Jane Sassaman’s Workshop

Workshops build confidence and keener ways of seeing...

Learn from Jane’s insights into design and inspiration. These workshops have been successfully conducted for thousands of people from Tokyo, Japan to Lincoln, Nebraska. In fact, Jane has been twice nominated for Teacher of the Year by Professional Quilter’s Magazine. Jane’s comforting nature and encouragement will benefit seasoned artists and novices alike.

If you are interested in booking Jane for your guild program or quilt conference, please refer to this link for more workshop information.

Click here for Jane’s Schedule

Jane's current offerings:

Lectures

• Quilting Against The Odds                                        • Under The Influence

• Jane’s Textile Treasure Garden

Workshops

• Abstracting from Nature                                          • Floral Quilts

• Pattern Play                                                                • Shapeshifting

• Machine Applique                                                      • Leaf Sampler Personalities of a Leaf

• Bountiful Bouquets                                                    • Kaleidoscope Quilt

• Suns & Moons                                                            • Simple Silhouettes

LECTURE: QUILTING AGAINST THE ODDS

This visual lecture is about accomplishing your work in spite of obstacles - family life, space limitations, etc.  It is a pep talk and slide show which covers my inspirations and my obstacles.  I encourage people to do “what you have to do” by using myself and other artists as examples.

LECTURE: UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Under the Influence is a lecture of the visual and philosophical ideas that have influenced me and my work.  There is an extra ordinary range of wonderful images.  This is a very colorful lecture.  I hope to excite and inspire the audience by exposing them to an unusual combination of fantastic images.

LECTURE: JANE’S TEXTILE TREASURE GARDEN

This is a glimpse into the inspirations and process of designing fabric. From dreaming to drawing, coloring and cutting. This is a colorful journey through the creative process. I will also bring many quilts and accessories made with my FreeSpirit fabrics. Everyone will enjoy seeing how to use these contemporary prints to make dramatic quilts.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LECTURES:

• Two or more quilt racks or some other safe way to display quilts vertically

• Large projection screen

• Sturdy table to support projector and laptop

• 3 prong extension cords

1. •Two tables for sales and display
   

WORKSHOP - ABSTRACTING FROM NATURE

LENGTH - 1 day to 5 days

LEVEL - Beginning to advanced

                 Sewing machine needed for 3 to 5 day class

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION -

Nature is an endless source of inspiration.  In this class we will examine a wide variety of artists interpretations of nature before beginning to manipulate natural forms ourselves.  Through a series of exercises we will experiment with abstraction and exaggeration to capture the essence and energy of your favorite flora and achieve dramatic visual effects.  We will then translate these ideas into fabric in the 2 to 5 day workshop.

Drawing skills are not needed but participants should have a strong interest in developing their own design language and unique visual symbols.

This class is especially beneficial for the drawing impaired and the tragically literal .

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST -

ALL WORKSHOPS (including one-day class):

• Close-up photos of flora, (as many views as possible, including leaves, blossoms, buds, etc.)

or better still an actual plant or bouquet of flowers (see Visual Bibliography Resource).

• Check Visual Bibliography Resource listing  for some nice flower and plant photo books.      

• Drawing materials: Paper, pencils, tracing paper, etc.

• Clear tape, craft knife with #11 blade(optional)

TWO DAY WORKSHOP ADD:

• Fabrics: a good range of fabrics - solids, prints from light to dark

• Fusible interfacing: white, non woven, at least 4-6 yds. (Shir Tailor by Pellon is best)

• Wonder Under or some kind of iron-on adhesive

• Stick glue: archival, washable UHU is fine

• Scissors, rotary cutter, mat and ruler, masking tape

THREE OR MORE DAYS ADD THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES:

• Sewing basics: machine, scissors, iron, threads, etc.

