Once upon a time.....I dreamed of making a Dear Jane quilt. I bought the book, later ordered the software, admired the blocks being made by Anya and Susan, spent time searching Flickr for DJ quilts, and imagined one day making a Dear Jane quilt myself.
Not being able to paper piece or appliqué presented a problem, so I decided to make a liberated version using leftover fabrics from modern projects. Over a long period of time time I finished nine DJ blocks.
Then I saw and completely fell in love with this quilt made by Gwen!!!!!!! I've been hoarding Kaffe fabrics and dreaming of making a Kaffe Dear Jane quilt ever since.
 |
| Gruber's Kaffe section |
My sister's goal is to make a Farmer's Wife quilt, and the beginning of 2012 marks the beginning of our own little support group to encourage each other in this insanity. We haven't come up with a definite time line or schedule yet, instead we are just excited to begin.
Yesterday, I started by assembling the previously made Dear Jane blocks into a quilt top (I'll figure out what to do with it later) and making this B-4 block. I wanted to begin with a simple block, but also one that I haven't made before. After wasting too much time trying to figure out the software (I'll save that rant for another day), I traced the pattern myself and went about paper piecing the block. Taking this class really helped me understand paper piecing even though I fell out of love with that particular quilt by the end of the first lesson....just to show there is something to be taken away from every learning experience ;-)
It's Sew & Tell Friday and finish it up Friday. Some may say this is a start not a finish....I say it is a start and a finish! I am starting my Dear Jane journey by finishing.....procrastinating, worrying, doubting, etc. and getting to work ;-)
Happy Friday and happy stitching!
A Kaffe DJ quilt will be gorgeous (as is that one by Gwen)! Good luck to you and your support group -- you can do it!...and I completely agree about the software : (
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you shared that link, that is the first Dear Jane quilt I have ever seen that made me think "I have to make that quilt!" Of course, the quilting must have cost about $900, and I'm pretty sure I couldn't swing that, but OMG. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat would be gorgeous! It is on my bucket list too! I have found on really big projects like this you need to adore the fabric. Have fun with the new Kaffe stash! :)
ReplyDeleteLove that block! I cant wait to see it all done!
ReplyDeleteOooh, I hadn't seen that Kaffe Dear Jane. Wow! That girl can quilt too! Good luck to you and Michelle on your projects. I can't wait to see!
ReplyDeleteI often thought about making a dear jane quilt, but was always put off my the sheer number of blocks in it! I can't wait to see what you do with yours!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your journey. You've taken the first step.
ReplyDeleteI dream of a DJ Quilt myself. I saw that quilt w/ the K Fasset prints and also fell in love wih tit. It's the only time I've ever liked his fabrics.
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are looking good. CAn't wait to see what you come up with using the KF prints.
:)
Support groups are awesome...hehe I remember that picture from Grubers... I can hardly wait to shop there with you this summer!
ReplyDeleteLove your blocks!! How on earth did I miss that you are doing your DJ quilt with Kaffe fabrics????? We are going to have so.much.fun!!!
ReplyDeleteYep, that DJ you linked to is pretty awesome! I think doing the DJ in Kaffe will be fantastic. I remember that room at Gruber's! I haven't embarked on DJ. I want to do Farmer's Wife. But I'm having the same procrastination, fear, etc. that you experienced. So, good for you for moving on. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that Kaffee quilt is fabulous!! I can see why you're so tempted. Your first block looks great, and I wish you and your sister the best of luck in your goals. You can do it!! :o)
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! I know that you can do it! It will be beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour block is gorgeous! I love your fabric choice. Having your sister sewing along with you will be good motivation. Can't wait to see you in a few weeks!
ReplyDelete