Bon Voyage!

It is a constant frustration to have so many ideas for using the fabric and so little time. I pray for elves... like the story of The Shoemaker and his Wife.  So, I am always delighted when you send pictures of your "Sassaman" projects. YOU are my little midnight stitchers who surprise me in the morning with your wonderful work!

And some of your ideas are amazingly fortuitous! This week a little red package arrived from Delaine Little of the Mt. Tam Quilter's Guild in California. To my surprise, there were three perfect baggage tags wrapped in pale pink tissue. Did she know I was heading out the door on a quilter's cruise of the Baltics? 

Sometimes life works well. Thank you, Delaine! Your work was immediately put into service and will accompany me on this big adventure. And thank you to everyone who has sent photos and inspiration!!! I plan to post it all in an E-album soon. In the mean while, I will attempt to post some travel shots next week, conditions permitting. Bon Voyage!

Help! A Bear with No Name

I have just returned from a glorious week teaching at the Quilter's Affair in scenic Sisters, Oregon. The culmination of the celebration was the famous Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. The whole town and many volunteers begin at 7 am to hang about 1200 quilts all over the quaint town and in no time it becomes an outdoor theater of quilts and quilt fans.

When I got home there was a little surprise waiting on my front porch... with a face only a mother could love! The poor thing was holding a note which read, "Dear Jane, I please need a name! But first some background information about me: I am made of scraps (from material to thread to stuffing), I was born on the summer solstice, I make everyone I meet smile, I'd secretly love to be on your blog! Thank you for all your help!! Forever yours, Nameless Bear.

But this bear is poor in name only! Look at that fat tummy, those lovely ears and that tie!

Of course, we took him right in and now he sits in the Hickory Throne, the seat of honor. We have discovered that he is especially fond of jelly beans and happy to show off his colors.

Here is another cute little critter; this one made by my talented friend, Laura Foster Nicholson.

It is grand to see the fabric put to such squeezable use.

A "bear behind"... please help us name our new housemate... something French perhaps?

Summer Solstice

This has been a very busy period. I have been teaching  on-the-road most of the month. I am currently at the famous Sisters, Oregon Outdoor Quilt Show. But in the meantime, summer has finally arrived to northern Illinois. The bees are buzzing, the humming birds are humming, the lightning bugs are flashing and the MOSQUITOES ARE BITING!!!!

Poor Greg has to mow the lawn in what amounts to a suit of armour. There will be lots of weeds in the garden this season. The safest way to enjoy the flowers is from the comfort of your home. Here are some happy nasturtiums enjoying the evening sun.

Our local community celebrated the seasons arrival by sponsoring a Summer Solstice show. It was held in a wonderful old factory building filled with artists studios. Here are a few dark handsome men who attended the extravaganza... in Hawaiian style Sassaman shirts.

First, Greg is seriously contemplating bug spray as he models the Water Lily Shirt. Perhaps he can just terrorize those bugs with color!

Gabe, on the other hand, is made of stronger stuff. He seems to be daring those mosquitoes to bother him in his red hot "Wavy" shirt. Bugs or no bugs, this is perfect wear for a summer day.

Surfers will flip for these.

Take note of the weeds in the background. A real break through in lawn care! One of the Solstice artists spray painted the weeds. If you can't beat them, enjoy them... I love it!