• Open-toed embroidery foot - optional

• Fabrics: a good range of fabrics - solids, prints from light to dark

• Fusible interfacing: white, non woven, at least 6 yds. (Shir Tailor by Pellon is best)

• Wonder Under or some kind of iron-on adhesive

• Stick glue: archival, washable UHU is fine

• Rotary cutter, mat and ruler, masking tape

• Threads: basic and fancy (optional) to match fabrics

• Extension cord, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors (if necessary)

• Digital camera-optional,but very useful

1. •Flannel or some other method for pinning work to the wall-optional
   

-Click Abstracting From Nature.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts, 2 tables for teachers use.

2-5 DAY CLASSES:

3-5 irons and ironing stations, electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary). Plenty of workspace for each student.

WORKSHOP - FLORAL QUILTS

LENGTH - 3 day to 5 days

LEVEL - Beginning to advanced

                 Sewing machine needed

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION -

This workshop will help you translate your floral and organic ideas into appliqué and fabric.  There will be an emphasis on design as well as the best techniques to accomplish your ideas. We will view slides of other artists interpretations of flowers in many mediums to expand our thinking from the traditional geometry of quilts.

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST -

• Close-up photos of flora  (as many views as possible, including leaves, blossoms, buds, etc.)

OR a real plant or bouquet (see Visual Bibliography Resource)

• Check Visual Bibliography Resource listing  for some nice flower and plant photo books.

• Drawing materials: Paper, pencils, tracing paper, etc.

• Sewing basics: scissors,pins, etc.

• Sewing machine, in good working order

• Open-toed embroidery foot - optional, but very useful (#20 Bernina)

• Stick glue: archival, washable UHU is fine

• Masking tape, craft knife with #11 blade,

• Fusible interfacing: white, medium weight, 4-6 yds. Shir Tailor by Pellon is best.

• Wonder Under or some kind of iron-on adhesive

• Rotary cutter, mat and ruler

• Fabrics: a good range of fabrics - solids, prints from light to dark, plenty of greens

• Threads: basic and fancy threads

• Flannel or some other method for pinning work to the wall-optional

• Digital camera-optional, but very useful

-Click Floral Quilts.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY:

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

3-5 irons and ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary)

Plenty of workspace for each student

WORKSHOP - PATTERN PLAY

LENGTH - 1 day to 5 days

LEVEL - Beginning to advanced

                  NO sewing machine needed for ONE day workshop

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION -

This workshop will explore many classic and nontraditional ways of applying pattern.   We will examine historic ornament and decorative design throughout the course.  We will do several design exercises on paper that will evolve onto a unique fiber project.

This course strives to stimulate new ways to add energy and excitement to your work with surface decoration.  It will also supply you with a collection of unique designs to apply to your surface design or fiber art.

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST -

One to five day workshop:

• Photographs of interesting objects.

• Check Visual Bibliography Resource for books on decorative art (see Visual Bibliography Resource).

• Drawing materials - mechanical pencil, erasers, tracing paper                                                                   

• Package of colored paper and package of black paper (not expensive)

• Colored pencils or markers

• Paper scissors or craft knife with #11 blades and cutting mat

• Glue stick (archival, washable UHU is fine) and clear tape

Two or more days add the following supplies:

• Sewing basics: scissors, pins, etc.

• Sewing machine in good working order

• Open-toed embroidery foot - optional, #20 Bernina

• Fusible interfacing: white, non woven,  4-6 yds. ( Shir Tailor by Pellon is best)

• Wonder Under or some kind of iron-on adhesive

• Rotary cutter, mat and ruler, masking tape

• Fabrics: a good range of fabrics - solids, prints from light to dark

• Threads: basic and fancy threads

• Flannel or some other method for pinning work to the wall - optional for 3-5 day classes

• Digital camera-optional, but very useful

-Click Pattern Play.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY:

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

2-5 DAY CLASSES:

3-5 irons and ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary).

