Week 3 of DJ Quilt

What a busy week this has been! I managed to finish up my embroidery quilt swap, work some more on my Spider Web quilt for next week's launch AND finish up 6 more of my DJ blocks!

The most challenging block for me this week was C6 (bottom right block)

My first attempt by machine ended up in the garbage. I just couldn't line up the fabric pattern and melons no matter how I tried. I hand pieced the second one and it fit together beautifully.

I also like the little fussy cut bird in block B4 (top right). It was from a wonderful fabric sent to me from Mary. Such a cheerful little block!

Looking forward to the challenge of 6 more blocks next week.
My block choices will all be "in the pink" of things.

Mini Embroidered Quilt ready to Swap

Finished this up with only a few days to spare! (whew)
Here is the little mini embroidered quilt I made to swap.
We started with this embroidery pattern titled Be Amongst the Daisies.
Originally in Redwork - it was designed by Lenna Green of Little Green Cottage. (free patterns are on her Stitching Cow website)




We were given personal freedom to choose our own colors, fabrics and border designs with our partner in mind. This mini quilt measures 10' x 12" in size.
It's a SECRET who I'm giving it to...I hope she is pleasantly surprised!

A Joyful Jane Box has arrived!

I received a wonderful package in the mail yesterday! It was from my dear friend Mary of Sew Dear To Me Among her many talents - Mary is a wonderful Quilter! She is also Kind, Witty and extremely Generous! Always giving so generously from her heart - of her time, her experience, her knowledge.... and as you can see - her quilting fabrics!

Mary sent these to me for my DJ quilt. Never did I expect to receive so many gorgeous fabrics. With great joy - I will use each & every one of these along my Jane Journey. I'm excited just thinking about all the lovely Mary Jane blocks I shall make :)
If it's possible to capture Love-in-a-Box, then surely it would look like this!

Thank you Mary, I feel honored & blessed!

Week 2 of DJ quilt - 6 more blocks!

Week #2 and thankfully I've reached my goal again of 6 blocks.
This time I decided to work only on applique'.

I managed to complete blocks: C9,B1,B13,C11,A7,A3.
As soon as I had one finished, I couldn't wait to start another!
My fellow Janiacs were right - these blocks are addictive!

Till next time.... A Stitch in Time - saves Embarassment! LOL

DJ in reverse applique'

Well it's week 2 of my journey and I chose applique' blocks for this week.
These 4.5" blocks have very small pieces! I quickly realized that the easiest method(for me) would be reverse applique'. So I cut two 6" squares of fabric, laid the background on top and the center applique' fabric behind it. Then it was simply a matter of cutting away the top fabric and needle turning under the seam allowances. It was so much easier than cutting out all those tiny pieces.

If you search the web - you will find several illustrated methods of doing reverse applique'. A good pair of small applique' scissors is a "must-have" to accurately cut away the top layer of fabric and for trimming the excess fabric from behind the finished block. For needle-turning under the seam allowances, I also LOVE to use Straw needles!

Here is a picture from the wrong side so you can see how the finished block looks:

This is block B12 titled: Starflower.

Week 1 of DJ and I reached my Goal!

And so it begins.....the very first week of my "Jane" journey!
6 blocks a week. That is my current goal in order to complete this quilt in 11 months. Happy to say I've met my goal for Week 1.

I am very blessed to be part of a unique and close-knit group of friends. Each woman is so diverse in her gifted talents. It's been an honor forging friendships with them over the years. It is for these women - I have decided to name my quilt.... A Kindred Sister's Journey.

I am so honored that they are encouraging me along the way and providing fabric scraps for special blocks in my quilt. When I lay my hands over the blocks - I know I will smile and think fondly of each of these dear friends.

Till next time....May all your scraps be quilts!