Planning and Cutting for Diabolical Jane

Recently a quilt image popped up in my Pinterest feed that looked intriguing. It's called Diabolical Jane, and several clicks later I found the source, a tutorial by Jessie Aller. Her version is a copy of a 200 year old quilt she saw on a museum tour with the DC Modern Quilt Guild. Check out their images at the link.

I printed out Jessie's tutorial and studied the images, both of the antique original and her version. Her tutorial uses 4" wide pieces and makes a huge quilt, but I wanted something smaller using 2-1/2" strips so I refigured the cutting sizes. 

The quilt looks so complex, and the diabolical part of the name is a reference to the challenge of fabric selection. So I did what I advised the students in my color classes to do: view the pattern in greyscale and note the value placement. Also note the scale and character of the prints. 

Image from Jessie Aller tutorial, printed in greyscale

To help choose fabrics, I laid out the ones I'm considering in light, medium, and dark values. Apparently I saved the photo to greyscale and didn't save a color version. Most of the prints have purple and/or teal in them. 

I've started cutting some of the fabrics that I know I'll use, but I need more options. No problem, I'm going shopping with friends later this week. 

To keep track of what fabric is planned for where, I'm using the handy coloring page included in the tutorial, along with a lightened copy folded to see one quadrant, and a page for logging my fabrics.

I'm sure I'll end up collecting several more prints so I can audition them on the design wall. I want to give the palette my own spin, not just copy the inspiration image. 

Wish me luck - this could be a colossal fail or it could turn out to be something. I need to get it cut and ready to assemble at retreat in April. 

Link Up: Small Quilts and Doll Quilts