Dear Jane Beginnings!

My Dear Jane Block of the Month kit arrived last Thursday. I was so excited! I showed you the complete quilt picture the other day on this post.

I started blocks on Sunday and I'm so happy with them! I paper piece when I can and the software CD that is available for this pattern is great.

Yesterday I imported scans of my completed blocks to the software Block Sheet and they appear in the right place giving me a visual chart of what I have finished. Very cool!

There are also journal pages to print out so I plan on doing that. I think I'll do the log of page per block. I'll add the BoM instructions to the binder as well. I'm making notes as I go for cutting instructions for when I do another one. ;-)

I have these done. They are 4 1/2" blocks.

A-1 A-2

A-4 A-5

I have block A-3 started. I am doing the hand applique - can.you.imagine? I prepared the block and packaged it with all I needed in a sandwich sized ziploc bag. I even remembered to take it with me when JP had his ortho appointment yesterday! I finished the stitching before they even called him back! Argh!

Note to self: prepare a few more blocks!

I hardly ever have sitting to wait time (next ortho appt is in Dec 08!) and I can't do it in the car even if someone else would drive, so mostly these will be done at home. I'm just thrilled I did it and it was easy! :-)

So today's plan is for a few more blocks. Our kit for the month included blocks A1 - A8 and T1 & T2.

Sarah provides instructions with our fabric kit. Even though she isn't a paper piecer, it was suggested to pp on freezer paper. I have never used freezer paper and was shocked at the suggestion! A few ladies on The Quilt Show have used it and told me to preshrink the freezer paper with the iron.

I am loving pp on freezer paper! The pieces stick to it with an iron and I have the flattest seams ever! I'm pleased with the ease of removing the paper, too. Who'd have thunk it!!