I've got a new book for you and a giveaway - Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color! I first heard of Kaffe Fassett back in the 1980's when his book Glorious Color took the then booming knitting world in the US (and world) by storm. He and the yarn company Rowan which he designed exclusively for (and still does), shot up from a tiny start-up (new to the USA at that time but already established in the UK) to instant fame in the world of handknitting. 
I went to one of the first talks Kaffe did at Boston University - inspiring (but baffling) the rather traditional New England knitters. Many in the audience just did not get it. I remember them leaving the lecture stunned and complaining. "Where was the knitting? What was the talk all about? He doesn't care about weaving in ends. How can that be?" Me, I got it and I still remember the visual beauty and stimulation I saw in that first slide show. I walked out with my head spinning thinking that I too could develop a career based on my love of color.
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| Some of Kaffe's inspiration and earlier paintings |
Over the years, Kaffe has authored and produced book after book after book all with a common theme - his massive love of color and pattern. Most recently, his design work has taken him more into the quilting world but once in a while, he pokes back into the knitting world to inspire us all and to keep his income stream flowing.
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| Kaffe's beautiful colorful knits |
Kaffe has had an incredibly interesting and fortunate life and career, some of which is recorded in his brand new autobiography, Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color. I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of it from the publisher STC Craft. Melanie had told me it was a good read and she was right - not that I would doubt her. I have been looking forward to every evening when I can set aside some time to read Kaffe's next adventure. Beginning with his early life and very interesting, unconventional boyhood in California, each phase of his development as an artist is recorded along with photos of Kaffe, his family, his artwork and the inspiration he finds from other artists and foreign travels.
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| The endpapers |
It is a beautiful book, no question. Beautifully designed, thoughtfully composed, well-written, Kaffe takes you on his creative journey. We all - quilters, knitters, needlepointers, and just plain artlovers - are indeed very fortunate that he would share all of this with the world (and that STC would take the chance and do the work to publish such a gorgeous book). I am astounded that Kaffe is 73 years old - only 4 years younger than my mom. What a different path peoples' lives take. He is still working hard, traveling, lecturing. He doesn't stop. He is an inspiration - spreading the gospel of color whereever he goes!
I urge you to read it - especially those of you who are interested in designing and artwork. It is so easy to see the work of an established artist and become green with envy. By reading this book (and other art biographies, such as this one on Matisse and this one on Picasso and this one on Van Gogh), you learn about the time and effort it takes artists to get where they get. Noone is handed a career on a silver platter.
You can see more photos from Kaffe's new book here on the STC website. Put it on your holiday gift wish list. It will be the perfect book to spend a lazy Christmas Day with stimulated with all the color and pattern in the dark of winter. That is if you can stand to wait.
Here is Kaffe's website.
Here are Kaffe's current needlepoint designs.
Here are Kaffe's quilting fabrics.
Here is Kaffe's website.
Here are Kaffe's current needlepoint designs.
Here are Kaffe's quilting fabrics.
Here is the really big news! I have one copy of Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color ($40) available to one of my lucky readers courtesy of STC Books. Winner will be picked at random by the random number generator. Here's how you enter......
Answer the following question in the comments. Please leave an easy way to get a hold of you - either email, Ravelry ID or blog address.
Have you ever knit, needlepointed, or sewn any Kaffe Fassett designs or fabrics? If so, which is the most memorable design of his that enthralled you? If not, tell me why?
The winner is Mary from A Splendid Adventure has won! Congrats and thanks everyone for entering!
I've never knit one of KF's designs but used them lots for color inspiration when I've done my hand-knit design work. I've always been amazed at what colors he uses together -- completely breaking the "rules -- and yet it ALWAYS works!
ReplyDeleteI have never knitted one of his designs. But I have used his Regia sick yarn for socks. And sewn a quilt or two using his fabric line. LOVE his colour choices.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin! I've never knit one of KF's patterns but I have used his sock yarn - for sock(!) - and have tons of his fabric in my stash. I love the marbles. His use of color really is amazing. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading his book, and although I have not yet knit one of his designs, his book is inspiring me to use lots of color. I am in the process of redecorating my home and am currently using his designs as inspiration for pillows, wall hangings, and any other place I think I can add color. It is a fascinating book. I have trouble putting it down.
ReplyDeleteOh, gorgeous! I am not a very diverse knitter...have not branched passed scarves yet, but want to...a little afraid of all those patterns...I adore bright bold color so this book (and your blog) have captured part of my heart! Thanks for the introduction to KF and the opportunity to win her book. Heading to her website now!
