An Afternoon with Jane Stickle

Back in February, there were some of us who got together to start our own individual Dear Jane quilt(s), at a pace of just four blocks per month.  Due to my lack of photo taking, plus some blocks to make, I've had a lovely day today catching up with some sewing.

My blocks do look a bit "out of shape", as I am yet to trim them to their correct size.

Here are the March Blocks:

And the April Blocks:

I had two blocks to make today... to make up the four allocated for the month.....

And... the May Blocks:

...of which I made all four today.

I am truly enjoying the process of making the Dear Jane blocks.  In two colours, the piecing shows up well, but, most importantly to me, the level of difficulty in the blocks varies and with no instructions in the book, there is some quiet contemplation while I decide the best way to make each block.

One block at a time, is a lovely link to slow movement and taking time to enjoy the process.

See my previous Dear Jane post here.

Dear Jane & Christmas

The first of my 'new starts' for this year - the wonderful "Dear Jane" quilt.  Finally, I am putting to good use, the book I purchased way back in 1997, as a birthday present to myself.  It has always been on my bucket list to do, I just didn't think it would take me 19 years to get started on it!  The youngest member of our Dear Jane group mentioned that my book was actually older than her as she wasn't born until 1998....

Late last year, those in my local quilt group, who were interested had a quick chat and it was decided that we would make 4 blocks per month (finish in 2020!).  

Pictured here are the first 4 blocks.  I have decided upon a two colour quilt, but chose a tone-on-tone for my main colour so that the blocks won't look 'flat'.  I have some pieces of liberty fabrics which I have been collecting over time to add in as mini cornerstones or block pieces if necessary.


Now, for a little dose of Christmas - back in August 2015, I stumbled across the pattern Pop of Poinsettia from the website allpeoplequilt.com.  There was no hesitation about downloading and starting this project, I just had to make it, and, of course it was going to be ready for Christmas 2015, wasn't it?  Nope, not even close.

 

I put the last stitch in the binding on the 25th Feb, so at least it's ready for next Christmas, nice and early.  I had mentioned to my husband that I would give it as a present next Christmas, but he said no, he would like it on our table and that we should keep it.  For someone who has very little to say about my quilting, I think perhaps I should listen :) 

New Year, New Goals

So far so good.  2016 has started off with a wonderful holiday to the Adelaide Hills - a snatched week away while DH was off work for the 'silly season'.  Last night was a good reason to celebrate with some lovely wine and dinner as DH had some great news regarding his job.  It seems I can spend less time working and more time quilting - yeah hah! :) 

I only found one quilt shop while away at Bordertown (apparently there are two), which stocked some lovely William Morris fabrics; and the day after coming home, sewed my fabric up into a block roll, which I will use while embarking on my own 'Dear Jane' Quilt journey this year.

Sideways view of Block Roll and Needle Book
(not sure why photo is sideways....)

Opened out Block Roll

I also made a small needle-book from the unused fabric length.

Inside view of Needle Book

I am searching my sewing room for another pattern to make a small block carry around folder thingy-a-mi-jig to transport the hand-sewing blocks in, which will also be made out of this same fabric.

My two new starts for this year will be:

1.    Dear Jane Quilt (with Kilmore Quilters) - new fabric purchase.

2.    Seminole block [row] of the month at Morning Glory - use up stash.

My goal for 2016 year in all areas of my life is twofold - focus on what I have already started and allow serendipity to happen.  If my plans don't work out, then I will do my best to follow the alternate path and not get distressed.