It does not unfortunately contain any instructions, and for a newbie like me it seemed impossible. A few years later finished quilts started appearing all over the internet, and through them I discovered the hand piecing method using freezer paper beautifully explained by Linda Franz in her 'Quilted Diamonds' books. I started piecing some blocks...
They were a bit too bright for me and I only made a few before turning them into a bag and gifting it to a friend.
I still wanted to make a full quilt and decided a few years later, that I would join a BOM using Civil War fabrics and fast machine piecing. I made about 60 blocks and then started seeing literally hundreds of Civil War Dear Janes appearing; deciding that I didn't want a quilt that looked like everyone else, I turned these blocks into a lap quilt, which is in regular use ...
Fast forward another few years, and I thought it would be a good idea to use low volume antique looking fabrics and started again in 2103...
However after a few blocks I thought these were too wishy washy and so put the fabrics back into my stash.
I still love the original quilt and I really liked hand piecing the small blocks, the problem was that the preparation for the method using freezer paper is very time consuming; the machine piecing/paper piecing method described in the BOM was not very accurate and ate fabric :)
I have for some months, been enjoying watching Frances's progress on her Dear Jane using the English Paper Piecing method; so when I saw that Simply Solids were offering a monthly package of pre-cut paper pieces without fabric, it seemed the perfect solution. I really like EPP as it is very portable and accurate.
The only problem was to pick a colour scheme. I knew I wanted scrappy, so that I would not have to worry about running short and the fabrics had to be interesting enough to keep me motivated.
I thought about 1930's, I have a small collection of scraps left over from another quilt, but if I use these then I will have to buy lots more...
I have seen several beautiful two colour quilts, red and cream? - I have plenty of fabrics in these colours :)
or Blue and White? However lots of Blue fabrics don't play nicely together? I think I would have to stick to greyish civil war muted blues or go clear and bright...
This will be a very (!) long term project so maybe I should go with something I really love? I have quite a few pieces of Liberty fabrics leftover from my 'Happy Days' and it wouldn't be that terrible if I had to go up to London to buy some more would it? :)
It's a dilemma! What would you do? Any advice from those of you who have a completed quilt? I really would like this to be the final Dear Jane I make!
Why not make it like the original with only the fabrics of your own stash??
ReplyDeleteGood luck and best wishes!
What a lovely dilemma to have! I am sure the right decision will come to you. Just don't rush it...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your Dear Jane story. I like your low volume choices and the idea of using Liberty fabrics. I started a Dear Jane using blue Liberty fabrics on plain white background so you could combine two of your choices - Liberty and two colour. Then you would have to go shopping!
ReplyDeleteI get the most compliments on the Dear Jane quilt that I did scrappy - each block different, some bright,some duller, some flowery some not -
ReplyDeleteOh my! You have done well with Dear Jane, better than me! I've tried a couple of times as well to start. I actually have a round robin quilt out with a friend (who's had it for years) that is based on Dear Jane squares. And another started but stalled due to the pesky machine piecing. I was tempted by the EPP version too! Haven't jumped on it though. What colors and materials to use. That's a toughie, and one that I think you alone will be able to answer. Be spontaneous, take the jump, and whatever strikes your fancy at the time you jump is the correct answer! At least, that's what works for me. :D (And I enjoyed your last blog post too -- such good progress on so many projects!)
ReplyDelete:) I understand completely. My Dear Jane top was done through a 2 year long BOM program, and I chose the rainbow color scheme. I was super happy with it. My 3 girls all love that quilt top (still needs quilting!), so I plan to one day make two more. I'll do them simultaneously, and am thinking of doing one in romantic pinks and creams, and the other in jungle/animal prints. There are so many themes you could choose. I love the Liberty fabrics idea. Also, I've seen low-volume DJs, and they are beautiful (but yeah, not a lot of construction interest factor there when you're talking about 225 crazy blocks to make).