Plenty of workspace for each student

WORKSHOP - SHAPE SHIFTING

LENGTH - 2 day to 5 days

LEVEL - intermediate to advanced

                 Sewing machine needed

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION -

We all have innate preferences for certain colors, shapes and proportions, as well as natural attractions to certain symbols, images and icons. In this class we will study photographs and slides of a variety of historic and ethnic decorative objects to help uncover some of the motifs and symbols which may have powerful personal resonance.  For example, you may be drawn to Buddhist mandalas or Mexican milagros. You may be attracted to the design of an Inuit mask or the pattern from an Art Nouveau vase or the shape of an Egyptian chair.  Each student will select historic motifs, shapes and images which they will manipulate and reinterpret into a unique statement  in fabric and thread.  By lifting an image from one time and place to another the student will begin to exercise the power to recognize their personal touch stones to imagination.  The aim of the workshop is to nurture your intuitive skills.

Students should have a desire to develop their own design language and unique visual symbols, plus an interest in the history of decorative design.

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST -

• Photos, books, magazines, post cards, museum and auction catalogs of decorative and ethnic design (ceramics, textiles, glass, metal, clothing,                                                                

        tableware, architectural ornament, etc.)

• See Visual Bibliography Resources, too (see Visual Bibliography Resource).

• Drawing materials: Paper, pencils, tracing paper, etc.

• Sewing basics: scissors, pins, etc.

• Sewing machine in good working order

• Open-toed embroidery foot - optional)

• Stick glue: archival,washable UHU is fine

• Masking tape, craft knife with #11 blade (optional)

• Fusible interfacing: white, medium weight, 4-6 yds. (Shir Tailor by Pellon is best)

• Wonder Under or some kind of iron-on adhesive

• Rotary cutter, mat and ruler

• Fabrics: a good range of fabrics - solids, prints from light to dark

• Threads: basic and fancy (optional)

• Embellishments (optional)

• Digital camera-optional, but very useful

• Flannel or some other method for pinning work to the wall (optional)

-Click Shape Shifting.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY:

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

3-5 irons and ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary)

Plenty of workspace for each student

WORKSHOP - MACHINE APPLIQUÉ

LENGTH - 1 to 5 days

LEVEL - Beginning to intermediate

               Sewing machine needed (at least a few of decorative stitches)

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION -

This workshop will focus on rich surface design as students learn techniques of precision machine appliqué.  Students will be exposed to organic shapes in other mediums (Art Nouveau, etc.) and will be challenged to apply these shapes to their textile compositions. Each student will experiment with several appliqué and decorative embroidery options.

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST -

• Photographs of interesting objects for design inspiration. See Visual Bibliography Resource (see Visual Bibliography Resource).

• Drawing materials: Paper, pencils, tracing paper, etc.

• Compass- for one day class

• Sewing basics: scissors, pins, etc.

• Sewing machine in good working order

• Open-toed embroidery foot - optional, #20 Bernina

• Stick glue: archival, washable UHU is fine

• Masking tape, craft knife with #11 blade (optional)

• Fusible interfacing: white, non woven, 4-6 yds. ( Shir Tailor by Pellon is best)

• Wonder Under or some kind of iron-on adhesive, one yard

• Rotary cutter, mat and ruler

• Fabrics: a good range of fabrics - solids, prints

• Threads: Basic and fancy

• Extension cord, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors (if necessary)

• Digital camera-optional, but very useful

• Flannel or some other method for pinning work to the wall-optional for 3-5 day classes

-Click Machine Applique.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY:

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

3-5 irons and ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary)

Plenty of workspace for each student

WORKSHOP - LEAF SAMPLER-Personalities of a Leaf

LENGTH- One day

LEVEL- Beginning to intermediate

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION -

Machine embroidery adds personality to your quilts and needlework. The stitches you choose affect the emotion and atmosphere of your work. In this workshop we will make a simple sampler using a repeated leaf appliqué, but by changing the finishing embroidery stitches each leaf takes on different personalities and attitudes.

