Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Magic of Jane Sassaman

I was pretty stoked when I was asked to be part of Jane Sassaman's tour for her new book, "Patchwork Sassaman Style".  When the book arrived at the house the first thing I did was page through it and I have to admit I was mesmerized.  I kept looking at the pictures wondering how did she do that?
After reading the book, I realized, that is the magic of Jane Sassaman.  Jane writes about her "love affair with fabric" and her fascination with what she refers to as "personality prints".  Jane urges quilters to listen to their fabric and do something special with those big, bold, beautiful prints that fill quilt shop shelves and that a lot of us buy, but have trouble using.
The designs in Jane's book are grounded in simple, traditional piecing, but because of the way Jane teaches us to look at and use fabric, the quilts transform from simple to magical.
It was hard for me to believe that the piecing shown turns into this with Jane's use of the fabric.
And the same pattern into these.  Simply stunning!

While the subtitle of the book says, "Recipes for Dazzling Quilts", the book is more than that.  Jane indicates that a recipe is your guide.  There is plenty of room for flexibility and creative decision making in constructing quilts like these.

I always love a book where I can learn something.  I think you'll be just as blown away by Jane's ideas as I was.  Jane has generously offered to share a copy of her book with my readers.  (US addresses only, please.)

If you'd like to be introduced to the magic of Jane Sassaman, leave a comment and I'll choose a winner on Friday!

Be sure to check out the rest of the tour here!
Comments are now closed!  Thanks for entering.  Winner will be announced shortly!

187 comments:

Jill said...

wow, I'm looking at these pages and trying to wrap my head around the images. thanks for the opportunity to get a closer look...

Darcy said...

Those are BEAUTIFUL quilts! Thank you for the chance to win.

Dolores said...

I too would like to know how she does it. Big prints have always been used in borders for me and I would love to explore their use further. Thank you for the chance to win this great book.

MIss Sherry said...

Jane's fabrics are always so interesting and when you can actually see how she incorporates them into "traditional" piecing.... it's pretty amazing. Looks like a great book.

Anonymous said...

I love Jane's "personality prints" and would enjoy a copy of her book.

Karen M said...

Wow! I would love to learn how to see fabrics the way she does. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

troy and christina said...

The quilts are gorgeous. They remind me of the kaleidoscope technique for using bold fabrics. Lovely!!

Nichole said...

Wow - amazing quilts. I'd love to learn a few new ways to use those big, bold prints. Thanks for the chance to win!

Alecia said...

Totally inspired by this glimpse at Jane's book . . . I would love to see more!

Pamela V said...

Beautiful. I have never heard of her before. Thanks!!

Nutsy Coco said...

Wow, those are stunning!

Nancy said...

Jane taught at our guild several years ago, and I was totally wowed by her work. I'd love to put her new book to use.

beautifulshell said...

oh yes, please! those pictures are gorgeous!

Beth said...

Wow - that so incredible, I'd love to win this.

Anonymous said...

I have Jane vintage fabric on a special shelf... have loved her fabs for years.... would also love to have this book...count me in, please.

Donna Nelson said...

The more pictures I see from the book, the more I want it. So inspiring. Love seeing all these new blogs too.

Deb said...

I like the idea of using Jane's fabrics with traditional quilt patterns - looks like an interesting read! Thanks-
Deb
dr392809@gmail.com

Mary Ellen said...

I love Jane's artistic sensibility. Can't wait to see the book!

cynthia said...

I can hardly wait to see this book! Thanks for highlighting those intriguing pages.

SeƱora H-B said...

Stunning quilts!

Jo said...

Jane's quilts and fabrics are always wonderful. They remind me of the paintings of Henri Rousseau - mysterious tropical jungles. I'm intrigued by the approach this book takes to using those big prints. Thanks for making me aware of it and for this chance to win a copy.

Laurel said...

wow... those are absolutely amazing. what a new way to look at fabric!

trillium said...

Thanks for showing pages in the book! They are magnificent. I hope I can win it.

nattyg said...

Wow those look amazing! I'd love to give one of those patterns a shot.

Pattij said...

