I remember telling people in 2010 that I had made up my mind - I was going to try making a replica of Jane Stickle's 1863 quilt. Responses: "Oh. Um, okay." They were thinking: "Sure you are. Good luck with that idea."
It's been a strange journey. Hot and cold at times. In my own war with this quilt. I saved some of the more difficult blocks for last. If I'd tried to make them 5 or 6 years ago I know would have quit altogether. Here's what I learned: Persistence pays off. I'm a much better quilter now than I was then. I'm incredibly more patient with myself. I kept plugging away, learning as I went along. I'm congratulating myself this week because I made some good progress in January and have only FOUR more blocks left to go for the center of the quilt. Then 52 triangles and the 4 corners.
Who knew I would make it this far? I'm excited because there's a chance I will finish the top this year or next. Not pressuring myself too much because there are a lot of other things I'd like to do as well. If I do, I do.
Jane's extraordinary quilt displayed at the Bennington Museum. It's amazing that the colors are still so vibrant.
It will be such fun to pick through my old reproduction fabrics and carefully place my favorites in my quilt's border of triangles. They sure don't look easy though.
This post is for those of you who are still on your DJ journey or eager to begin one. Just take it one block at a time. And, if you get discouraged, make an easy block and see how it goes. Don't give up. There's hope. If I can do it . . . .
Can't wait until my crazy blocks look like this.
21 comments:
Good for you, Kathy! I am working on a double bed Grandmother's Flower garden hexie quilt, and to hear and see the evidence of your persistence is helping me keep going on this years-long project. I'm making all the flowers first then I'll arrange them. I have only about 86 more to go. Keep up your good work, and I'll keep up mine:-)
Dear Kathy - Yes, persistence and I will add endurance are the name of the game when itcomes to Dear Jane. I started mine when Brenda published her book back in
199---- . I'd say I have about two dozen blocks done. I keep plugging away at it. Every once in a while I come across the project in my UFPs. In fact, my "Jane" has been to Egypt and back a couple of times when I lived over there for many years. Someday it will be done. Glad to know your in the home stretch. Can't wait to see your quilt when it is finished. Debbie
Kathleen, you will not be sorry that you stuck with it. I finished mine some years back, but it continues to be among my most treasured quilting accomplishments. Dear Jane has so much to see. It is a feast for the eyes.
That wonderful that you have come so far. And to think, only four more blocks for the center. It must feel good to be so close.
If I was one of the people who said you couldn't do it, then I'm sorry for I said that.
As I get older I try to be a better person. I also think it's NEVER to late to learn a new skill. So your persistence with starting this quilt and keeping doing it is great. Sorry if I was one of your doubters.
Good for you! I'm impressed. I stalled out on my DJ a couple years ago, but now, maybe... Thanks for the inspiration!
Ziggee - I don't even know who you are LOL and I'm pretty sure I didn't tell you so no need to apologize!
Cathryn - your Grandmother's Flower Garden will be a beauty! I'd love to make one someday.
Debbie - Don't give up! Take out the blocks and look at all the work you have already put into it.
Linda - I have so much admiration for those who have completed one! I'm sure it's beautiful. I hope mine is a feast for the eyes as well.
Here! Here! I knew you could.....just keep the ball rolling. That is what I call it around here! Frankly, I thought the tris went much faster because for every triangle you make you add a fabric triangle to either side and the triangles are bigger, so much bigger. I foundation pieced almost all of the triangles, but that is just me. You are getting there.....the end is in sight!
you did a so big job and the result is very beautiful how long did it take you to accomplish it
Also thanks for your blog
Love your blog! Congrats and here's to a finish!
You are right Kathleen, persistence does pay off! Your blocks are beautiful.
I thought the triangles were easier than the blocks. I did them faster....or maybe it was just the idea of seeing the finish in sight!
I am sure your Jane is going to be stunning!
I so enjoy seeing your beautiful blocks, Kathleen! The prints, colors, and variety of blocks are going to make this quilt amazingly beautiful. Congratulations, for being so close to being done.
Kathy your blocks look amazing. Just think how your Dear Jane will look completed:)) You are such an inspiration to me, I may have never found my love for small quilts if I hadn't found you. You have also given me the courage to believe in myself and begin to make a quilt I have admired for so long ~ Dear Jane<3
Jennifer M
I made my Dear Jane quilt from Jan-April 2003. I worked on it all night long as I kept and I on my husband, who was dying from kidney cancer. My daughter would take care of him during the day along with her 2 year old son, and I had the mid-morning through the next morning. It sure did help me during the night. I made mine with a black background,and quilted it on my sewing machine. I call it My Mourning Quilt. It is now hung above my bead. Some day I might make another one, hopefully with more cheer and brightness. I do not advise doing one so fast, you miss out on the beauty and fun of making the blocks.
Congrats Kathy! I know just how excited you are. I finished my last center block yesterday and I would have done cartwheels if I could! I started mine January 2010 and have enjoyed the journey too. On to the triangles now!
Give yourself a huge pat on the back! It's beautiful--you are so near the finish
Ah. I spy Maze of Madness. That's the one I'm saving for last. :^)
Well done.
Meravigliosa!!!!
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