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.