Those are gorgeous quilts! Thank you for the opportunity!
Evin5 at aol dot com

Sherri I said...

Aren't the quilts in this book gorgeous? Thanks for the chance to win!

Anonymous said...

I've got to have this book. I have always loved the fabric, now I'll know how to use it to make an amazing qilt.

donna a said...

Oh please count me in! I just love her style and would so much love to win a copy of her book! How inspiring!

mjb said...

These designs are incredible.

Elsa said...

Amazing designs ~ the last 3 quilts look like mandalas ~ really beautiful!
Thanks for the chance to own this lovely book!

~Michelle~ said...

Ooh, that book looks interesting!

Lynn said...

This book looks inspirational!! What fun. Hope this is my lucky day.

Miss Lola said...

I can believe those blocks were pieced! There is so much that I can learn from this book!

DonnaM said...

I need this book! I have some fabrics that could really use her techniques. Her quilts are so beautiful. I'd love to win a copy.

Diane said...

What fabulous color and fabric!!

Nancy said...

Mesmerizing... a good description of Jane's quilts and fabrics! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of her new book.

D Smart said...

I too love to use big bold color. I would love to win this book.

Betty said...

Jane's artistry is amazing! I love big, bold prints and have really only found 1 pattern lately that helps showcase the "big" - would love this book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Susan said...

I am amazed! Each quilt looks like a bold beautiful print in itself. It is crazy that it is pieced. I would love to win Jane's book, but if I don't, I will have to grab up a copy this weekend.
Thank you so much!

tropicslady said...

Totally amazing quilts! Thanks for the chance to own the book!

susie said...

Oh, so beautiful and inspiring!

Robin Quilts, etc. said...

Wootie Woot! I love Jane's fabrics so I know I would love her book.

Debbie said...

I love her fabric, and its sitting on my shelf because I haven't had the nerve to cut into it. this book may just be the ticket! thanks!

Emily said...

Wow. Looks like a fun and interesting book! I'd love a copy.

LSS said...

Never would have guessed that traditional looking block would turn onto that. I'd love to see the rest of the book. Hopefully we can have her come to a guild meeting sometime.

Twila said...

Please enter me in the drawing - I've never seen quilts do this before!! Love the patterns & boy do I have some big prints to use!!

wintunancy said...

I'm a big fan of fussy cutting, and boy does this book show that technique off in an amazing way. Thanks for sharing with one of us with a giveaway, but most of all for bringing the book to our attention. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Those are stunning!

Sally said...

Wow! Stunning quilts.

Mindy said...

I have several of Jane's fabrics and have always been fascinated by the stunning quilt she made. I can't wait to get my hands on this book and see if I can follow this recipe for magic!

Sharon Rotz said...

I love using Jane's fabrics and these designs are wonderful.

Amy said...

Gorgeous book!

Doreen said...

Fascinating! Even when I see how she does it I find myself entranced by the design/finished block! Love the fact she uses traditional piecing to achieve such a beautiful end!

Anonymous said...

Those blocks are AMAZING. I think I would love this book!

Mary said...

Wow! That is amazing

Bethany said...

These are amazing, like fabric Kaleidoscopes, which I love looking through!

Michele said...

Wow, what beautiful and stunning quilts. Thanks for a sneek peek inside a great book.

Anonymous said...

Irresistible!! and Amazing!! Thanks for the chance, I hope I can win!
lubna_2112@hotmail.com

Sharon S, central Oregon said...

Would love to win one of Jane's new book. Love visiting all of the new-to-me blogs. Thanks.

KG said...

Wow! That's simply fabulous and I'd love to have this in my library! Thanks for the chance to win!

Jules said...

I've been following Jane's work for years and had been wondering what she'd been up to - those are so cool! Thanks for the chance to win!

connie said...

Thank you for this opportunity, looks like an incredible book!!!

Maxine said...

I have not heard of Jane, but I need to tell you WOW...They look like the kaleidsocope I look at when I was a kid...Can't wait to see the book. Thanks for the chance to win....Love your blog also and book.

Lori said...

wow I would love to own her magic to makin awesome quilts. Thanks for the chance to win
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Sara said...