This is your chance to get familiar with the stitches contained in your sewing machine or to sample some stitches you have never tried before. What ever machine you have, we will try to find the stitches which speak your language and will make your needle projects more expressive.

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST -

• Sewing machine in good working order and with at least a few decorative stitches

• Basic knowledge of your machine... threading, tension, bobbin winding, etc.

• Sewing basics: scissors, pins, etc.

• Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler

• Open-toed embroidery foot - optional but extremely helpful, #20 Bernina

• Fusible interfacing: white, medium weight, 1 yd. (ShirTailor by Pellon)

• Wonder Under or some kind of iron-on adhesive, 1 yd.

• Mechanical pencils or fine permanent marker, white disappearing fabric marker.

• Craft knife with #11 blade (optional)

• Fabrics: 1/4 yd leaf fabric (any colors), 19” X 24”  black background fabric

1. •Threads: Rainbow assortments of basic (50-28 wt.) and a few fancy (eyelash, yarn, etc.)
   

2. •Digital camera-optional, but very useful
   

3. •Fat quarter of brown stem fabric
   

-Click Leaf Sampler.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY:

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

3-5 irons and ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary)

Plenty of workspace for each student.

WORKSHOP -BOUNTIFUL BOUQUETS

LEVEL - Beginning to intermediate

                 Sewing machine with satin stitch needed

LENGTH- 1 to 2 days

*This is a great class for stores that carry an abundance of Jane’s FreeSpirit fabrics.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION -

Students will combine Jane’s wonderful printed FreeSpirit fabrics with her machine appliqué techniques to create a unique, colorful and energetic floral broderie perse collage. If this class is not held in a store, Jane will bring fabrics to purchase.

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST -

• Sewing machine in good working order

• Basic knowledge of your machine... threading, tension, bobbin winding, etc.

• Sewing basics: scissors, pins, etc.

• Rotary cutter, 18” mat or larger and 24” ruler

• Open-toed embroidery foot - optional but extremely helpful, #20 Bernina

• Fusible interfacing: white, medium weight, 2 yds. (Shir Tailor by Pellon)

• Wonder Under or some kind of iron-on adhesive, 1 yd.

• Tracing paper, masking tape

• Mechanical pencils or fine permanent marker

• Craft knife with #11 blade (optional)

• Fabrics: 1/2 yd cuts of any of Jane’s floral fabrics by FreeSpirit,

    fat quarters of solids, batiks or Jane’s Dots for possible background and

    additional elements.

    Feel free to bring other floral or prints that you might like to use, too.

• Threads: rainbow assortments of basic threads and perhaps a few fancy ones.

• A digital camera (optional, but very useful)

Two day class add the following supplies:

• Cotton batting, masking tape, basting safety pins,

• 12 weight thread in coordinating colors

• #14 and #16 topstitching machine needles

• Easy or self-threading hand needle

-Click Bountiful Bouquets.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

3-5 irons and ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary).

Plenty of workspace for each student.

WORKSHOP -KALEIDOSCOPE QUILT

LENGTH - 1 day to 2 days

LEVEL - Beginning to intermediate

              Sewing machine needed

*This is a great class for quilt stores to host if they carry an abundance of Sassaman fabrics

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION -

This workshop is for those of you who have collected Jane’s colorful large floral printed fabric (by FreeSpirit) but haven’t had the heart to cut into them yet.

Together we will explore dramatic special effects of rhythm, motion and light by arranging rows of symmetrical “fussy cut” triangles. Even though the piecing is quite simple, the interaction between the printed fabrics can create an illusion of sophisticated complexity.

Your friends will be impressed by your deceptively  intricate quilt but really YOU WILL LET THE FABRIC DO ALL THE WORK! This is a great workshop for new quilters.

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST -

• Sewing basics: scissors, pins, etc.

• Sewing machine

• Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler

• Work wall: flannel or some other method for pinning work to the wall.

