The Sew Along Continues . . . .

I know, I know! I've been extremely remiss in my blogging obligations for a few weeks. Again. It's difficult to come up with inspirational things to write at times. As they say, I'd rather be quilting . . . . 

(This week's blocks brought to you by Sue Bennett)

If you're following along, we're on Week 10 and you'll be making blocks 55 - 60 this time. There are tips in the files I've been uploading each week and rereading some of them may help if you get stuck. If you can't download the files in the online groups, go to my website and check there. 

I can't believe we're almost finished making all the blocks. This really hasn't been too difficult, has it? I can't believe some of the beautiful blocks I've seen posted on Facebook.  All the wonderful fabric choices! Here are a few for you to drool over - 

 Charlotte's blocks

Charlotte's blocks

Karen's blocks

Karen's blocks

Marian's blocks

Marian's blocks

Jennifer's blocks

Jennifer's blocks

Robin's blocks

Robin's blocks

Jeanne's blocks

Jeanne's clever take on Block 35!

Ann's blocks

Ann's blocks

As for me, I've been making some really good progress on my Dear Jane triangles. The top triangles are done and I hope to finish up all the ones on the right side of the quilt this weekend. Still have a few hearts to applique  before I complete everything on that side. Saved the best for last! 

A few mistakes here and there. Oops, not going back. A few tweaks as well to  make it easier instead of frustrating. You never know if a block is actually going to turn out okay when you finish. I breathe a huge sigh of relief if it all comes together in the end. But all in all I think they're pretty good. Don't tell anyone, but sometimes I skip the little extras things that Jane included that I think really don't matter. Like a miniscule appliqued triangle here and there. Who's to know?? The Dear Jane Police??  

Those of you who have started and not finished yet or who want to make this quilt -  Do you know about this page? I follow many of her tips for making my blocks and they're very helpful. When I first started my DJ quilt, Brenda Papadakis, who wrote the book, used to have a Dear Jane website with all sorts of tips and tricks to help you make the blocks. Those are gone now and so you're basically on your own if you try to start. If I didn't also have the software I'd probably be stuck quite a bit. That Quilt is a very good resource and has made my journey a little easier. She breaks each block down into simple parts. (Well, okay, maybe they're not all simple but at least understandable . . . .) Just thought some of you would like to know this if you haven't run across it yet.

Here's even more inspiration for you. Marian Edwards finished her Dear Jane quilt recently. Can you believe how beautiful it is?  All hand pieced and hand quilted. Whew. Congratulations, Marian! You did a fantastic job. 

Have a good weekend! 

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! We had a Pincushion challenge in my Facebook Small quilt Lovers group today. I hadn't done any cross stitch in awhile so decided to add a bit to my pincushion this year.  It was so relaxing. I think I need to do some every now and then. Maybe finish one of the samplers I started many years ago. 

Here's a little heart quilt I made last year. I made the framed one on the lower right. The red heart appliqued on pink was a little gift made by my friend Jeanne Lucas. 

Oh, I also was able to finish that little heart quilt made from four patches last week. Another one I kept putting off. I left it sitting out unfinished on the dining room table for a few weeks so I could remind myself to actually get the quilting done by Feb 14. It worked! 

I got a little sidetracked and forgot to post something on the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew along here. Just a reminder - we're on Week 7 and you're more than halfway there if you're still following along.  See some tips posted in the file on my website  on the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along page. 

Sue's blocks for Week 7

If you're following along on the older Mystery Quilt from 2018 that I'm rerunning every month on the 15th, Clue 2 will be posted on my website on Monday, Feb 15. 

Sew Along - Week 5

We're moving along on the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along. It's Week 5 and I can't believe so many of you are participating and continue to stay motivated. This week's blocks are posted in the Facebook group files and on my website. Except for those tiny half-square triangles, the blocks are not difficult. Just take your time and make sure you cut and sew accurately. A scant 1/4" seam may help your blocks come out well. But just do whatever works for you. 

(Blocks by sue Bennett) 

I thought you might like to see some blocks made by others in the groups - 

(Blocks made by Robin McGuire)

(More Blocks by Robin)

*  *  *

In other news -  we're also working on our new 2021 Mystery Quilt. You can find the monthly patterns in the Facebook group files or on my website under the 2021 Mystery Quilt page.  The patterns will be posted on the first of each month through May 2021. Simple and scrappy and easy to make. Just grab some scraps and download the pattern for the first step that was posted in January. I will post Step 2 on Monday, Feb 1.