Oh, my! I need this book..... I've got a nice little stash of large prints that would be great using Jane's guidance.

karen said...

those are too cool! would love to get my hands on this book!

heartsofhampshire said...

Awesome with a capital A! want it,need it must have it............thanks for the chance
Heatherx

Wendy said...

stunning! I love when a designer uses the fabric as the main point of the design...and I would love to learn her "tricks" of the trade! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!

caribousmom (at) gmail (dot) com

LizA. said...

Wow! I had to really study the pictures before I realized they are all made with a single fabric. Amazing!

Chris Chambers said...

Beautiful designs! Thanks for the contest!!

Unknown said...

This book looks gorgeous! Thanks for opportunity to win it!

Edzellinni aka Linda Edkins Wyatt said...

I really really really want this book! Entering my name in the contest every day...I is just sooo beautiful. Please pick my name! fingers crossed...

The Spiritual Existential Nihilist said...

What a beautiful book. Some of the quilts I've seen are unreal.

Joannag said...

Looks like a book I'd enjoy! Thanks for the intro and giveaway! Joanna

Living in the Bay said...

This book would stretch my quilting into the art realm. It's beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I love Jane's quilts and her fabrics. I was lucky enough to take a class from her in 1993 and I'd love to own the book.

Candace E. said...

What beautiful fabrics and patterns!

grendelskin said...

I love Jane's fabrics and have purchased several but have not put them to the kind of use she does!! Would love to dream over her book awhile.

patty a. said...

I love Jane's fabrics, but I would have never thought to use them like the sneak peak you gave us. SOOOOO I guess I need to win this book!

Tacey Burnham said...

The quilts are truly mind blowing. Jane's work is humbling and inspiring at the same time.

kmanzano said...

Amazing! They bring back memories of looking through the kaleidoscope and then turning it and seeing a different design.

Sonia B said...

Wow, that looks amazing. Thanks for the chance.

Diann said...

I love the expression "personality prints'" It so captures Jane's fabrics.

Helmus said...

This is such good timing--I have these lovely large-scale hawaiian prints that I don't know how to use. They are too beautiful to cut into small pieces. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

Marianne said...

Dommage pour les quilteuses qui ne vivent pas en AmƩrique :((((

Deborah said...

Thanks for an opportunity to have this great new book! Always good to learn something new!

Newbie Jen said...

Oh pick me, pick me! I have loads of those big prints that I don't know what to do with.

Lori Kay said...

That's amazing! Lovely pattern. Thanks for the giveaway!

B Greene said...

This must be magic - I want to learn the spell!!

mary said...

What great ideas. I'd love to try them.
svalgoma@yahoo.com

audrey said...

Jane is amazing. I love her work.

Tamie said...

I'd love to learn how to do her kind of magic. Thanks for the review and sneak peek.

Donna~~ said...

Wow! Wow! Wow! Those quilts are stunning! Amazing what clever cutting will do!

DianeY said...

Wow-these almost look like one giant piece of fabric, rather than pieced. Must be some remarkable fussy-cutting

Jen B said...

So beautiful! Would love to make something in that style.

barbaradougherty126 said...

Looks like a good one. Throw me in he mix too. Thank you.

Cheryl said...

that book is already on my wish list!

JoanDeArc said...

Jane really does have a magical eye for fabric and pattern!! I want to "see" as she does with the help of her new book! :)

Anonymous said...

I just love these colorful quilts. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of these motivating new book.
Rosemary
nellieduclos@yahoo.com

Barbara said...

I would love to learn more about Jane. Pick me.

Bailey said...

Simply stunning quilts!

Anonymous said...

I like this book tour because it takes me to many new quilting websites (like yours) that I have never seen. I really enjoyed your site and will return again to look at more of the tutorials. I hope I win Jane's book.

Brian B said...

Absolutely amazing designs!I would like to venture out into more of this type of creativity.

Anonymous said...

Would love to try Jane's "Magic"! Thanks for a chance to win her book.
Kat [wtrstone@aol.com]

nanann said...