• Triangle Ruler: Cut for the Cure- Nifty Notions 45° Kaleidoscope Ruler recommended

• Patchwork foot - optional but extremely helpful, #37 Bernina

• Fabrics: at least 3 one and one half yard cuts of any of Jane’s symmetrical and coordinating floral fabrics with by FreeSpirit. Feel free to bring 

                    other symmetrical floral or prints that you might like to use, too.

• Threads: basic sewing threads, color depends on the fabric you bring.

                    Don’t forget bobbins.

• A digital camera (optional, but extremely useful)

-Click Kaleidoscope Quilt.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY:

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

3-5 irons and ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary).

Plenty of workspace for each student.

WORKSHOP - SUNS AND MOONS

LENGTH- one day

LEVEL- beginning to advanced

Sewing machine needed

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Suns and Moons is a machine appliqué workshop based on the circle motif. Using Jane’s appliqué techniques and experimenting with our decorative stitches, we will begin by making a series of colorful fabric discs which will then be arranged into a dramatic and contemporary composition.

PARTICIPANT SUPPLY LIST

• Drawing materials: pencils, tracing paper – Golden Threads will work

• Compass or other circle templates

• Sewing machine (with at least a few of decorative stitches)

• Open-toed embroidery foot – optional, but very useful (#20 Bernina)

• Sewing basics

• Stick glue: archival, washable UHU is fine

• Masking tape, craft knife with #11 blade (optional – bring if you have one and share with others)

• Fusible interfacing: 3 yds ( Shir Tailor by Pellon is best)

• Wonder Under or some kind of fusible web

• Rotary cutter, mat and ruler

• Fabrics: Solids and batiks in contracting colors (fat quarters are fine)

    Dots in many colors (Sassaman/FreeSpirit dotted fabric shown)

• Threads: Basic and fancy

• Digital camera, optional, but very useful

-Click Suns & Moons.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

3-5 irons and ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary)

Plenty of workspace for each student

WORKSHOP - SIMPLE SILHOUETTES

LENGTH- One Day

LEVEL- Beginning to intermediate

Sewing machine needed

*This is a great class for quilt stores which carry an abundance of Sassaman fabric and the Simple Silhouette patterns

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

I have created a series of silhouette designs to be used in combination with my FreeSpirit fabrics. This is a good class for beginning machine appliquérs or quilters who want to make an easy, but dramatic small wall quilt for their home or as a gift. Each student will pick a central motif (flower, butterfly, etc.), a favorite Sassaman fabric and a coordinating background to make an 18” quilt using Jane’s unique “bandage” appliqué technique. Once you grasp the system, you will feel comfortable to make more when you get home.

If the class is not held in a store, I will provide fabrics and patterns for purchase.

PARTICIPANTS SUPPLY LIST

• Sewing machine with satin stitch

• Basic sewing supplies

• Open-toed embroidery foot (optional, but extremely useful, #20 Bernina)

• Craft knife with #11 blade

• Ruler, rotary cutter, 18” mat or larger

• Micron pen or other very fine permanent marker

• Masking tape

• Fusible interfacing, 2 yds

• Fusible web, 1 yd

• Threads in a rainbow of colors (30-50 weight, to match silhouette fabric)

• Curved basting safety pins

• Batting: cotton or cotton/poly, 24” square

• Fabric: 2/3 yd Sassaman print for frame

   1/2 yd solid for silhouette

   1/2 yd subtle print or solid for background

• Digital camera-optional, but very useful

-Click Simple Silhouettes.pdf for printable supply list-

THE GUILD SHOULD SUPPLY:

Large projection screen

Sturdy table for projector and laptop

2-3 quilt hangers or other safe way to display quilts

2 tables for teachers use

3-5 irons and large ironing stations

Electrical cords and extensions, multiple-outlet strip, adaptors, lighting (if necessary).

Each student table must be at least 24” wide.

-Click Here for Contract & Fee-