I'm sure all of you are familiar with Kaffe Fassett. If you aren't, go check out his website where you can learn more. Kaffe (rhymes with safe) is probably the most prolific and talented living textile artists living today. He has authored so many books and designed so many fabrics, needlepoints, sweaters, yarns and more that it makes my head spin. His artwork also includes gorgeous paintings and mosaics. Kaffe travels extensively throughout the world spreading his love of color and pattern. If you ever have a chance to see him speak, GO! You will leave inspired. Here is a link to his biography. He is a testament to the phrase "Do what you love." Born in 1937, he should be an inspiration to us all. I know he is for me.
So onto his newest book Bold Blooms: Quilts and Other Works Celebrating Flowers. This one is a beauty. Look at this stunning cover.
I really do love this book. Sometimes I look at books in a jaded way considering I write them too. But this one is extraordinary. It begins with an entire section where Kaffe shares how he designs. From his incredible fabrics, his large paintings, his quilt designs, even how he arranges flowers - he tells the reader how he does it. What a fun look into his creative process. I found this section the most interesting part of the book and you might too! This chapter adds another dimension to the book - one that makes it even more inspirational.
The rest of the chapters in the book are organized around color themes and Kaffe's flower arrangements. The stunning photography was done by Debbie Patterson. Each floral arrangement served as an inspiration for at least one quilt design and one needlepoint project.
Each chapter also includes a two page spread of favorite photos, vases, and art that inspire Kaffe. More stunning photography.
Bold Blooms is PACKED with 18 quilt designs. Kaffe used not only his own designed fabrics but pieces from his vast stash of fabrics collected on his worldly travels. It is nice to see that he has a fabric stash too and that he pulled it out to add to these quilts. Sometimes I think that some of his books are all about selling the next line of fabrics. There is nothing wrong with that. But this book - Bold Blooms - with the large number of quilts seems to me to be more than just a promotional project. It is a book that speaks more to the creativity of quilting. And that is a good thing.
I also love that each chapter features a needlepoint pillow project. It is great to see needlepoint back again and featured like this. Maybe more people will pick it up. Let's hope. Here is one of my favorites pillows inspired by the flower arrangement above.
And another needlepoint pillow.
I like the graphic quality of the needlepoint designs. They have a little less shading and less fussiness - more approachable for the beginning needlepoint stitcher. You can see many of Kaffe's past needlepoint designs on Ehrman's website where they are sold as kits here. I am not sure if these new pillows from this book will be sold as kits.
With each quilt design comes a story about its beginnings. This one is incredible. It is done with fussy cutting. A real work of art. And the story behind it so fun - about the collaboration. You'll have to get the book to read about it.
Liza Prior Lucy is Kaffe's co-author. She coordinates the construction of the quilt after Kaffe has planned it. What a job. Liza also owns Glorious Color - the quilting fabric on-line retailer. Busy lady. Here is another quilt from the book that I really like.
I love this next quilt - combining jugs and flowers. So fun. (And that needlepoint chair is to die for. Instrux aren't included for that though.)
This quilt is one of my favorites.
The back of the book gives all the how-to to make most of the projects in the book.
If you are a fan of Kaffe's, I am sure you have already pre-ordered the book. If you aren't a fan, I highly suggest you add this book to your collection. Even if you do not make anything from it, I am positive you will turn to it for inspiration over and over.
Great job Kaffe and Liza and Debbie. Bold Blooms launches in mid-September from STC Craft.
Here's what I have for one lucky reader - their very own copy of Bold Blooms sent to you from the publisher STC Craft upon publication. Here's how you enter......
Answer the following question in the comments section....
Tell me about your favorite flower that you immortalize in art, bouquets, your home. Or tell me a story about your love affair with Kaffe's work.
Contest ends Monday August 15th at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Addresses only please. Make sure you leave an easy way to get a hold of you - blogger id, Rav id, or email. Good luck everyone!
75 comments:
Love, love,love the hydrangea. I have about thirtyfive of them in my yard that give my artistic side the inspiration it needs.