I've loved Jane ever since I first saw her Willow quilt oh so many years ago. Would love to dive into this book.

Rebecca said...

wow, what beautiful quilts! i would love to give her techniques a try.

Ann said...

Thanks for introducing me to Jane's work. It does look like wonderful magic.

lori said...

I would love to win this book! Jane Sassaman is one of my very favorite artisits! Thanks for the Chance - lori

Ali said...

As an ex-chef, I appreciate the sentiment about recipes, now if only I could create the same magic with fabric as I can with food! Thank you for the giveaway, it looks like a really lovely book.

Kd Brown said...

I'd love to see Jane's new work. She is so totally amazing and talented and her quilts just keep on getting better and better. Thanks for a great giveaway! :)

Marybeth said...

I would love to be a winner!!

sonja said...

thak you for yet another chance to have the new book by Jane . now if i can just read the words of the non robot me!
Mahalo!

carla said...

They are really beautiful!!!! Thanks for a chance at winning one of these great books!!!!

Brittany said...

Thanks for the introduction. Now I want to see the rest.

Venus de Hilo said...

Wow! Love Jane's fabrics (and have some in the stash). This book is now on my MUST HAVE list, so thank you for the chance! After seeing those pictures I have to go fussy-cut something now...

Sharon said...

What beautiful designs! I love the big bright prints and this is a neat way to use them

Janet said...

Lovely amazing designs! Thanks for a chance to win the book.

Queen of Scraps said...

Wow, I have always loved Jane Sassman's fabrics and her quilts. How awesome to be able to learn to make these quilts. Thanks for sponsoring this great book giveaway.
Kathy Ryan

loralie said...

The quilts you showed from the book are wonderful. They inspire me.

Jennie P. said...

Oh how awesome! I'd love to own that book!

Chris said...

I can't wait to see this book! I love Jane's ideas.

Marlene said...

I love Jane's Fabrics, thanks for a chance to win her book.

Kresta said...

My jaw dropped looking at those pictures. They're amazing. Makes me want to go home and sew!

Sewgirl said...

I really like Janes quilts and am thrilled to see she has a new book out. I can't wait to see it!

Marcia W. said...

Thank you for the chance to enter this giveaway for Jane Sassaman's new book. It would be great to win a copy and learn about her success in piecing quilts with large prints.

hope said...

Gorgeous quilts. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

Lindsey F. said...

The blocks look magical. Thanks for sharing the opportunity to learn about the magic.

Carrie P. said...

oh, are just amazing photos. I wonder how she does it too. thanks for a chance to win the book.

Valerie said...

Oh wow - I would have looked at those quilts and thought it was beyond my skill, but that piecing is certainly doable! Amazing!

Jennifer said...

This looks absolutely amazing. And I have a ton of those personality prints!

Anita said...

Gorgeous quilt designs! I love her fabrics and would be so happy if I won her book :)

Linda Kay said...

What gorgeous quilts! Thank you for the chance to win this book.

Lisa E said...

I love Jane Sassaman's fabrics. I'm really looking forward to seeing her book.

Susan E. J. White said...

Loving all of Jane's work.

Debbie said...

I have a lot of Jane's fabrics. Great review of her book, Jacquie! Wonderful photos of the pages.

janie said...

Can't wait to get my hands on the is book ! thanks for the chance to win !

Just Jillbean said...

Such an amazing designer, I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance!

MJKasz said...

I find your personality shows thru in your blog, I love it! You are to the point and spunky just like Jane,s designs. I would love to have this book. I also plan to checkout Walking foot Wednesdays

Patty said...

I've been a fan of Jane Sassaman for many years, and can't wait to get a look at her new book!

California Fiber artist and composer said...

I love Jane's work and would love to win a copy of her book. Congratulations on the second printing of Quilt Modern

pklaw said...

Prior to your review I would have probably passed on this book thinking that the designs would be too complex for me! I will be following and hoping to win! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Everyone is whetting my appetite for the book and the fabric. It's very exciting

Sharon said...

I would love to give these beautiful patterns a try.

Cindy said...

What fabulous color and fabric!!

Jenelle said...

