By Susan Khalje
DIY--Do It Yourself Network
I've just come across two wonderful books by one of my favorite artists and sources of inspiration: Kaffe Fassett. A transplanted Californian who now lives in London, Fassett was trained as a watercolor artist, and has moved on to design fabric, needlepoint, rag rugs, patchwork and mosaic.
I first became familiar with his work nearly 25 years ago, when I ordered a needlepoint cushion kit he'd designed for British Vogue Magazine, and I've been an ardent fan ever since. The colors were, and still are, enchanting—delicate and beautifully balanced. And it's that sense of color and exuberance for striking and sensitive design that are present in all that he does.
Passionate Patchwork, co-written with Liza Prior Lucy, contains over 20 original quilt designs, and will fascinate you even if you're not a quilter. Fassett generously shares his design process—and the insights into his use of color and placement are fascinating.
The designs are broken down into four groups: circular shapes; simple squares and rectangles; triangles and diamonds; and stripes. The names of some of the quilts and wall hangings will give you a small insight into this not-so-ordinary quilting book: hat boxes, pastel bubbles, suzani, Japanese brocades, ginger jars, turban footstool, dark rice bowls... Directions and templates are included.
Kaffe Fassett's Pattern Library, which contains over 190 creative knitwear designs, is another treasure.
To quote Fassett, "When I first came to the craft I was convinced that only geometric patterns or highly stylized motifs would work on knitting. Researching further, I found that the Victorians knitted highly detailed subjects like flowers, houses and animals on their intricate beaded bags. So, I took the plunge and committed many more subjects to my repertoire. It's amazing how often a flat, two-colors-in-a-row rendition of a flower or house can come alive on a knitted fabric. "The book also contains knitting charts; advice on how to approach design, choose a color palette, work with texture and mix patterns; and techniques for knitting with multiple colors.
Fassett—and his work—are amazing. If he's new to you, I'd recommend becoming familiar with this treasure trove of talent, creativity, and inspiration. Whether you sew, knit, or quilt, your design sense and eye for color will be broadened.
These books are available at your local bookstore, or from The Taunton Press, 63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470; or by calling 800-888-8286.
Information about Kaffe Fasset's seminars, kits, fabrics and other books can be found at his website, www.kaffefassett.com
(Susan Khalje is the author of Bridal Couture — Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear, from Krause Publications. Contact her at skhalje@aol.com or Box 51 Long Green, MD 21092. For more information, visit www.SusanKhalje.com or DIYNetwork.com.)
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