Let's Go!

I have not posted on this blog since 2016, but, I have decided to start it up again. I have really been doing a lot of quilting and spinning, and I even learned to weave, needle felt and greatly improved my hand piecing skills. I learned that needle felting is not something that I enjoy and weaving is fun, but not a passion for me the way quilting, knitting and spinning are. I guess you have to try something to know if it is for you. I have made several quilts in the last few months and have really improved my quilting skills. I participated in a QAL on line that was strictly hand piecing, and I learned so much from that QAL! The saying "Practice Makes Perfect" is very true. Of course, the internet has made learning a new skill so much easier with YouTube, Google and lots of other ways to find what you need. Many years ago, I attempted a Dear Jane quilt. I fell in love with Jane Stickley's beautiful quilt and like many others, I wanted to make one. That is easier said than done, believe me. Jane was nothing short of a pure genius, and her quilt proves that. I made about 6 or 8 blocks before I realized that I was in way over my head, and gave up. I still have my blocks and I look at them lovingly quite often. Recently, I started doing a little research on DJ and after much reading and contemplating, I have decided to try again. So, I am going to record my progress on this blog as I begin my journey to completing a blue and white version of Dear Jane. I have the book by Brenda Papadakis, the computer software, which is at least 10 years old, and many new and helpful tools to make this project a bit easier. I have not started yet, but I am in the process of gathering the fabric, sorting the blocks and making sure that I have all the tools I need. I have decided to do it EPP. EPP was not available when I attempted this quilt the first time, but is now from an online store called Paper Pieces. There are also numerous videos on YouTube from Paper Pieces that help you sort the pieces for the blocks, learn how to EPP, if you don't already know how to do it, and basically learn all about DJ. I have ordered the templates for Row A and I am waiting for them to arrive. I hope to have all my fabrics and tools ready by the time my templates get here. So, I would love it if you would take this wonderful journey with me and follow along as I make the blue and white version of Dear Jane. til next time~~~