for me anyway) There are many blogs, etc on the internet. One has directions on her method of making each block - Thatquilt.com. I have a blog here on the board and also the link to my Photobucket is at the bottom of the page.

I use the freezer paper method from the Thimbleberries tutorial for almost all of mine. The link to it is on the That Quilt site.
There are many of us willing to help you, too. One hint the helped me greatly is to leave all the outside edge seam allowances at 1/2" to help with joining.

Good luck! Come join the journey!

Thanks for all of the info so far. I have the book, and I printed out the chart that recommends which one you do first. Even the author says that she thinks you need more fabric than she originally suggested. I think I'm up for the challenge. I plan to make another queen size quilt for my DD at the same time and probably at least one other project. I've found that if I can bounce around on projects that it seems to keep my brain happier.

I say, DO IT! I learned so much when I started in January. I got away from it this summer as I expected but I had worked way ahead but I am now officially behind but it is worth the journey. I am not a purist, so my colors are the colors I like, I made the squares 6.5 as I didn't want to make myself crazy and I may or may not do the triangles but I learned alot and I have totally enjoyed the journey. My next decision is how to join the blocks but hopefully I will come up with something. Hope you join. I"ll look for the golden avatar.

I am currently making two right now. I am making a blue and white one and then I am doing a block of the month from twiddletails.com. Its done in all rainbow colors. You get enough fabric to do ten blocks a month along with her detailed instructions for each block. You can also get instructions at her blog, thatquilt.blogspot.com. Super helpful. I have some pics on my blog of the blue and white one but not many. I just started the rainbow one this month. So far I only have 4 blocks done. The key to doing this quilt is being realistic. I know that its probably going to take me years to get it done and I am ok with that.