Sunday, July 09, 2006

Bright fabric, Dear Jane

Here is what I've been doing with all that bright fabric.


I liked it better before I added the "scribbly" quilting, so I may be adding some more pieces to it. On the other hand, it might be best just to start again and go for a simpler composition. At least I'm working.

Here is a picture of what one of my good quilter friends is working on.
Now, I think it is safe to say I will never do this, but I am fascinated to see it. These are all hand pieced "Dear Jane" blocks. I think I have mentioned my friends's interest in Civil War quilts, and this is the latest manifestation. There are actually hundreds of "Janiac" quilters who are making replicas of this quilt, originally made by Jane Stickle.
The blocks are small (4 1/2" I think) and are often pieced by hand.



This is what you end up with, or something similar.



As I said, not my cup of tea, but isn't it amazing?

8 comments:

The Calico Cat said...

nice to look at, but I'd never be caught doing one either...

I know a gal who is doing one using Asian prints...

Gerrie said...

I sooo agree about Dear Jane - it is beautiful - but creative? - no - might as well be coloring by numbers.

Have fun with your colors. Just keep doing things. Don't over analyze. Move on to the next and see where it goes. I think a more linear quilting would have worked better - even some perle cotton to add interest.

Unknown said...

great colors!!! I have been exploring ways to affect my outlook and bright color...well you know that only means GOOD Things !!! Now I can imagine that quilt upside down???

Rian said...

Yeah, it is amazing. Do I want to make one? No way!

Now the piece you made, the one with the yummy bright colors, that is what I'm talking about! Yowza!!

Shelina said...

I like the quilt you made. Very bright and creative.

I am making a Jane quilt too. The book doesn't show you how to make it. I enjoy learning all the different techniques it takes to make this quilt.

Kay said...

You express my feelings about this Dear Jane phenomena very well. Oddly enough, though, when I looked at the picture this time, I found it more appealing that I've previously thought. Wonder why? I like your bright piece too.

jenclair said...

Love what you've done with your bright fabrics!

The "Dear Jane" is absolutely amazing! How many hours??? would something like this involve?

Debra Dixon said...

I went through a long period of saying I would "never" make this or that & in hindsight, I think I missed the boat on some fun ideas. I might never make a Dear Jane quilt but I like to leave the door open for the possibility. I am even contemplating taking an applique class this year in Houston and there was a time when I would "never" think to do applique. We all change and move around in our quilt lives--that's a good thing!

I disagree--I think doing a Dear Jane could be quite creative. Where could the limits be stretched to make it more modern or even more "one's own". The waters are still very new on that one!