Annagaffney@msn.com
My love affair with Kaffe's work began in the mid 80s when Glorious Knits came out. I even knit one of the sweaters and I still wear it today. Kaffe's color work made me aware of my surroundings (I lived in San Antonio, TX which is full of colorful architecture) - I found myself posing in colorful doorways, admiring windows, color was everywhere! I own other Kaffe books and they are a go to resource for color inspiration. When we lived in Alexandria, VA in the mid 90s I was fortunate to see his exhibit of Glorious Knits and other pieces he created at Woodlawn Plantation. The sweater in Glorious Knits that I loved was also included in the exhibit. Thank you for your review!
I cannot believe that the first commenter took my answer! Hydrangeas are my 1st love in flowers. I love them in al colors but I especially love the blue ones. I try to buy a new one every year. Thanks so much!
I live in Idaho - in an irrigated desert valley. We get very little rain and our water comes from mountain snow melt. My garden mostly has drought tolerant plants - my favorites being the kniphofia (red-hot pokers). Bees love them. I also have a large patch of Nicotiana plants that keep reappearing if I don't disturb their roots. The seed was grown by a farmer friend and is well suited to our climate and soil. Hummingbirds love the blossoms and the fragrance is extraordinary. My garden doesn't directly impact my crafting (mostly knitting, some quilting) but it enhances my home and my enjoyment of it which fuels my creativity.
Thank you for such a nice review of Fassett's latest book - I've knit a couple of his sweaters (knowing nothing about sweater knitting). They were such fun to make.
My Rav ID is amasokisi
Karen
Irises! Giant purple irises, always.
Kaffe's first book in 1983 got me back to knitting. I had taught myself one bored summer when I was 9 yrs. old and quickly switched to crochet.
His use of color and many yarns was a bolt from the blue. I immediately went to the nearest yarn store and, completely oblivious to gauge and different fiber care requirements, picked out about 20 different yarns and launched into a pullover. My floats were epic! I also didn't know about weaving them in, hah. No surprise, it was purples and rusts and a complete and utter jumble. I loved it.
So glad to hear he has a new book out and thanks for the lovely giveaway.
If I had to pick one flower for my yard, it would be lavender. Not as glamorous as some, but so wonderful to smell and save, and I have a variety of colors.
My love affair with Kaffe began in the 80's. A bookstore find, and i was totally hooked. Love his use of color and pattern. Very inspiring.
Patty
My mother makes me colorful sweaters covered in Kaffe's fabric. I feel hugged everytime I put them on and they brighten up the day for people around me. I am going to have to get this book for her.
My first encounter with Kaffe Fassett's work was at Liberty in London. I was there only for a weekend and found one of his books there. The explosion of colors was simply stunning. Then I started to follow him in his journey through yarn and fabric.
calypsoonly@gmail.com
Oh, my! I have loved Kaffe's work since forever! When I learned to knit, 25-plus years ago, I knit a basic sweater for me, a gansey for my husband, and then one of Kaffe's jackets! Totally voluminous on me, but so what - I still ove it!
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for this giveaway--I would love to own this book, and as my kids need a lot of help right now winning it would be the best! (my daughter has two special needs kids, you know what that means...) I too fell in love with Kaffe and his work in the 90s when I got deeply involved in the textile world; oh! the colors! I have devoured all of his work and look forward to seeing the new book. I agree with the poster above who called you two kindred spirits; as you know, I have all of your books, too!
Thanks again for all you do--
Carol, ceejay on Ravelry
I have known about Kaffe's colorful work for years and feel that I got to know more about him and his work through Creativebug, which is also how I learned about you! I bet I've watched his Creativebug intro video a dozen times, and have taken his classes, as well. I don't own any of his books but have borrowed probably all of them from the library over the years. So, I guess I would say that my love affair with his work grew over time. Thank you for the opportunity to win his book, Kristin.
Kristin, this new book looks fabulous, and I agree with you that having Kaffe Fassett explain a bit about how his creative process will be interesting reading.
I could easily write about flowers, because I love drawing and painting them, and find their colors inspire my own knitting. However, I am happy to tell that I have had several opportunities to chat with Kaffe Fassett.
