Eye Candy

Thursday, July 18, 2012

How could you not spot a quilt or fabric designed by Jane Sassaman? It has a distinctive look, sometimes punctuated with black. It's unique and masterfully drawn by her, the designs beautiful and handsome at the same time. I remember seeing her genius first line at the FreeSpirit showroom in New York;  I did not come home empty handed.

Using fabric to its potential is another story. Or it used to be. Because Jane has written a new book, the masterwork: Patchwork Sassaman Style. It's a cultivated garden of quilt design ideas. She clearly demonstrates how one might take advantage of her signature fabric, or other fabric, in your work. Jane guides you all the way. If you are new to quilting, Jane will astonish you with her lavish illustrations and brilliant ideas. If you are into Hexies I bet you've never come across a Grandmother's Flower Garden, Sassaman-style.  If you aren't a quilting virgin, you'll grin upon seeing what quilt books used to be like.

As we say in New York, "Either you have it or you don't." Jane has it. Big time.

I was smitten by her book a few weeks ago and have been picking it up daily and marveling at her insights. I wouldn't be surprised if I came across it in a Metropolitan Museum of Art bookshop. It's that special.

The book's publisher will send a copy to one reader with a U.S. address who posts a comment here before noon, FRIDAY July 20th, New York time. COMMENTS are now 'CLOSED'. Thank you for your participation. -Anita

[I am typing this post on a smartphone, hence no images. My home DSL Internet service went down before my eyes just after midnight last night. I blame it on the construction of the new Second Avenue subway. I've been eighteen hours without service. Sigh.  How ironic to be writing about glorious large scale prints on a tiny screen.]  [New York - July 18, 8:54 p.m. Yay, I have internet service again! J ]

Here's to you Jane. Congratulations.

-Anita

61 comments:

Nina T said...

Yes, please!

Donna Keating said...

Would love a chance to win this book.

Debbie said...

Bummer. I hope you get your connection back soon, Anita! I have a lot of Jane's fabrics and the book would be great to add to my collection. I have a U.S. mailing address.

Deborah said...

Looking forward to seeing more of your work, Anita! Enjoy QBL! Would love to have Jane's book!

Kathleen said...

The fact that you do not have internet at the moment to post pics allows for some mystery, don't you think? I'm sure that most of us (if not all) know what Sassaman fabrics look like, so what would you post? Hmmm ... It's a fun mystery. Thanks for the opportunity to win this lovely book.

Karen M said...

Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this book. I hear great things about it and would love to have it.

Anonymous said...

I'd love a copy of Jane's fabulous book!

Michele said...

wow. sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win

trillium said...

Sorry you are without power. Lots of people in my area of WV are without power again due to severe thunderstorms yesterday pm and evening.

Oh, I agree with you about the artistic value of Jane's work! Would love to win this book!

trilliumcreates AT gmail DOT com

Connie said...

Thans for the chance to win this fantastic book! Connie in California

patty a. said...

I would love to win this book. I have a small stash of Jane's fabrics that I would love to turn into baby quilts.

Mary Ellen said...

I love the way you foundation piece with paper. I am going to try it. And I hope to win Jane's book!

cynthia said...

Thanks for a chance to win this fabulous book!

kay said...

This does look like a museum quality book! I would love to win a copy!

Donna said...

Years ago Jane spoke at my guild and taught a class. I just love her style and she was so encouraging. I would love to visit with her again through this new book. Thank you,

Diane said...

Love Jane's use of color and pattern! Hope you get your internet back soon.

Marlis said...

I had the pleasure to meet Jane when I was still and educator for Bernina. Loved her style and admire her artistry. Would love love this book! thanks for the chance.. xo marlis

Unknown said...

Love, Love, Love this fabric. Anxious to see her book. Thanks for giving us this opportunity to win Jane's book.
Sincerely,
Melissa Minke

Anonymous said...

I have a really hard time using up fabrics I really love (I know, I know -- contradiction in the extreme) so a book with tempting ideas is just what I need.

Sally @ Tobacco Creek Farm

Lori said...

Oh I would love to win this book.
thanks.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Sharon S, central Oregon said...

Hope your home internet is functional again soon. Thanks for the opportunity to win Jane's new book. I know it is fantastic

donna a said...

I hope you are not without your connection much longer! How inconvenient! Thanks for having the give-away! I love what i've seen of Jane's work through various photos and I'd LOVE to win a copy of her book! Please include me in the fun!

loralie said...

