Do you remember when everyone was sewing appliqued hoop pictures? That's when Jan and her husband, Emil began designing patterns in 1980. Some of their first designs were Country Goose, Apple Farm, Cat & Yarn, and Lancaster County. Those were the patterns that were the start of their company and led to the designing of small quilts, pillows, soft sculpture, Santa dolls, tree skirts, stockings, ornaments and shirt appliques.

Jan, a former First grade teacher, has always loved sewing. She started making finished samples for local quilt shops in order to be a stay-at-home-mom with her son, Benjamin. As her work became popular she realized her art could become a career and thus evolved the pattern company she called Country Appliques. Her craftsmanship and love of color, folk art and traditional themes, is the basis for selecting the subject matter of her designs. Jan says:

"I love to design a picture and then bring it to life choosing the right fabrics and embellishments (buttons, ribbons, etc.). That's a challenge, but well worth the effort of searching for just the right fabrics."

She works hard to make sure the pattern directions and drawings are clear and easy to follow.

"Every person making one of our patterns is really creating a future heirloom. It's important to me that their experience is an enjoyable one and that the outcome of their project is a work they are proud of."

They both hope that you'll enjoy their patterns.