The first opportunity came just when his first book was being introduced and he'd returned to the States from London to promote it. I attended a very informal lecture he gave at FIT...anyone could attend. The lecture was followed by an even more informal chance to looks at samples of his knitting that he pulled out of a giant duffle bag, to show us that he had a very loose knitting gauge...very loose. It was so much fun to chat about knitting, and he admired the cotton vest I was wearing that I'd made from a tricky Patricia Roberts design.
A man I'd sat next to during the lecture had grown up as a KF contemporary in the same area of California, and that also made for interesting conversation. I definitely remember Kaffe saying how fortunate he was to have moved to London as an artist, well before he began knitting. He said that if he had stayed in the States, the fashion industry would have "eaten him alive."
Obviously, I would love to win your giveaway! How very kind you are to made this offer. xo
Like Kaffe (and you!) I love color. I have used many of his fabrics over the years, even have a whole quilt made with them, as well as several blouses. I have done very little knitting, but did made a vest from one of his books, as my first knitting project! I love all flowers, but I guess I'd say dahlias are my favorites.
I love all the red poppies. Chris. Ravelry I'd is wagner
I love Kaffe's fabric because of its rich colors. I am currently trying to finish a tunic made of his Roman Glass Gold fabric. It has color circle crocheted straps that mimic the pattern in the fabric.
I found Kaffe through Rowan yarns. My favorite flower is the generous hibiscus, always happy and full of colors!
lulufree on Ravelry
I have loved peonies since forever, and whenever I move I plant at least one. I watch out for the brief season, and buy them several times over a few weeks. The rest of the year my vases are mostly put away!
I've been a fan of Kaffe since the 80's when my only craft was needlepoint. I have several of his books, although recently I am most likely to pick one up if it has knitting. I'm very excited to see a new book!
Oh, my goodness. I guess my favorite flower is the daisy. I had them in my bouquet when I got married 50 years ago. I use them when I needle felt and knit. I made an Inkle band of them to put on a throw pillow for the Blue Ridge Fiber Show two years ago.
Daisies are in my garden. Kaffe. Wow! I have a lot of his fabric. I have a quilt in the works (UFO) of squares. Everytime I see his designs, I am blown away. I'd love that book.
I love peonies. The big opulent blooms in early spring. We have a row of them along our back fence, all starts shared by friends. Kaffe's use of color and pattern has always drawn me I whenever I see it!
I absolutely love hydrangeas. I have two in my yard, but only one has ever bloomed -- and this is the first year for it to bloom as well.
If you are sad you can always look at Kaffe Fassett's work and cheer up! I think I found his books years ago in New York at Barnes and Noble and I was immediately fascinated by his wonderful sense of color. My favorite flower is peony, so voluptuous and beautiful!
My love affair with Kaffe began in the 80s when I bought Glorious Knits. In 2007, I had the opportunity to take a class with him and asked him to sign my obviously well loved book. He commented on how beautifully the colors on the dust jacket had faded, and talked about picking up the flower on the model's hat from the gutter.
Pansies are my favorite- remembered in picture, fabric, yarn, jewelry and more. I'm new to quilting and am very inspired by Kaffe use of fabric.
I have a neighbor who is a very prolific hand quilter. I commented one day on a gorgeous quilt she made entirely of yoyos. Each one was a different gorgeous print. She said "oh that's all Kaffe". My introduction! Unlike any fabric I have ever seen.
You and Kaffe are color inspirations! I'm a black and gray person until I see work by you or Kaffe, then I'm pushed to be a little bolder. Lisavt on Rav
I love Kaffe's work. I was able to go and hear him speak in Mount Pleasant, Ontario a couple of years ago and was impressed with his use of colours. As he said you just have to love colour and not pay attention to the colour wheel. My favourite flower to include is the sunflower.
I LOVE Kaffe's work and just finished his China Clouds jacket (that I started when the pattern was new). I have one of his needlepoint pillows on a favorite chair -- it was so much fun to do.
My favorite flower is the zinnia. I have some great Walter Anderson prints and his zinnias are just fantastic. Walter Anderson was a Mississippi-born artist whose work you may like, Kristin.
