JoanneS

I cut the center blocks 1/4" wider all around. I cut the triangles from a 3-1/2" square on the diagonal - yielding slightly MORE than 1/4" all around. I'll sew one block and square up to make sure it squares to 5". Actually, If I'd been thinking BEFORE cuutting, I would have paper-pieced a sample block first! I hope this doesn't wind up on the 'Silly things I've done - - -' thread :oops:

kluedesigns

LOL - i can't wait to see it.

i've been wondering about how to be frugal with paper piecing a jane since the waste can amount to double the fabric needed across an entire jane quilt of 220 blocks.

omak

Tea dying is just boiling up some tea, putting it in a nice big container (or a little one if that will help keep the fabric under the water) and dipping your fabric into the tea water. You know how tea or coffee stains when spilled on your white top? Well, that is what happens when tea is used to dye fabric. You can make it very light, just a few dips to knock the bright off the white, or let it soak for a little longer for a deeper anitqued look.
You could practice on a charm square just to see what you think.
Some of the white on white fabrics -- the flecks don't take the dye so readily, but, the bright will still be knocked down a bit. I think you will appreciate the technique, and coffee works too - - just a different shade of brown. different tint.

STAR

Thanx omak :lol: I may have to try this but not for this swap. I am alreday nervous, this is my first swap!! I'm also excited at the same time :mrgreen:
So if I were to try this technique it wouldn't wash out? would I dry it in the dryer or on a line? Just wondering

sandpat

Star...think back to when you spilled coffee on your favorite white blouse...you know...we've all done it...Were you able to EVER get it out??? I couldn't ....so I just said I was practicing my coffee dying! :lol: :lol:

STAR

:lol: :lol: :lol: I get it now!! duh never thought of it that way since I don't drink coffee or tea but I have seen the stains on others :wink:

omak

:D :D :D HOORAY! It only takes a minute ... if you took one tea bag, you can make a world of difference to any number of fabrics <g>
I have the coffee spots on most of my fronts to PROVE that it works and NEVER comes out. The depth of your dark will depend on how strong you make the tea/coffee mixture and how long you let the fabric set.
Obviously, for us coffee drinkers, we don't even let it set there for two seconds - - and you KNOW what we have been doing! LOL :wink:

bearisgray

Neat idea!

Bettia

I haven't done Hand Applique for many many years so I will try E-10 for a second block. This is becoming very addictive.
Bettia

kluedesigns

it really is, i've been toying with the idea of doing 3 but i won't make that decision until Oct.

a few people are doing the swap to see if they want to join the "Dear Jane Quilt Along" in Jan 2010.

its a good way to determine if tiny blocks are up your alley.