meanmom

I have been lurking here since you guy started this group. I had planned on joining your guys but life etc got on the way. I finally broke down and signed up for a class to get me started. I have been going to do this for 2 years. The class starts next week, I can't wait to start. I have been drooling over all the blocks here, so excited to finally start. I will post when I get started. Excellent job everyone.

spartan quilter

Meanmom~~Good to hear from you and that you are getting started on your DJ. It really is fun to see all the blocks that others make, and get ideas for your quilt. Look forward to seeing your blocks.

Cre8tvlwyr

Awesome blocks - ALL of you!!!
Cindy - you caught that 'diamond' instead of triangle as well 'that quilt' changed the original Jane BR4 top print part to a triangle. If you havent done it yet, start with the diamond in the middle and 'build' your top section background around it while paper-piecing [upper sides followed by lower background side triangles and down the remainder of the tri.] I hope to post some soon. I did C5 a little differently [block for next week] - almost done with it and I did take a few pictures while in progress I will post.
Off to watch grandkids now!
Gus

Cre8tvlwyr

So I got back and thought I would at the very least get the instructions for the way I did [am doing...] C5 here...

First, I cut two squares each of background and print measuring 2 3/8" to make 4 halfsquare triangles for the inner circle. I pieced them together into a square and then transferred the finished circle on the resulting block with a water soluble pen and cut [adding 1/4" seam]

Next, I made a pattern of a corner box with the crescent moon shape in it. If you look at the book pattern it only shows one half while Jane Stickle's quilt shows a crescent moon shape which is half background/half patterned fabric in each of the four-patches in the block around the center pieced circle. I sewed together a 1 3/4" x 7" piece of background to same size print and sewed a 1/4" seam down one long side. I pressed the seam open and positioned my crescent template centered on this strip marking four shapes. Do this to the right as well as the wrong sides of the fabric - this will help later and when you cut them be sure to add your 1/4" seams![ATTACH=CONFIG]331952[/ATTACH]

I matched the corners of each crescent to the marked finished circle where the seams meet and attached all four crescents by hand. When I was done [leave the corners of the "moons" open so that it is easier to reverse applique to the outer "square"] I finger pressed the piece down [ironing would have set my markings and I still needed them!]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]331954[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]331957[/ATTACH] I cut a 5 1/2" background square to allow for some applique shrinking and pinned it on top of my circle/crescent assembly.
Next I took a contrasting thread and did a basting stitch all the way around the edge to make reverse applique easier. I also carefully snipped into the background fabric so that I could cut the inside away when I was ready to start sewing. This method is called "back basting" as you carefully pull your basting thread "back" out while you continue to applique.... one more thing - the reason you wanted to transfer your pattern to the right and wrong side of the crescent becomes clear here - you use the wrong side marking to sew your basting stitch and the right side marking to know where you have to attach your background to the right side of crescent. If you look carefully - you will note the "blue" pen mark at the crescent corner. This is a fun one!! I think DJ actually used 4 separate squares - I personally found this unnecessary.[ATTACH=CONFIG]331958[/ATTACH]

GV09

Hello Ladies!
Great very great blocks you are done! Congrats!
I can not sew nothing that week for this proyect. I can only sew a new block to my hearts.
Gus GREAT TUTORIAL! Thank you very much for those photos! This block look so difficult!
I hope all have a nice week!
A big hug for each one!

meanmom

I figured all of you guys here would be a good source of info. I have purchased the Dear Jane computer program. I found out it isn't compatible with a Mac computer. Should I go to the trouble of partitioning my computer etc to use it of don't I need it.

CindyA

I don't have the computer program. I'm using the book only, as well as what folks post here, and a site that has some instructions for each block. The site is sometimes helpful, but other times seems more confusing to me. It is 'doable' without the software but maybe it's not as easy or precise. ?? I photocopy some of the blocks onto paper piecing paper then paper piece it, I photocopy some of the blocks onto regular printer paper and learned to English paper piece, and I trace then applique some of the blocks. I didn't want to have any software issues so stuck with using the book only. Anyone else using the book only that could also comment?

Jeanine

CindyA,
The ones I did get done, I only used the book. I have the software, but plan on using the book as I found that easier for me. And the various ways you mentioned has been/will be the ones I use. Thank you for your post - now I feel better.
Jeanine

mim

I haven't done any sewing for 3 weeks -- I hope to do a little tomorrow when it is raining. The yard work and gardens take priority this time of year. I did work ahead because I knew this would happen.
Mim

xsquilter

I'm using the book & tracing the blocks onto paper. I then refer to "thatquilt" website for guidance which I'm finding very easy to follow. I know methods for learning differ between people but that site really works for me. Also, the resources on this board are absolutely fantastic. I don't think I would have gone ahead with this without the support of everyone here. I'm quite far behind but at some point I will get caught up! So here is my latest lot of blocks. This quilt will be for me so I only have to please ME, right?! Sooooo, I'm going for character, not perfection!


Thanks for looking.
Maureen