Fingers crossed I win the book!!!! Thanks for your great post and willingness to share the inspiration!
For me, it is the simple, no frill flowers- and I have several-the daisy, the sunflower, Black eyed Susan's, coneflowers, and Queen Anne's Lace. My Mom would smile over a simple bouquet with just Daisys and Queen Anne's Lace. Over the years I have had both planned in the gardens I tended.. And when I see them growing freely by the roadside I know my Mom is looking over my shoulder..yes, these are also my flowers of comfort, a floral hug so to speak.
I am a fan of Kaffe, having made several quilts with his fabrics-they are a big bright reminder, "yeah, summer is coming" during the grey cold days of winter.
Thanks for the opportunity to reflect..��
May your Sunflowers bring smiles and floral hugs to you as well...be well
Wow, what an absolutely stunning book! I have yet to work flowers into my knitwear designs, but lately I have been sketching deep red geraniums in the garden and trying my hand at embroidery for the first time(from your book!) too. Kaffe Fassett has long been on my inspiring-designers-list and is surely never to leave. He has the most amazing eye for color! Ravelry id is "mooch" - thanks for the giveaway!
I heard him speak once and my favorite quote is "anything worth doing is worth overdoing!". As a colorwork knitter i love that! Roses are my favorite and I choose varieties for my garden by smell as well as color. I'm Knittingceleste on rav.
My love affair with KF designs began when our local library acquired Glorious Knits ❤️❤️❤️
Ever since I've gone to KF for solice and for inspiration❣
This new publication is over the top with beauty and inspiration😌
I am giddy with the prospect of your fantastic giveaway‼️❣‼️❣
hugs,
Gerry
I love all of KF's creative works - needlepoint, quilts, knitting, etc. He is the most talented artist ever. I would love to own his new book and am keeping my fingers crossed. I don't know how much more inspiration my brain can take!!!
Carolyn
I have always admired Kaffe's work and have been in awe of his creativity. I have a couple of his earliest books and reference them or just plain look at them when I need inspiration. As far as flowers, I'm looking at a beautiful red rose that shimmers with a shade of deep per meant rose when the light hits it. My husband came home with a bouquet for me the other day, no special occasion he said . Just because he loves me! Robin S
Carnations are my favorite and Kaffe supposedly has a needlepoint design of them in the new book!!!!!, Please let me win!!!!!
I started with my love affair with his work also in the 80's.......did the foolish Virgins and everything. So excited about this new book!
Dear Kristin,
My favorite flower has always been the gardenia. The scent is incredible.
My ravelry name is nparis.
Dear Kristin,
Woops, my comment disappeared.
My favorite flower is by far the gardenia. Oh so gorgeous.
Fondly,
Nancy Paris
nparis62050@gmail.com
I adore sunflower!
original comment disappeared. I like sunflowers.
ell-in-or Comcast net
My favorite flower is the peony yet I feel like a traitor for leaving out lilacs and pansies and primroses. Yes, I could go on and on as my favorite changes as often as my feelings. Too bad there isn't a chocolate flower as then there would be no choice but that would be boring to my eyes. I am making a quilt with large florals and solids. I would love a cooy of this book.
I love flowers in the garden but almost never have them in the house in any form, fresh or otherwise. I have one throw pillow of roses that was a gift.
I love Kaffe's work (thanks for teaching me how to pronounce his name correctly!) and like many commenters have been an admirer since Glorious Knits.
flgirl1987 at yahoo dot com
Love the tuberous begonia flowers, like miniature roses, so delicate and bursting with color. They're difficult and persnickety to grow but still one of my favorites. I also have a decades-long love affair with brugmansia, the angel trumpet, as much for its scent as its glorious colorful trumpet shaped flowers.
I'm loving zinnias right now ... big, bright, happy!
Wowza. What a book.
My favorite flowers are lilacs. I love the color and the delicate, intricate smaller blooms that make up the whole lilac itself. Gorgeous. Thanks for the chance to win. Melanie1 on Ravelry.