ReplyDeleteHa! KF's not a woman...lol going back to explore his website!
ReplyDeleteI have not knit any of his patterns, but love looking at his books... Knitting, needlepoint and quilting. I have heard him lecture a few times. This latest book sounds like a must read.
ReplyDeleteThe Minneapolis Institute of Art had an exhibit of Kaffe's work some years ago. After the exhibit, I made a vest of persian poppies. It was a fun, fun project. I've thought of making another and, if so, I'd use all wool yarn and spit-splice to cut down on the yarn ends.
ReplyDeleteI also made one of the squares sweaters from the book, Family Album. It was intarsia, so it was slow knitting. It was fun figuring out that I could put a yellow square right next to a red one and all would be well.
I have never knit one of Kaffe's patterns, but I have his Glorious Knits book that I inherited from my mother. I have also knit socks with his yarn. That's a fun pair of socks. I need to learn how to do color work better so I can try his designs.
ReplyDeleteI have not knit any of Kaffe Fasset's patterns yet! I am in awe of his amazing use of color and would love to dive into this book as a source of beautiful inspiration. Thanks for this giveaway!
ReplyDeletekatbetty on Ravelry
I've knit with some of his Regia sock yarn and have used some of his fabrics. They are so distinctive in their unbridled use of color - they really make your 'rods and cones' vibrate!
ReplyDeleteI have knit several of Kaffes designs some finished - some never were.
ReplyDeleteI tried to knit his one design that had a several women on the front (I can't remember the name) all in intricately designed dresses - it became too complicated and I gave up.
My favorite - always has been - are the poppies. In the early 90's I knitted a shawl for my mother based on that design. My mom passed away last year and I found the shawl tucked away amongst her things. Needless to say I took it back.
I met Kaffe in Toronto. What a lovely man! I was wearing a vest that I had designed myself and he complemented me on my work. I thought I had gone to heaven!
I agree with you Kaffe is an inspiration and he has lead a very interesting life.
Thank you for taking me down memory lane!
I've only knit socks with some of his beautiful yarn that a friend gifted me with. I love his fabrics, and have a bit in my stash. I love his quilts, and need to add to my collection of his fabrics in order to do justice to one of his patterns. I'd love to win the book! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI made a quilt of 120 Kaffe fabric squares
ReplyDeleteI've never knit one of his designs, although I'd love to give it a try. I've done a lot of fair isle-type colorwork but never anything in which the colors aren't carried behind the work. I keep intending to give it a try because it would be so liberating to learn the technique---but other projects just keep presenting themselves.
ReplyDeleteOh, this book looks like a great read!
ReplyDeleteI have not knit any of KF's patterns, but have used his sock yarn for socks. Thanks for a chance in an awesome giveaway!
Kaffe is always a wonderful source of inspiration! The new book looks beautiful. Thank you for the lovely giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've never knit one of his designs, but I have several of his books and they are a constant inspiration. So fearless!
ReplyDeletelisavt on ravelry
OMG! His work is so inspiring, but so intimidating. I have several of his books, including needlepoint and quilting. I am afraid to take the plunge. One of my knitting group friends is doing an afghan in the poppies, and she is exhausted of just keeping up the pattern work. I don't know; I just love the photos and I love his story. But I am afraid!
ReplyDeleteI made my son a slipover with a Persian Poppies front, and stripey back, inspired by Glorious Knitting. His books are a feast for the senses. The slipover was worn every day until, now, it is just a little short. I'll put it on the wall next, I think!
ReplyDeletetrixebacon on Ravelry
The slipover: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/trixiebacon/cobbled-pullover
I've never knit one of Kaffe Fassett's designs, but his books are great source of inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI've never made anything from his designs because I just now learned who he is. I'm going to check my library for his books--I love all that color! (I'm jenandstuff on ravelry.)
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing me to Fassett!
Hi, I have used his fabrics for my art quilts. I use them making "wonky blocks", a kind of free form quilting. I have a number of his books, all of which I love! Thank you for the opportunity to enter!
ReplyDeleteVal in Kansas
No I have never knit any of his designs but have a couple of his book for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteCraftysly : Ravelry ID
I have never knitted any of the Kaffe Fassett designs but would love to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI heard him speak at Stitches years ago and loved seeing the wonderful colors. I find his color work fascinating. His books are great for inspiration. I have not knit any of his designs, I find them intimidating. But I love to admire the knitting of those knitters that embrace challenge.
