Should Have Had A Plan

I've been a little carefree to this point and now I see I should have had a plan. Normally, I am very organized and plan ahead. When I started working on Dear Jane, I was feeling a little wild and crazy and didn't put much thought into it. The only plan was to randomly pick blocks and use fabric combinations twice. Today I discovered that block M-2 and M-3 are of the same fabric combination. Lucky for me, that was the only time it happened.

As the block numbers increase and my memory decreases, I have come up with a few easy ways to make sure this doesn't happen again. On page 12 of the Dear Jane book, is a diagram of blocks. I have recorded beside each finished block a number. For example, H-11 has the number 15 beside it and L-6 also has the number 15 beside it. This tells me that both blocks have been made from the same fabric combination. Also, my finished blocks are stored in a nice decorative box, which I have now inserted row markers and placed the blocks in order. I could also refer to my Dear Jane photo file, on the computer, but this is not as practical when working in the sewing room. My Dear Jane book and box of finished blocks would be right there, as I prepare the next blocks.

How it's Going

Well, to this point I have made 32 of the 169 center blocks. It doesn't seem like many, but at the same time it does, if that makes any sense. I am very comfortable at one block a week and think I will stick with that.

I also think I will continue with the center blocks and make the border blocks when I have finished. Now, with that being said, it sounds like I plan on making the whole quilt!

I will also continue to precut about six blocks at a time, so I only have to do prep work every five to six weeks. At first I was using the rotary cutter to cut apart my freezer paper templates. Now I find it much easier to use the scissors and also faster and more accurate. Several times I thought I had the ruler on the line and ran the rotary cutter across, only to find I went off the line. I don't know about you, but I'd rather be stitching then prepping!

Journey Goals 2009

Just three months ago, I started A Quilter's Journey Back in Time. I must say, I am enjoying every minute of it. When I started, my goal was to complete at least one block a week. And so I did, except one week over Christmas. That's pretty good. My goal this year is to continue with at least one block a week. Maybe try for a couple of blocks a week, every now and then. Also, need to get going on some Quilted Diamonds. If you are making Dear Jane blocks or Quilted Diamonds, let me know. I would love to see them.

Developing a System

How about that! So far, I have completed one Quilted Diamond and five Dear Jane blocks. And, nothing bad has happened to make me want to end my journey.

I have been storing my finished blocks in a small Rubbermaid container. Also, saving all my pattern pieces. You never know, I may want to make a second Dear Jane someday! My pattern pieces are placed in an envelope, labelled, then stored in a decorative photo box.

To make the pattern pieces, I use freezer paper. With a thin ruler and fine pencil, I trace the pattern onto the freezer paper. When possible, I separate the pattern pieces with my rotary cutter. What I have been doing is cutting out 5-6 patterns (templates and fabric pieces) at a time. This is an all day job, for me anyway. Accuracy is very important when hand piecing.

Then, I select my threads and store everything in my project box. Now, I can relax, as I have blocks prepared for the next 5-6 weeks.

The Journey Begins

Very exciting! All my supplies are organized and ready to go. I've decided not to use a sewing machine. Each piece will be cut out individually and hand sewn. I will work only by candle light. Hmmm.....maybe not by candle light. Each week, I will post one finished block, maybe more. With limited time and other quilting to do, I don't want to be stitching under pressure.

As for fabric theme. Well, I have decided to use reproduction fabric for the Dear Jane blocks and a variety of fabrics for the Quilted Diamonds. I reread my Dear Jane and Quilted Diamond books in August and also watch Linda Franz's instructional DVD. I'm now ready to get started!

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

P.S. Please be sure to visit my main blog, Journey of a Quilter.