How can I pick just one? I adore roses, my wedding flower was a spider mum---and then there are sunflowers! Daisies! Sweet William! Columbine, hollyhocks.. Just let me win this great sounding book...
Revelry ID: Ettenna
I have always loved his beautiful no fear of color, expressive work. It's so hard to choose but I love holly hocks!
I have a love affair with the hydrangea. I have 4 Annabelle Hydrangea bushes and adore each one. The blooms get as big as my head and they turn colors, letting me know that the weather is changing and the seasons are turning. I've drawn them, painted them and am always attracted to fabrics that show them off!
His books are just explosions of energy. I love to sit with them on a cold winter day and a hot cup of tea and just dream away. Is there a bad flower? I love them all. Fushias make me crazy with the color. I have a window sill full of orchids and shrimp plants. Outside right now sunflowers are everywhere so I can't pick just one flower. They are all my favorites.
I have Kaffe to thank for 25 years of knitting obsession. I saw his book Glorious Color at a relative's house in Denmark in 1990. In 1991 I was looking for something to do and took a learn to knit class, and the rest is history. I own several of his books (including Glorious Color) and the new book looks wonderful.
Mary (marymort @ aol . com)
Hi Kristin,
I think my favorite might be nasturtiums. I did a crewel picture and then later a needlepoint pillow and I'm in the middle of making a grannysquare afghan in nasturtium colors. (Honestly I haven't met too many plants/flowers I didn't like)
Helen Ravelry HelenMatheyHorn
Thanks
I love dogwood blossoms (a tree rather than a flower - but a blossom nonetheless). I have treasured memories of visiting my grandparents in Arkansas during dogwood season, and dogwoods always remind me of those dear people. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I love Kaffe's fabrics!
My first attempt at creating fair isle motifs was made when I couldn't find motifs that were floral. I quickly learned that the rounded shapes of flowers and petals were challenging to create in fair isle knitting, but I ended up with motifs that were pretty and dainty and floral in nature. All that being said, I love Kaffe's big bold blooms!
KEP (ravelry id)
I have loved Kaffe and his colors since I first bought a very early Rowan kit (which I still haven't completed. But it's on my bucket list.) I own all of his books (both quilting and knitting) and I love to look at them whenever I need inspiration. I've made a few quilts out of Kaffe fabrics, and they are still a favorite of mine. He has such a gift in presenting amazing designs.
jbye326@gmail.com
My flower has to be a peony. I love them all in all their glorious luxury.
My grandmother had a bed of them. They were the "old fashioned" kind -- maybe the
blooms not quite as large but the colors -- always wonderful.
I am a huge fan of poppies, especially Kaffe's poppies. I have big plans to adopt his poppies onto the brim of a black and white hat.
Oops! Kayteau on Ravelry as well.
I absolutely love the oriental poppy! It is bold, fierce and not the easiest to grow. Thank you for giving us a peek at Kaffe's beautiful book. I can't wait to see it!
My favorite flower is the daffodil. We had a huge area of them blooming when I was growing up. They remind me of Easter, my family and the color of an Easter dress I had. I love the unusual form of the flower. I have drawn and painted them.
My favorite flower is the single peony. Understated and yet so beautiful one wants to just stop and gaze at their beauty in the spring. Wherever they are found! In the early spring as they grow around my house and yard, i enjoy using the peonies as cut flowers with their corals, soft pinks, bright reds and their stark whiteness in large bouquets and allow them to be the center of attention by placing them on the altar. They present a beautiful soft feminine backdrop as visitors drop in and say hello!
Also have enjoyed seeing Kaffe's work thru his beautiful designs and ideas. Loved hearing on U tube some of his stories and just find him very fascinating. So glad that he has been an inspiration to me in my own life! Would like to talk and laugh with him for a few moments and enjoy the moment thru a cup of tea and story. Thank you for posting your blog Kristin!
sunlight1457@gmail.com
Thanks, Kristin for the generous giveaway! I have four of Kaffe's books (and would love to have another) that I peruse often for inspiration. He is fearless in his use of color and technique which should be a lesson for us all.
