Jacqueline de Jong ...is it easy
 

http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/shopp...?ID=0319306426

I would like to make this Jacqueline de Jong, Elements of Nature, quilt for my daughter. I think her quilts are list for how hard they are with 1-5, 5 being the hardest. Has anyone done this pattern and how difficult did you find it. I have done paper piecing before so I have some idea what I'm getting into. My understanding is this directions are not real clear.

I have done a few of her patterns.. The directions are not the "best" English is not her first language and sometimes the translations are not the right words. Additionally the format used is not the easiest to follow. If you do decide to go forward... read the directions several times. Also, make sure the pattern you purchase has the papers. Lots of complaints about not including the papers led to including them .. but there are still some of the old ones around that do not have them. It hard to work with her ones that don't have them as they are sized for European paper and some don't fit on US paper sizes.. even the large legal size. I spent lots of $$$ having to have them printed on blueprint size paper. Not to mention dealing with each one having "COPYRIGHT" printed on them. The directions for the older ones call for you to trace each piece.
Her patterns are some of the most beautiful.. but not for the faint of heart. I suggest you give a few New York Beauty blocks a try , before this pattern.

I have one of her books but have yet to make any of her patterns. you might try some other designer who is similar first.

The link you provided says the pattern is imported from the Netherlands. It also says foundation pieces not included. If the pattern is imported, I would make darn sure it is in English and even then I suspect you will have trouble. I consider myself an experienced paper piecer having tackled MC, FG in a circle, NYB and many others. I would consider that pattern, just looking at the link you provided, a 5 on your scale. It is beautiful but I'm not sure I would tackle it. Additionally it is pretty expensive for just a stand alone pattern.

her patterns are not for timid quilters- English is not her 'native tongue' and so the patterns are not the easiest to follow- some of her patterns do not come with the papers, you have to trace out each section- if you are comfortable with paper piecing and patient enough to have to re-read numerous times and really take your time you can do it- I would spend some time doing a practice block or two before committing to the 'real' fabric you intend to use. her designs are beautiful but you really really have to be able to pay attention and take your time to get through them

i've done paper piecing quite a bit. but this pattern looks like a 5 to me.

Thank you for all your input, and it sounds like I should try something else. The one I really want to do looks even harder, this is the 2nd choice. I will think on it for awhile, maybe try a NYB block just for fun.
thank you all

The lady that owns the online shop you posted is part of my quilt guild I have talked to her about these patterns as I love paper piecing. I know these patterns can be quit challenging. If you e-mail her she can answer your questions on these patterns she carries if you still have questions .

I checked out the link you sent and her pattern does not look like it is user friendly. I love to paper piece and think I could do it but not if I had never done very much paper piecing before.

It's very pretty but I don't think I could do it.

For me, I would find something similar, and there are many to choose from, that has instructions in English and an easier solution to the paper sizing.

Personally I would not buy that pattern for several reasons: all that work
For 38x38...... I do this for relaxation/fulfillment this would frustrate me beyond my endurance and last but not least. The cost is outrageous for what one gets or should I say does not get. If I wanted to do this SORT of design I am sure there are some American designers who have very similar ones at a better price, written in good English and provide the PP needed to complete. I am sorry but that sort of marketing is just more than I can stand.

I would show her some of the other patterns like Lori S and feline fanatic mentioned. I would also check out Judy Niemeyer's site. She sells the patterns with the foundation papers. You could probably find something very similar. At least if the scale of experience is a 5 being the hardest out of 1-5, it would be in English and you would also be able to contact them for any help by going to their website.

I agree with Tessagin. Check out Judy Niemeyer's site and see if there is a JN instructor in your area and where she teaches. There are several quilt shops in the Houston area that have classes, usually in a series, to take you step-by-step through the JN method. That way, you know you are doing it correctly under a teacher's supervision, and you have a completed quilt by the end of the class.

That seems to difficult for me, but sure is a great guilt.

That is definitely a "5"!

Thank for your input on the pattern. I think I will do something with the NYB. One question, I can't figure out what MC stands for. I'm sure when you tell me I'll go duh..

If you like her style, you might want to try a Judy Niemeyer pattern. Judy's patterns are in a similar vein are very beautiful. She has some Christmas tree skirts that you could start with.

I would suggest checking out Deb Karasik's site
http://www.debkarasik.com/index.php

I took a class from her and have done several of her patterns from her books with great success.

I made her Colorful Quilt ....http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...lt-t49944.html
and it is definitely a 5. I a made tut in this thread as I worked on it. Her Elements of Nature seem to be more flying geese and NY Beauty and it shouldn't be that hard.

The pattern says no paper piecing paper but it has the full patterns. Mine just came with the pattern and I had that recopied at Kinko's and used the original as a map. I couldn't do it without the map.

I could understand her instruction really as her patterns are marked very well and each area of the pattern comes with a separate sheet for placement. I think she makes a very good pattern.

MC = Mariner's Compass

This is an interesting thread and I appreciate all the responses. I recently bought one of her patterns but have not opened it yet. It sounds like I'll need a lot of patience to do it.

What I liked about some of her patterns is that they are not symmetrical. I don't want to make one big NYB or Mariner's Compass. I don't want the left side to be a mirror image of the right side. Thanks for all your help, it did give me some options to look at.
Thanks feline for giving me a chance to go duh. :-)

The Colorful Quilt is the one I really want to do but I'm afraid to give it a try. You gave me a little hope that maybe I could do it, thanks.