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Monday, May 17, 2010

A New Challenge...

Hi Everyone...
We are finally having some summer-like weather...we had our first meal outside yesterday! Can you believe it...the middle of May?? The nice sunshine is going to be short-lived though...it is going to get cool and possibly wet for the long weekend (we have our long weekend a week prior to the American holiday). We don't have any plans, but camping is a big deal around here...and I wouldn't want to be in the mountains when it is cold and rainy...been there, done that!!
It has been a busy May thus far...lots of cooking, baking and sewing.
On the sewing front, I decided that my fall project is going to be the "Dear Jane" quilt. I have been wanting to do this quilt for a long time...and after seeing all of the wonderful quilts at Quilt Canada last month, the bug to get back to quilting a little more has hit me. I have several miniature project books...but nothing like this! There are 225 blocks...yes, over 5000 pieces in this quilt. I decided I would get an overall background color for all of the blocks. This will be a scrappy quilt, but the background color will be consistent in every block.
I am going to hand-piece and hand quilt this project.
There are many Dear Jane quilts around the world finished or in the process...some can take years to finish their quilt. I hope this doesn't take more than a year...and it will truly be a labor of love. I plan on posting as I go along...and will give a little more history once I begin.













The mottled brownish fabric in the center is the  background material (in place of muslin) for the Dear Jane blocks. I wanted the blocks to look a little more antique-like. Each block (169) will be 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches and then the triangle pieces will follow. Man, I'm tired just typing this!!














This is the book that started the craze! It is a beautiful book and will be my guide as I travel back in time to re-create this amazing quilt.














This last piece of fabric was one that I purchased when I bought the Dear Jane fabric...I thought this would make really neat background fabric for mixed media Halloween or fall projects.

I am very excited about the re-opening of my blog shoppe...a very talented surprise guest is going to join in the fun! Keep watching the "Latest News" on the top left corner of this blog for further updates!
Please visit my "Foodie" blog too! New recipes with pictures every week...

Have a wonderful week!
Nancy

4 comments:

Doreen Frost said...

OH gracious Nancy..what a project!!!! I can not wait to see your pieces as you work..I hope that you will share them :)

I didn't realize you had a food blog..I shall pop over right now :)

Wishing you a wonderful day and warm Spring weather.

Hugs, Doreen

Aunt 'Reen said...

Nancy - I'm SO excited to hear that you will begin your Dear Jane Journey!
I LOVE the fabric you chose for the background of your blocks!
I look forward to following you along your journey!

hugs,
Doreen (aka Aunt Reen)

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Nancy,

How lovely that you are going to make a quilt, I have not heard of a Dear Jane quilt, so I look forward to seeing your work. Love the choice of fabric.
Also how neat that you are re-opening your blog shop.

Thanks for visiting me and sending birthday wishes.

Enjoy the rest of the week
Hugs
Carolyn

Nancy said...

Hi Doreen...thanks for stopping by. Yes, I will be sharing all of the blocks as I go. It is going to be a long journey, but a fun one!

Hi Auntie (Doreen)
I am excited that I finally decided to do it...you inspired me to get my butt in gear! Thank-you so much for the encouragement. The actual squares will show the fabric off a little better...

Hi Carolyn...
Thank-you so much for visiting. You can find samples if you Google "Dear Jane". I'm looking to starting soon...may be before the fall.
Yes, I am really excited about the blog shoppe. It is going to be a lot of fun.
Take care...
Hugs, Nancy

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