Sweet peas are a flower close to my heart - old fashioned, fragrant and come in a vast range of colors.
Thanks again for brightening my day,
RASmartWay@gmail.com
I love roses, especially red and pink ones. My dad always put a pink baby rose (I wish I knew the name; it was only about an inch long)in his cost lapel every Sunday to wear to church.
I learned about Kaffe Fassett from an interview on a knitting show on TV. I instantly loved his use of color. I do not have any of his books as I did not know there were any so I would love to have this one. I will have to visit my local bookstore and search for his books.
I really enjoy your blog.
Wow, Kristin, you're right that this book is a huge winner! The flower for me is the humble zinnia -- I cannt get enough of them! The colors, the varieties -- They're so cheerful and bright. I can only grow them in pots at this point, but I grow as many types as I can.
Thanks so much for your terrific newsletter and blog. I might finally try lacto-fermentation now after going to the link about Julia's pickles!
cheers, Allison (AllisoninPhilly on Ravelry)
Hi Kristin, my love affair with Kaffe started with knitting and the fabulous fall leaves sweater of the 80/90's. It was always too complicated for me to knit (I'm not that good of a knitter...) but I can sew! Right now I am making a "Jack's Chain" quilt out of all Kaffe fabrics in blues and some white fabric. You can see the progress on Instagram if you like. I am marnsyarns on Instagram. Love your knitting patterns as well, I have most of your books! Best Regards. Marni
I love Kaffe's work! I was lucky enough to take a workshop from him when I lived in Virginia many years ago - I still think about the lessons I learned that inspiration-soaked day!
My fav flower this year is the zinnia. Profuse, long-blooming, amazing colors... and they make a great floral arrangement
I love irises and sunflowers. I love Kaffe Fassett's fabrics and quilts. Thank you for having this great giveaway.
My friend grew tiny lupin plants from seed two years ago, and gave me a few. This summer they have bloomed! I love the mixed colours and the tall stately blossoms. I have put them where they can spread out. I hope there will be many lupins in my garden eventually!
p.s. I am Canadian, but have an address in Florida if I should be fortunate enough to win Kaffe's book. :)
My latest work is all about the botanical reference!
My favorite one to paint is the Proteas so large and unique as well
as fancy chrysanthemums that are also popular in Japanese art.
This book looks so inspiring both in color and in form.
I would love to win a copy!
Thanks for the opportunity Kristin. xo~Alicia
I love most flowers! Lilies, roses, lavender, peonies, hydrangeas, gardenias...the list goes forever!!
My favorite flower is the violet and I have many forms of this flower in my home and surroundings. From needle pointe to silk flowers from inside plants and flowers in my yard. They have a lovely scent that reminds me of my childhood. They are delicate yet sturdy and they are very special to me.
Christine
Rudysmom on Ravelry
I love tiger lilies and hydrangeas. Have plans to make an art quilt with these flowers and have made a quilt with amaryllis.
I have two favorite flowers. Sunflowers, which I grow in my garden as well as knit or rug hook any pattern of girasole that I can find.
My other favorite is hollycocks. They are such a vintage flower, and remind me of my grandmother.
I love love kaffe work and yes I have been lucky enough to see him speak I have knit many of his designs and also made a few quilts he did comment on the jacket I knit for my mother with one of his designs and I doesn't to make the first ever design of his i saw in another book the peacock feathers his colour work is to dye for and the photos in his books are worth getting the books for alone I have all his hardcover knitting books and his needlepoint books plus some of the quilt ones so I so badly need this one as well I keep going back to his autobiography it is great and look forward to getting this book elizabethstreeter21@gmail
I have not been able to get your beautiful pictures on your site for some time. I was looking forward to seeing your sunflowers this fall. Do you have a suggestion for how I can get them back on? The printing and blank squares appear just fine. Thank you, Judy Ivey
Hi Judith Ivey - I have no idea why photos are not showing up. Perhaps hit refresh? Or go through a different browser. I'm not a tech genius so I don't know how to correct your problem. Sorry! Sunflower photos coming this week so I hope you get it working soon.
Kristin
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