Wow! I can see the underlying piecing that makes up the blocks, but I am amazed by the way the fabrics work together to make the mandala-like designs. Gorgeous! Thanks for the chance. :)

Maria said...

Just gorgeous!1 Love how Jane can use bold prints without making the quilt over-powering or too busy....she is very talented

Trudi said...

Jane's book looks wonderful. I'd love to win a copy.

janequiltsslowly said...

I am so amazed by those beautiful blocks! It looks like fussy cutting may be involved, but I'd love to learn. From one Jane to another: beautiful work!

Beth said...

Jane Sassaman's quilts remind me of what quilts look like in dreams--resembling the real thing but so incredible as to be "not of this world".

Thank you for being part of this blog hop.

Peggy said...

I love Jane's work. Thanks for the opportunity!

Paula said...

I have been a Sassaman fasn forever. I have some fabric sitting in the stash waiting for the book! Can't wait to read it.

P.Piche said...

I would loev the be the keeper of such an inspiring book.

Sharon said...

Amazing prints. I would love to learn how to piece with them

Linda said...

The book looks fascinating!

Pauline said...

in it to win it they say......have so missed blogging these past 7 weeks especially this blog...lovely to be back...

SewLindaAnn said...

I've already been introduced to her fabric, love to meet her book!

krislovesfabric said...

Looks to be a fun book, would love for it to come to my house ;)

Cindi said...

Oh my goodness! Such beautiful blocks with such a traditional pattern. I'm anxious to see this book!

KateKwiltz said...

That looks amazing! And would probably allow me to experiment with all her fabric I've been hoarding! :)

brigit said...

I love how the kaleidoscope look of these quilts--really amazing!

dwright33055 said...

magic, I need some spice in my life I sure could use that book, I love the look of that book,wow

Pile O Fabric said...

Wow her use of fabrics is amazing! This is now on my wishlist! Thanks Jacquie

Stephanie said...

This is incredible!

Anonymous said...

I think this would really take me out of my comfort zone because I've never tried anything like this. I love it! Thanks for the chance to win!

Jennifer
justsayno2spam@mac.com

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

This book looks amazing. I use a lot of large scale prints but never like what I see here. Would love to win.

blocksandmore said...

WOW ! Just amazing.

Jenny Wren said...

Fantastic way of looking at and piecing exciting fabrics. I look forward to getting a copy. Thanks for a chance to win.

Gunilla said...

Amazing!!! They look absolutely fantastic, and good thing is Jane Sassaman is letting us know how to do it! Thanks for sharing the secret!

Anonymous said...

A copy of this book would bring me to a new level! What a beautiful collection....

Lory
loryacts@yahoo.com

Gina said...

I would love to be introduced to the magic of Jane Sassaman! Thank you offering this opportunity.

clairesoprano said...

Looks like a beautiful book, thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

I love the colors.

Anita said...

These quilts are awesome! Thanks for the chance to win.

Tracy said...

I love Jane's fabric and would love to win the book. Thanks for a great giveaway!!

Amanda said...

I would LOVE to win this book! I'm just getting in to quilting and have already found myself collecting mostly personality prints in my stash. Thanks for getting the word out that you really can do quilts like this.

Anonymous said...

I think this is a book that I really need.
Anita T.

Nicole said...

These quilts are stunning! Thanks for the chance to win the book!

Penny said...

These quilts are beautiful. They look like Mandalas!

lizzieslog said...

I am very much an admirer of Jane's fabric and would love to have her book.

Anonymous said...

Lovely! The pictures are so inspiring!

Gene Black said...

I hope I am not too late! I would love to win this book!

Annmarie said...

I love big prints but the challenge is how to use them! I have quite a few cuts sitting on my shelf and would love to win Jane Sassaman's book for patterns for them. Thanks for the chance.

Sallie said...

I would love to win this great-looking book!

Purl Buttons said...

I would LOVE a copy of this book!

Phyllis said...

The quilts are stunning! I would love to own this book!

Sandy Ellison said...

Would love to win this book -- have admired Jane's work for years.

Anonymous said...

What interesting and gorgeous designs! Thanks for sharing.