Every New Year I vow to use what I have, and not purchase new, for my studio. This year I am hoping that this purchase will support me in this endeavour.

I have loved doing the HundredDayProject over the past few years, and have successfully reduced my stash of yarn by crocheting 100 granny squares, have learned how to use my Cricut by making 100 boxes, and last year I worked my way through Tula Pink’s 100 Modern Quilt Blocks. However, I found myself having to “work ahead” in order to consistently post one item per day, when I was going to have to be away from my studio for several days.

So, for this year, 2026, I propose to follow a similar model, but to not use “day” as my unit. Instead, I propose to complete the 225 blocks of the Dear Jane quilt, posting each as I complete it. To that end, I have purchased the EQ8 add-on, and will be developing greater understanding of this software through this project.

Having been inspired by the Quilt Alliance, I am also going to document this quilt (having never done so over 35 years of quilting), and will reference this blog when I put a label on the completed quilt (which I have only recently begun to do with my quilts!).

Here are the rules I have set for myself:

• I will use only fabric from my stash.
• I will “tackle” the blocks in the order that inspires me.
• I will photograph each block, and add it to the layout, providing me with a virtual “design wall” that I will be able to utilize as the quilt progresses, and to determine the final block layout.
• I will document each block in a separate blog post, and for each I will note technical details, as well as the challenges and successes that I experience completing the block.
• I will accept that this could be a multi-year project!

Here are some useful links, relating to this project:

• Dear Jane Add-on for EQ8
• Quilt Alliance
• the100DayProject (beginning in February this year)

Let’s hope that my WordPress skills, my EQ8 skills, and my quilting skills all benefit from this Dear Jane project.

Wish me luck!