Dear Jane: the Two Hundred Twenty-five Patterns from the 1863 Jane A. Stickle Quilt

by Brenda M. Papadakis

Quilt lovers and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy Dear Jane. It contains all of the 225 patterns of the historic Jane Stickle 1863 quilt as well as a series of letters to Jane about life and times in the nineteenth century, with emphasis on the Civil War and the women's movement. Among the patterns and letters you will find a dozen quilts from the 1990's, all inspired by Jane's supreme example of quilt-making artistry in 1863.

Genres: Quilting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 1996

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this quilt. I mean LOVE. I've spent the last 3 years working on it and have made all 225 blocks now (finished the last one 12/31/10!). By hand even. But I have to say, though the quilt is a thing of beauty (definite 5-stars!), the book is definitely on the lackluster side. Papadakis provides line drawings of each of the blocks and nothing else-- no instructions, tips, hints, etc. One must be a pretty intrepid quilter to just dive in and do it with so little guidance. Interspersed throughout are journal entries from the author that, though kind of fun to read, don't offer any additional enlightenment of any kind (I was hoping for more history, why she made the design choices she did in her renderings of the blocks, or at least some of the stories behind why she named the blocks as she did). She offers only minimal information regarding what one needs to do to put the thing together (e.g., sashing, borders, scallops, etc.). The majority is left to the imagination of the reader.

It is important to note that there are an abundance of resources available online to assist someone in taking this journey of a project (Papadakis is even involved in some of them). And there is awesome software available that is really helpful (highly recommended). But the book alone? Yeah. 3 stars.

[Rebecca Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this quilt, but was disappointed that the book only includes line drawings and very small photographs of each block. Not only are there no instructions for constructing any of the blocks, but the author doesn't even give recommendations as to which blocks appear to have been pieced versus appliquéd in the original quilt. I know a lot of quilters have enjoyed the inclusion of the author's imaginary correspondence with the original 19th century quilt maker, but I found them to be intolerably insipid and cloying -- especially since these "Dear Jane" letters were taking up the space where most books would have had instructions or at least recommendations for each Block.

[Missy LeBlanc Ivey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, printed in 1996, details the 225 patterns from the 1863 Jane A. Stickle quilt, known as "The Mother", and the blocks are called "Baby Janes". It has been long out-of-print and is now considered a rare and even a high demand book. You won't find a used copy for under $70, and prices as high as $150, or even higher. I paid $73.00 (includes S & H). Of course, you can purchase the Dear Jane Electric Quilt on CD for about $45.00, or just the templates on Etsy for a little cheaper. I wanted the stories plus the templates that the book offers. I plan on making this heirloom quilt one day. But, if I don't, please don't tell my husband how much I paid for this little book.

The author writes in diary form to Jane Stickle, voicing her love and concerns over developing the patterns to Jane's specifications. She writes of a little history of Jane's family, and her own family, during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, and gives a little history on Shaftsbury, Vermont, where Jane lived and made this quilt by hand during the Civil War.

She recreated the patterns to trace onto freezer paper, cut apart on the lines, iron onto desired fabrics, and cut out adding a scant 1/4" seam allowance to each piece. Some pieces are appliqued, but most are sewn by hand or machine. She doesn't give instructions on "how" to put together the pieces, only a few tips to get you on your way.

There are a few photos of completed quilts using Baby Jane blocks creatively into other designed quilts, or you can put the quilt together exactly as Jane Stickle's quilt, even purchasing replica fabrics from the Civil War period. The choice is yours on how creative you want to be.

I'll soon be choosing a color scheme and fabrics to begin on my newest challenge.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered this book knowing the content but without seeing the book. This is a book showing the blocks that are included in a computer program I own by the same name. I had hoped that the pictures would give me a better visual of the quilting. It doesn't! I also see many blocks that the photos do not match the line drawings or the blocks are pictured in a different orientation than the block.

I realize that the book came out in 1996 but is in it's 25th printing. It would have been nice to know this information before I made the purchase.

Other than this disappointment, I am happy with the book. Since my program book is missing it gives me most of the visual information I was seeking.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After you read the book, visit the quilt itself. It's only viewable once a year for about four to six weeks, usually late September to early October, at Bennington Museum, in Bennington Vermont. Go, be inspired, and make your own Dear Jane quilt!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for quilt enthusiasts. Not for beginner quilters. Unless you want to jump into the deep end. There’s minimal information on how to make this quilt in the book and so it’s mainly a sweet collection of letters written from the author to the maker of a famous quilt by Jane Stickle. And the basic shape of the quilt blocks so you can create whatever quilt you want and the sky is the limit.

This is a bucket list project for me.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The text of this book is cloying and pointless. I’m glad I borrowed a copy from the library, instead of spending money on this book.

The line drawings are fine, but there is literally no help in making the quilt.

[Flo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excellent diagramming. I am clearly not the intended audience for the letters.

[Marian]

Lovely story behind the phenomena that is the Dear Jane movement. I have seen various Dear Jane quilts from friends, and the impulse to make one is strong but all those small 4 1/2 inch blocks!!

[Asuka0278 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this quilt and have only just started on my adventure in sewing it. (By machine of course I just don't have the time or patience to do it by hand like some ladies.) The older ladies in my quilting group think I (and my friend who is doing it with me) am absolutely bat &^%$ crazy for the attempt but are supportive anyway. I wish there had been more instruction on possible ways to cut for the blocks in the book. Possibly even helpful suggestions on changing the size of the blocks. Thankfully there is the internets and it is a wonderful source for inspiration and different techniques (applique, paper pieceing, etc.) in sewing this quilt. The blocks as is in the book are to finish at 4.5" which is pretty tiny. However, after doing a bit more researching and chatting with others who have attempted to do this quilt; there is speculation that more than 1 person is responsible for doing this quilt. The 4.5" is supposed to be the block size for all blocks. On closer examination the blocks in the original quilt are actually different sizes ranging from 4.5" - 6" Interesting the more you learn about this quilt. Happy Quilting to any and all who attempt any form of this quilt. :)

[Nonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading this book. I love the pictures of the actual blocks from the quilt. When it came to making my quilt I bought the software from Electric Quilt Company. I do not draft blocks and found the software print outs gave me more accurate templates for more accurate blocks. This is less of a pattern book then a documentation of Brenda's journey with the Dear Jane Quilt and her exploration of the writing of her book.

Brenda includes picture of "Baby Jane Quilts."


Nonnie

http://nonniesquiltingdreams.podbean....
Nonnie's Quilting Dreams- Podcast

********
http://nonniequiltingdreams.wordpress...
Nonnie's Quilting Dreams - Blog

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have had this book in my collection for a few years. now I have enough confidence to work through the blocks. They look challenging and indeed some are but I am having great fun working them. The letters that fill the pages are a wonderful journey through the authors mind as she too explored and built a quilt based on the Jane Stickle quilt

[Meghan Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Underground Railroad quilt was my favourite until I made this one. I fell in love with the stories contained in the letters and enjoyed the time making this quilt with friends I love. The stories and tips in the book were a perfect complement to the quilt itself, which has a gorgeous history. I wouldn't give this 5 stars; I'd give it 100 if I could.

[B · Rating 2 out of 5]

i might have been more drawn in by alternate interpretations of the patterns or modern colorways that still engaged the stories? but, i love the concept and the thoughtful work that went into the book.

[Amber]

Thanks, Mom!

[Bryelynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my review at http://www.sewstitchcreate.com/2012/1...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to make this quilt one of these days!

[NLCQG]

Checked in

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I need to buy a copy for my library.

[Ellen Spes]

Own it