Always open to new ways to play with fabric!

Karen said...

I too am a longtime Sassaman fan, will keep an eye on my favorite quilt shops book shelf, where I know I'll see it soon! - Karen in Austin, Tx

The Spiritual Existential Nihilist said...

Her work is so beautiful -- how could it not be, with her magnificent fabric? Sounds like she has the dream life to me, working 7 days a week on what she loves.

Anita Grossman Solomon said...

Still no Internet for me. Glad I have smartphone cell service from a different provider and to make me smile, Jane's book -Anita

Edzellinni aka Linda Edkins Wyatt said...

Hi anita...your midtown neighbor reallllly wants this book! Really really really!

Queen of Scraps said...

I have loved Jane's quilts for years. It would be wonderful to have her book and make some of the beautiful quilts. Thanks for offering this giveaway.
Kathy Ryan - Austin, Tx
backntexas@gmail.com

Barb66 said...

Love Jane's fabric and would love to have this book.

Donna~~ said...

Hope you are able to get back on the internet soon--it's frustrating to be cut off! Thanks for the opportunity to win Jane's book--it looks like it's a great one!

Karen said...

Anita, I went to your Quilt Show taping a couple of summers ago in Boulder, CO. Love your blog :)

Marcia W. said...

Thank you for the lovely book giveaway. Hope your service is soon restored.

Linda said...

It does look like a coffee table book---thanks for the chance to win....I love Jane's fabrics...

Carrie P. said...

Hi Anita,
just thought I would be official. thanks for a chance to win Jane's book.

Kd Brown said...

I love Jane's work and extreme talent. Her book is fabulous and I'm on a quest to win a copy. Thanks for a great giveaway, Anita! :)

Katie said...

That sucks you can't post any images because her quilts are so amazing! I hope I win so I can learn how to make one :)

Chris said...

I love Jane's fabric and would love a book.

Tamie said...

I'd love to add this book to my library. Thanks for posting in difficult circumstances.

D Smart said...

I would love to win a copy of Jane's latest book.

Marlene said...

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

JoanDeArc said...

Anyone who wins Jane's book is very lucky!! I hope to add my name to the list! :)

Unknown said...

I would just love to receive this book! I love Jane's fabrics too! Fingers crossed!

MJKasz said...

I have seen so many wonderful pictures of Jane's creativity with fabric that your blog was restful for today's hop. I will forgive the situation that caused your computer problem. YES please pick me!

Sewgirl said...

I just love Janes work. She has such a way with color and design. To win a copy of her new book would be heavenly!

Jodi - usairdoll said...

I just discovered Jane with this hop and can't wait to see more of her work. Hope your internet comes back soon.

Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Lisa E said...

I love Jane Sassaman's fabrics. I can hardly wait to see the book for myself. Thanks for the chance to win.

P.Piche said...

THANKS FOR CUEING EM INTO JANES NEW BOOK. IT WOULD BE A ASSET to my book collection

Lisa England said...

This book looks fabulous! I would love to read Jane's tips on making the most of her fabrics.

Gene Black said...

I would so LOVE to have Jane's book. I think it would build on some of the things I learned in your book. And it will give me an excuse to buy more fabric in large scale prints!

sophie said...

I love Jane and her fabric--check out my chairs, reupholstered in one of her fabrics. I'd live to win a copy of her book.

Anonymous said...

You've got me tempted to run out and buy this book! But I'll wait. Just a tad, LOL!
loritfrench@comcast.net

Joyful Stitcher said...

Hope I'm not too late! Please count me in!

Deb said...

What a great book to win! Thanks for the chance-
Deb
dr392809@gmail.com

Deconstructed crazy said...

Thanks for the chance to win this inspiring book!

Cheryl Gebhart said...

I would love a chance to win this book.

Nancy said...

You're so right... Jane's got it! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of her new book.

Margaret said...

I'm really enjoying learning about Jane, her designs are wonderful. Hope I win
Margaret

Purl Buttons said...

I would love to be in on the contest! Sorry about your internet but thanks for finding a way to post anyway!

Sandy in CA said...

Please pick me!

B Greene said...

Jane's work is really quilty magic! I would love to get a glimpse into how she does what she does!

Helen said...

Well, I'm late...better late than never. I just got your email.