Jane Sassaman at Riverwalk Quilters

I am so far behind with my life in quiltie land right now! I sorted out my pictures for this post for-ever ago. Oh well. Today is a new day and I am home all week so we’ll see what I can catch up with.

It’s almost two weeks since we had the wonderful experience of the lovely and extremely talented Jane Sassaman visiting us at Riverwalk Quilters. (Yes, I am a big fan!)

I had been talking about her impending visit for months. I think it is very important to keep taking classes and I was so excited that I was finally going to be in one of Jane’s. Her lecture on the Tuesday evening was inspiring and educational. She exudes knowledge in such an easy way… sharp edges for danger and excitement anyone?

Wednesday morning I set my alarm clock and managed to get to the library just in time for our Suns and Moons workshop. Not a lot of space but Jane started with another informative talk with lots of examples.

I even jotted down some notes. She talked about being willing to put in the extra attention that puts her quilts over the top in terms of workmanship and artistic merit. She truly wants the viewer to “feel the love and attention” that goes into her quilts.

Something for me to ponder?

A bigger space became available so we wheeled our tables across the hallway… Much better!

Then we set to work, cutting circles and donuts… I had brought my precious fat quarter stack of Uppercase fabrics, designed by Janine Vanpool for Windham fabrics. They have been sitting on the side in my sewing room since Spring Market…

I own lots of perspex circle templates and I was very glad I had thrown them in my bag. They were very handy for cutting quick accurate shapes!

I started to arrange my pieces on a gold background.I decided that a small design would be a good way to go. How about 11″square?

I added some spikes for movement and action, switched out some of the gold for blue and came up with this…
Time to start stitching.

Jane has some great tips for successful machine sewing. Of course!

Do you like the decorative stitches in the top right hand corner?Well, that’s as far as I got. It’s all so calm and logical the way Jane explained it.

Of course we needed a picture. I wore stripes on purpose. Every little thing helps, right?Look at the amazing quilts in the background. Focus Catherine, focus!

Thanks Jane for an inspiring two days.

If you ever get the chance to take a class from Jane Sassaman run, don’t walk, to sign up…