I am also re-running an older Mystery from 2018 based on requests from some group members who missed it the first time around. So it doesn't get too confusing, look for those patterns on my website under the 2018 Mystery. Patterns will be posted on the 15th of each month. It's a fun one too!

We're supposed to get some snow today and tomorrow. Looks like it will be a good weekend to stay in and do some sewing. Plenty to do! Did I mention we're also doing a February Valentine challenge?? Make a pinushion with red or pink fabric for our parade on February 14. Lots of small block inspiration in the Schoolgirl sampler book  . . . 

Last year's pincushions. 

(Patterns for heart quilts available on my website or Etsy shop)

Sew Along Week 4

Can you believe we're already on Week Four of the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along?  A third of the way through if you get through this week. Make blocks 19 - 24 on pages 49 - 51 of  the Schoolgirl Sampler book. I spy a few more easy blocks this time. 

(Thanks to Sue Bennett for sharing her blocks!) 

Go to the files in the groups or check my website (sew along page) for more info on making the blocks for this week. If you have trouble with Block 23, there's a tip in the file for sewing this a couple of other ways that may help. There's probably a reason they call it Devil's Claws, LOL. 

When I started this sew along I suspected I would have my work cut out for me helping everyone stay organized and motivated. So many little blocks! I have to say, everything has gone rather smoothly and there's a wonderful camaraderie in the Facebook group. Everyone is very encouraging and I think the beginners are comfortable showing their blocks and asking for help if they need it. 

I think it's been a great chance for quilters to interact with others at this time when we can't sew together in person. A lot of you have told me your piecing has improved and you've learned new tips and tricks. Everyone is more than willing to share their own ideas and techniques and that's been great. Thanks, everyone!

Sew Along Week Three

 Join us as we make Blocks 13 - 18 in the Schoolgirl Sampler book for our sew along. 

If you're not following along in the Facebook group, go to my website (sew along page) for more info on making the blocks for this week. Some of you may want to purchase a Bloc Loc or other ruler to help you with accuracy as you make those tiny Flying Geese. Details are in the file.

This month, by request, we're also restarting one of my Mystery Quilts form 2018. It's a fun one called Friendship Garden. 

Some of you may remember working on this in my groups a few years ago. I've introduced it again to take the place of monthly challenges in my groups this year. Some new members in the group who missed out asked if we could do it again. Why not? Usually, we make quilts each month from one of my recent books but this year I started a new Facebook group just for my Schoolgirl Sampler book so there's your other challenge. I'll add a file with directions on my website under the Mystery 2018 page on the 15th of each month - January through June. 

If you don't care for applique, there's an alternate 8" Star block you can use to replace it. Looks something like this. (One more little project I still have to finish . . . .)

And remember, it's not too late to join the Schoolgirl Sampler sew along. Just get the book and jump in and start with the blocks for Week One. We're making them in numerical order so it's easy to catch up.

I really love seeing all of your pretty sampler blocks every week! Always so many pretty fabrics that are new to me. Enjoy your weekend!

Mystery Repeated

Hello, Quilters - Due to a request from some members in my Facebook group, I've decided to repeat the monthly patterns for the free Mystery Quilt we did in the online groups in 2018. This is a great opportunity for those of you who are new to my Mystery Quilt projects and may have missed out on some of the earlier ones. This time, however, I'll post the monthly patterns on my website.

The first step will be posted on my website (link below) on Friday, January 15, and then the 15th of each month thereafter, through June. If anyone is interested, look at my website, find the Mystery quilt 2018 page at the top and read the Intro to the 2018 Mystery Quilt so you can become familiar with how it will work.

Notice that now there will be two separate Mysteries going on, each labeled by year, so be sure you click on the correct page and download the correct instructions for each one you are participating in. See my website for details

This will be fun and I hope you pick out some of your favorite scraps and join us. Also, be sure to come back on Jan 15 for Week 3 of the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along. Lots going on to keep yourselves busy this winter . . . .

Sew Along - Week Two

Week Two of the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along: Make blocks 7 - 12 on pages 43 - 45 of  the Schoolgirl Sampler book. Two easy blocks this time!

(Blocks by Sue Bennett)

Go to the files in the groups or check my website (sew along page) for more info on making the blocks for this week. There's a sewing tip in the file for Week 2 that may help if you have trouble with basket blocks. It's all about lining up the pieces correctly so your points don't get cut off. 

If you haven't yet, it's not too late to join the sew along. Just get the book and jump in and start with the blocks for Week One. We're making them in numerical order. 

