54 down, 115 to go

And that doesn't count the triangle and corner blocks in the DJ quilt. I did 3 DJ blocks over the weekend. Let's see -- if I do 3 a week, I can finish the block in only 18 weeks.  Seems achievable.

** Edited to correct my math **

Nope, that would be 38 weeks to finish the blocks if I do 3 per week.

Then, I've still got 50 triangles (have completed only 2) and the four corners. At 3 per week, that's another 18 weeks. But considering I made my first DJ block on Sept. 10, 2004 -- and haven't made one since 2/13/2005 (YES, that's 5 years ago!), spending another 36 weeks (** that would be 74 weeks **) on this quilt (not counting  sewing the sashing to the blocks and assembling the quilt top itself, doesn't sound  that long. This isn't a commitment to finish the blocks in 74 weeks -- but rather an acknowledgment that it is possible (just not probable!).

Anyway, here are the 3 blocks I made over the weekend.

It's funny that the process of scanning or photographing, and then viewing on the computer monitor, makes the mistakes are so obvious! On the K8  block (in purple)  I noticed that one of the background pieces was attached upside down so the back is on the front. This isn't obvious when looking at it in person, but boy is it obvious in the photo. I'm NOT redoing the block however. But I might redo K1, the pieced block with the tan stripey print. The paper pieced pattern did not match the actual block and as a result, my lights and darks aren't all in the right spots. (Plus I was very rusty with my paper piecing and I could  have done a better job.)

I also discovered a terrific blog, That Quilt, by Anina. She has shown her piecing, applique and paper-piecing process for about three fourths of the DJ blocks -- so  far. It is a terrific resource for those working on DJ quilts.

Which of these is not like the others?

One of these blocks -- the upper right block -- was hand appliqued via needleturn a couple years ago. But the other three I did via machine applique this evening. I was able to do these three blocks in the time that it took to do the original one. Even though Kim Diehl recommends using the smoke monofilament thread on dark fabrics, I was too lazy to re-thread my machine and used the translucent clear on each piece.  I couldn't tell any difference from using the smoke. I'm loving this technique!

I thought this would be a good project for Valentine's / President's Day / Olympics weekend. Six more blocks to do the hearts and then there is some embellishment on each one. The blocks finish about 12 inches wide by 16 inches high.  The design is called "Heart to Heart" and is by Laurie Bird, Rose Cottage Design. Laurie also designs fabrics for Windham, as does her sister Michelle Blackhurst.

I so want to start a new quilt, but I told myself that I need to finish one of my WIPs (aka UFOs) for every new quilt I start. I decided that sewing several Dear Jane blocks would count as well so I will keep that quilt moving. (I just can't drop everything else to focus just on Dear Jane.) I'll get this one done, maybe a few DJ blocks, and then who knows what fun project I'll start.

Bye for now.

My Dear Jane Progress

I began my Dear Jane quilt several years ago (2004, I think)? I worked on at least one block a week for most of the year -- and completed 52 blocks and 2 triangles -- for a total of 1011 pieces of fabrics in the blocks. I did the Stitchin' Heaven block of the month program to get all of my fabrics, although I've mixed in some of my own reproduction fabrics so my quilt doesn't end up exactly like everyone else who did the BOM with them. Maybe this will be the year when I get going with Dear Jane again -- mine is named "Bountiful Jane". Enjoy the slideshow of my completed blocks: