The Two Hundred Twenty-Five Patterns from the 1863 Jane A. Stickle Quilt

by: Brenda Manges Papadakis

Published by: Wrights

Year Released: 1996

Construction: soft cover

Pages: 160

Rating: 7 out of 10

This is a well known book that I only recently picked up.  So this review my be late in the game, but I am trying to put all the books I have into the Book Review section.

Prior to purchasing it, I already knew a lot about this pattern.  I have been on the Dear Jane website and I even joined some of the groups.  I absolutely love the quilt.  I am not scared away by the small size blocks (4″) or the sheer number of blocks.  In fact the number of different blocks is what attacks me to it.

What surprised me when I opened the book what that there are no directions.  Or, shall I say, very few.  A total of four pages; four very vague pages.  I was expecting cutting and piecing instructions.  So, the book says that the blocks are made with templates and you copy the pattern from the pages of the book.  I know how to use templates, but it is not my favorite technique.

Luckily, there are plenty of groups out there to help.  There are also CDs and such to help with the templates.  More than likely, I will piece what I can (like half-square triangles) and use a template for the rest.

The book does have a few unique features, though.  There are several “Letters to Jane”.  These are letters that the author wrote while researching and recreating the quilt patterns.  These are like experiencing the process with Brenda.  Another thing I like is that she included several different ways to use the patterns.  Not everyone can make all the blocks, it is a huge undertaking; but maybe you want to use what you have accomplished and turn it into a quilt.    There are 10-12 examples of quilts made with these blocks, including an interesting safari one.

 So, if you are up for a challenge, pick up this book.  And make the Dear Jane quilt with me.