It's been fun to see all of your finished blocks from last week! I can't believe there were so many pretty fabrics I had never seen before. Enjoy your weekend!

Ready, Set, Sew . . .

Happy New Year! If you're joining the Schoolgirl Sampler Sew Along, you'll find all of the block patterns in my Schoolgirl Sampler book.  

Week one (January 1) - Make blocks 1 through 6 on pages 40 - 42 of the Schoolgirl Sampler book. Have fun! 

(Blocks made by Sue Bennett) 

If you're making the quilt as shown in the book, there are 92 half-square triangle blocks used in the sawtooth border. If you have time, make a few of these each week or whenever you can. It will make it a little easier to have some finished when you put the borders on the quilt. 

If you're interested in sewing along with new friends, join my Facebook Schoolgirl Sampler group. Each week I will also list the blocks we'll be making for that week on my website Sampler page. 

Oh! Wait - There's another new project for 2021! Join me in making the 2021 Mystery Quilt in my Facebook Small Quilt Lovers group. It's simple, fast and easy (and scrappy!). We'll make a few blocks each month and finish up in April or May. This month, make some half-square-triangle blocks.  The monthly patterns will be posted in the Facebook small quilt group files and also on my website on the Mystery Quilt page. If this doesn't keep you busy and distracted this year, I don't know what will . . . . 

My best to all of you in 2021. New year, fresh start, new quilting adventures. 

Stay safe and healthy. Be kind; be grateful. 

Take time for yourself and enjoy the  journey! 

Have a Merry Christmas

No snow here yet . . . . but I'm still hoping.

Have yourselves a very Merry Christmas!

See you in the Sew Along group on January 1!

 

Practice on Some Simple Blocks

Less than two weeks left until the Sew Along begins! I suspect some of you have been secretly making blocks since you purchased the book  . . . . 

But for those of you who may be beginning quilters or who are anxious about making this quilt, let me reassure you - These blocks are simple and pretty much a piece of cake. Not one is really that difficult. Some may require a little patience but for the most part they are straightforward. Nothing fancy.

When we begin the sew along on January 1, we'll start with Block number 1 and then go on making the others in order. That's how I started making the blocks for my Dear Jane quilt. Please - I am in no way comparing my quilt to the awesome Jane Stickle quilt, but it does have some similarities (small blocks, similar fabrics) and yes, I modeled one after seeing and working on the other. 

I fell in love with that quilt the first time I saw one. Then I started seeing them more and more so I knew everyone else was as entranced as I was. I liked sampler quilts and, being a lover of small quilts and 1800s reproduction fabrics, the fact that Jane's sampler was comprised of small blocks and made in the 1860s with fabrics from that time really drew me in.

Dear Jane quilts on display at a show in France. 

A few of Jane Stickle's blocks.

A few of my blocks. 

Unfortunately, when I started making the Dear Jane blocks in order I quickly ran into difficulties. I was not a very good piecer, hand piecing was just not my thing, my applique left lots to be desired and I had no idea how to paper piece. So, when I ran into challenging blocks, I became frustrated and often set them aside. However, by skipping around and making some of the easy blocks first, I was able to warm up to the small piecing. I gained confidence and polished up my skills. I found it was a great way to practice precision and patience. The difficult blocks became less difficult because I practiced. It was my journey to becoming a better quilter as I picked up quite a few new skills. My blocks are far from perfect but I still think they're pretty good. And, I can now paper piece with ease and my applique doesn't stink. I can even do reverse applique. Who'd have guessed?? 

I think making any sampler quilt is bound to do this for you. Anyway, the point I am making is that the blocks in my quilt are MUCH easier than those in the Dear Jane quilt. There are no difficult blocks, just blocks that take a little patience and practice.

So, if you're a beginner or a quilter who is just not used to working with smaller pieces, you may want to spend a little time practicing on some of the easier blocks. 

This will allow you to gain some skills for putting the small pieces together and may make the others a whole lot easier. If you have the book, please read the section on page 8 - Tips for Sewing Small Blocks. Try making a few of these blocks first - # 9, 11, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 37, 38, 40, 43, 68. And probably a few others.  These blocks are mostly made from squares and triangles. A few larger half-square triangles. If you follow the directions, they should give you no problem. And, if you have that scant 1/4-inch seam down, they will go together easily. After this, you may even want to start a Dear Jane quilt or go back and finish the one you started. 

Have a good weekend. I hope some you are able to take some time to enjoy the holiday season! No snow yet here in the Chicago area but I know some of you out east are cursing it as we speak . . . . .