Look what I found!!

I found this in my moms things. 

Still in the box and never been used!!

In all the original wrappings

Along with the instructions for using!!

How cool is this!!??

It's a beautiful iron :^)

And extremely heavy!!

Of course I had to try it out!!! This thing gets hot! REALLY HOT!! It worked perfect for the cotton fabric. Notice that this is not a steam iron!! So it uses the heat and weight to press.
It was so hot that when I tried ironing a shirt with 40% polyester in it, I ended up with melty gunk on the iron!!
So I may be using this for decor only.
It was made in the 40's or 50's and was owned by my mom or grandmother. I really don't know for sure, but it is a treasure and I will keep it.
It makes me smile!!! And if I decide to use it to iron clothes with, I shall grow muscles in my arms!!!

Take care everyone, Happy Quilting, and keep those needles sharp and changed (every 8 hours)
Martha

I

My Dear Jane-Block #2 (A-2) One-Two Buckle My Shoe

My Dear Jane,
     Well, I decided to take another break from all my duties and get another block done on your quilt!! I just love this fabric, it is so bright and happy, wonderful for a gloomy kind of day!!!
     I had to do some paper piecing on the flying geese because they were so very small and I couldn't find a formula to use. That is, one that was already figured out. I really didn't want to think too hard on this because I've been having headaches and I don't need to work on a bigger one. So paper piecing worked quite well.

     Don't you just love this fabric??

Simple yet cute!!

Here's the paper pattern with the fabric I chose

And the little paper piecing diagrams!!

OK, now to get back to what I was supposed to be doing this weekend and try to finish it up by tomorrow night. I am going to need some self discipline to stay focused!!! Wish me luck :^)

Until the next block My Dear Jane, take care and Happy Quilting!! Martha

P.S. That goes for all of you too!! Enjoy your weekend :^)

My Dear Jane-Block #1 (A-1) Pinwheel Gone Awry

Block A-1 Pinwheel Gone Awry- 4.5" finished

My Dear Jane,

I have decided to embark on a journey of re-creating your amazing quilt. At times I wonder why I am adding another project to the endless list of unfinished quilts I already have, But your quilt intrigues me. As I study each block, I imagine and wonder what life was like for you so many years ago.

A few years ago, I came across the book, Dear Jane, by Brenda Manges Papadakis (http://www.dearjane.com/). It's a wonderful book documenting your quilt. Each block has been individually photographed and drafted so that quilters like myself can enjoy your work of art. I found a computer program of Dear Jane also, and I am now trying to learn to navigate through that to help me in the process of constructing the blocks of your quilt.

I will be working on your quilt blocks when life gets overwhelming for me. Working full time in this hectic world can be difficult and finding something to enjoy with no posted deadlines was, and is, needed.

So I have found my little escape, constructing my very own Dear Jane quilt :^) I will name it after you, My Dear Jane!!

I will be using 1930's reproduction prints in my quilt. I love how happy they feel and I am sure they will make a beautiful quilt!! I do hope all who see it will enjoy the view.

My Dear Jane book

Computer software and user manual for My Dear Jane.

My collection of 1930's reproduction prints.

Fabric for block #1 (A-1)

Color printout from computer program

Line drawing from computer program.

Picture and line drawing from the book. The photo is from the actual Jane Stickle quilt!!

Ready to piece together.

Block #1 done!!

So until the next block, My Dear Jane, take care and Happy Quilting!! Martha