Pint Size Patterns

Today I am happy to introduce our new series of Pint Size Patterns! These economical little patterns are thanks to your persistent question, "Do you have a pattern for that?" Now I can say, "YES, YES, YES!"

The size of a greeting card, each pattern unfolds to reveal "user-friendly" directions for each fun project. Also included is a colored envelope for easy gift giving.

All instructions are easy and clear enough for beginning stitchers, but also entertaining enough for accomplished ones. The projects are classic and can be made again and again. I have made at least 30 pillowcases in the past year and as many napkins and contrasting napkin rings and plan to make more as Christmas gifts.

Pint Size Patterns are perfect for using new personality prints, like Sunshine and Shadow, but they are also great "stash busters" to use up that wonderful fabric on your shelf. In fact, that would make an inspiring gift for the young crafter... a pattern, a stack of fabulous fabric and some basic sewing supplies.

I have also found that these simple projects are great stress relievers, too. They are a nice excuse to spend an afternoon fondling fabric and combining colors... can't get better than that!

And you really need some new napkins to spice up that Thanksgiving buffet, don't you?

Like me, many of you have also made the "homemade pledge" for gift giving this year, and not only for your pocket book. There is nothing as special as a personalized gift made with loving hands and hearts.

So this is my gift to all crafters, an easy way to begin the "merry making" for a creative holiday season. In the next few weeks I will show more examples of each Pint Size Pattern made in a variety of moods and fabrics, so stay tuned.

For more information and inspiration, please visit JaneSassaman.com.

Great Greenville Arms

When I woke up this snappy autumn morning I was happily reminded that I get to visit the cozy Greenville Arms 1889 Inn for my final workshop of the year. This will be my second stay and I can hardly wait. The Inn is owned and lovingly cared for by Kim and Mark LaPolla. Kim is a quilter and Mark is a Chef de Cuisine and they have combined their talents in this ideal venture.

They cater to an artistic and loyal clientele by hosting painting and fiber workshops all year round, the Hudson River Valley Art Workshops. Most guests are housed and very well fed in the historic inn during the week. The atmosphere is friendly, warm and comfortable and meals are sociable and delicious! Mark is also a Chocolatier, so there are other obvious advantages, too.

But the story just gets better. Here is the studio, behind the house, where all the workshops take place. Everyone has their own table and some elbow room, so the space is just the right size. You get to know your classmates very well by sharing meals, ideas and quilting techniques for 5 days. There are some classes that have a perfect chemistry and my class at the Greenville Arms was one of those!! So you can see why I am so anxious to return.

You can see our mutual affection in this happy picture. So if you have had a busy year, like I have, a pampered visit to the Greenville Arms in early December will have you revived to face the holidays and inspired for a new year of creative quilting. The dates are Dec. 6-12 and I hope to see some of you there!