Student Jane Quilts - a few early finishes!

I am incredibly proud of all my Dear Jane students at Quilter's Corner! I have been blessed to work along side such sweet, wonderful, determined and talented women.

I created a 13 month Dear Jane BOM program for my students to follow and to my delight - a handful of ladies have completed their quilts a month EARLY!
Yes... finished Dear Jane quilt tops in just ONE year!

The first picture above show's Wanda with her quilt. The next picture is Kyle with ONE of her finished quilts. (yes, she made TWO of them)

Here is Kathy's quilt top:

This is Judy's quilt top:

Donna chose a navy sashing against civil war fabrics and has her center assembled:

Eileen is making (2) Jane quilts - one in 1930's reproduction prints and the other in Civil War reproduction prints. She has started the assembly process of her quilts. They are both coming together beautifully.

These are only 6 of my amazing Dear Jane students.
There are 23 more still working hard on their quilt tops.

Everyone received their last monthly assignments this past Monday. We have a special meeting planned for early March and I will be taking lots more pictures of my studentss and their progress then to share with you all.

the amazing journey continues.....

New Class project for 2013

On the heels of "Dear Jane", I was looking for something a bit special for my 2013 teaching project.

I've admired the applique' quilts of Kim McLean for some time now.
When I first saw this particular pattern of hers 6 months ago - it was "love at first site".
Once I received the pattern I discovered that the quilt is made in rows/borders using very simple shapes repeated over and again. This makes the quilt look far more intricate and complicated than the actual assembly process.
My approach will be to teach easy speed preparation techniques to make all the turned edge applique' shapes. From there - students can choose whether to applique' by HAND or MACHINE (using a method I refer to as heirloom machine applique').

What excites me most about this project is that quilters choose whatever fabrics they like to make this quilt. I can't wait to see all the variations!
I made a few blocks from 2 very different fabric lines for sample display.
(I'll be using the Double Chocolat collection for my teaching sample)

Here is a close up of the block I made using turned edge heirloom machine applique'.

Like I mentioned... people aren't obligated to stick with these fabrics. In fact, for my own personal quilt just look at the fabrics I've chosen:

Yep...I'm going with a dark brown chestnut background for my quilt and purchased Moda's Cinnamon Spice collection by Blackbird designs for all the applique' work.
Am I brave or what????? (gulp)

I am thinking about adding a few old...old moda prints and homespuns into the mix and perhaps even a few batiks.

I'll be sure to post updates on how this project and our quilts turn out.

every quilt tells a story...

A lot going on....

Greetings to all my wonderful blogging friends!

My family & I moved into a new Home 9 days ago.
Such an exciting way to start the New Year!
Unfortunately, our home is without internet service until later this weekend.

I am taking advantage of this little break by catching up on my personal "to do" list. I look forward to catching up on your creative journeys upon my return next Monday!

I hope this New Year finds everyone Healthy, Happy and Productive!