ReplyDeleteSince this is definitely a long term project, and you've already had 3 palate choices that ended up not being exactly what you were looking for, you're right that fabric choice is a big decision. It seems to me that whatever you pick should stand the test of time: What color combinations and types of fabric have consistently made you gasp with delight when you have seen them over the years? What has been something that you return to again and again in fabric choices? What do you like the most about the original quilt? Do you tend to like high or low contrast, bright or muted quilts? What about making a few blocks of each thing that you're considering (4 or so? as many as it takes to give you a taste for how you feel sewing it, and what it looks like together)? Good luck, I look forward to seeing what you choose, and whatever your decision it will be beautiful! sarah@forrussia.org
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. Wonder if there is a USA shop offering the paper pieces.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it would have to be fabrics similar to the original DJ as that is what I have always been attracted to. I have seen a red and white version and thought it was wonderful. That would be a good choice if you wanted something besides the repro fabrics. Myself, a 30's version would not appeal. It will be interesting to see what you settle on and to see your blocks.
I have never made a "Dear Jane" but when I go through my books to sort out the ones I'll never use to make room for something new - I always keep my "Dear Jane" book and I have the rulers too. I don't know if I'll ever make one but a part of me really wants to try. I think it's amazing that after already trying twice (or was it 3 times) you still want to make this quilt. More power to you. If and when I finally do sew this quilt I will use my large stash of CW fabrics. They always seem to play well together and I want high contrast so the the patterns of this quilt really show up. I love Liberty fabrics, wish I could go to London and get some. . . . .
ReplyDeleteIt's a hard decision, but now that you know what you don't like, you'll find the right combo.
ReplyDeleteLow volume looks lovely. With such small blocks, high contrast can look too busy.I like the low volume you have started, or the liberty choice. Or why not four little ones in each colour way!
ReplyDeleteI too, have never made a Dear Jane quilt but when you uttered the word "Liberty", that did it for me. I can't wait to see which fabrics you decide to use.
ReplyDeleteI would choose to go with as near as possible to the original colour scheme and not necessarily all reproductions, some pretties as well, I have seen one made in this manner, as long as the colours are similar to the original, it was truly lovely. I think it would be more interesting to make and not become boring. Also, it would more likely go with any colour scheme in your home.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your thoughts and trial runs on this quilt I think your choices are down to two main things (just judging by what you have said). Either make the quilt as close to the original colors as you can, (since that is the version that attracted your attention) or use Liberty Lawn, because you love it so much. Make both for a while until one really starts speaking to you, and who knows, you just might want to finish both!
ReplyDeleteI love my DJ, it's always a hard decision which colour scheme to go with, you do have a great selection to start with. Will look forward see which one you decide on :)
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ReplyDeleteI made a blue & white Jane. I used the same blue for all of the blocks. If you click on my name, you will find a link to my blog. On the header, under 2015 quilts, you will find a picture of my Jane. Whatever fabrics you decide to use, the important thing is to use a light background fabric so there is contrast in the blocks. If you do all the work piecing the blocks, you want to see the pieces!
ReplyDeleteI've never made a Dear Jane but have seen so many on other blogs. You have lots of nice options to choose from so whatever you decide will be a beautiful quilt.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that you have started three Dear Jane's already - amazing. I'm sure you will discover the right colour combo for you, soon I hope, so you can achieve your dream!
ReplyDeleteLOL Elaine if nothing else you have made me laugh and given me a wonderful story to read. Will be interesting to see where your heart takes you on this journey. Hugs Glenda
ReplyDeleteDear Elaine,
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem, what colour? Then a Jelly roll with a Christmas theme in Antique red, green and navy crossed my path. It had tiny little prints on the fabrics. That is how my Dear Jane found it's birth. I have my first ten blocks done, where I can, I applique blocks, as I want to do as many as I can by hand. Some will have to be done by machine, which is fine. Enjoy the journey, take your time and have fun.
This was a great post. It is always interesting to read about someone else going through what I go through choosing fabrics. I always second guess myself. But Dear Jane is special and will be with you a long time so it's good to get it right. I've been following Frances too and enjoying her journey. I'm sure what you settle on will be wonderful...all your work is.
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