ReplyDeleteI have been a fan of Kaffe's since Glorious Color first came out. He has had a huge impact on contemporary knitting, and made life more colorful for many of us.
ReplyDeleteI made a Tumbling Blocks pullover that I wore for years.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
RavelryID: SandiR
I have not used any of his designs yet because until recently, colour work really intimidated me. His use of colour is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI am another knitter who has not tried one of his patterns but love his books for pure inspiration. Intarsia is not my idea of fun knitting but his results are wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to have his book. gnlmutti at gmail
ReplyDeleteI have never knit any of his designs. His name looks familiar, but I must really be from the back woods, because I can't recall ever seeing his work. OOPS!!!
ReplyDeleteCasey @ ashefamily@yahoo.com
I haven't yet made any of his designs (too hard to choose which one first, perhaps?) but his work has inspired me enormously. Four of his books are on my shelves right now. Fingers crossed for this one!
ReplyDelete-- stashdragon (my Rav name)
ps: a friend and I were in Oslo's Kunstindustrimuseet a few years ago, where both of us instantly spotted the tapestry of the "Wise and Foolish Virgins" - the original inspiration for his sweater.
I haven't yet made any of his designs, but I would love to! The book looks gorgeous, I would love to have it!
ReplyDeleteRavelry ID: gussek
I first discovered Kaffe Fassett through the amazing Glorious Needlepoint book. While all of his books are enormously visually stimulating and inspiring, I'm still most drawn to the needlepoint designs. For knitting, I'm overdue to make something of his, at least an accessory. I do think the Kaffe Fassett yarn line is a brilliant idea, to get the joyous color effect even if I don't have 40 different colors of yarn on hand!
ReplyDeleteI have used some of Kaffe's fabrics,and some of the sock yarns he designed for Regia. I haven't used his actual designs, but I have pored over all the books and derived all sorts of inspiration from them. How I would love to win this book!
ReplyDeleteRavelry ID is BadInfluence
I haven't yet knit one of his designs - more than anything, I simply haven't gotten to it yet. I've used his work as inspiration for my own color play. Love it.
ReplyDeleteMy hands down favorites are the Red Diamonds and Blue Diamonds sweaters. Also the Domino cardigan.His first book was what got me into knitting in the early 80s. thanks for the sweet giveaway, Kristin!
ReplyDeleteI have used some of his color theory for my own designs. I would love to win this book. I find his work stunning to say the least! I love everything the man does, needlepoint, fabric. Oh the temptation!
ReplyDeleteKaffe's TV series in the 80s was what got my teen self completely hooked on knitting in color. He was so encouraging that I never knit his designs but graphed my own and made waistcoats and sweaters for friends and family.
ReplyDeleteReading your post about your first experience was like reading mine. I went to hear him speak in Rochester, NY, early eighties. My head was in color overload coming out of there. It was so dark in the auditorium except on the stage where he was!
ReplyDeleteI went out the next day to purchase every book I could find of his. Knew I would employ his technique in something I would design but was totally positive I use all for my needlepoint.
His books are total inspiration as is the life he's lived. I met him again while living down the street from you! He came to do a signing at a small shop south of us...which I can't remember the name of. They were on second floor of an old building and sold Rowan wools. Do you remember. He was selling the book that taught you to create a file for inspiration. When I was in art school we called them 'swipe files'.
I'm running on here but you just took me down memory lane. I recently posted on my blog about some fabric I went nuts over and found it to be his as I was checking out. His talent is boundless....as is yours!
http://akimberlydesign.blogspot.com/2012/06/exploring.html
Hugs to you, thanks for the memories.
Kimberly
I have never knit any of his designs but have been a fan since I discovered his blog a while ago. He is truly a master of color. I would love to bring the book home! Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteRav ID = mmgrrr
I keep his quilting book sitting beside my sewing machine... and his fabrics always inspire! I love to take something from each of his designs.
ReplyDeleteI've used Kaffe Fassett's fabrics in quilting and am now concentrating on knitting. I love the way he puts colors together that you wouldn't think would work out. But they do! There stunning and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteUntil you blog I have never heard of him, but I love the links and will be lost in them for hours.
ReplyDeleteFracksmom on Ravelry
I have not knit from any of his patterns. He certainly has lived a great artistic life. Thanks for a chance in your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteChels
chelseyb5@aol.com
I have never knit or embroidered any of his designs even though I have been to exhibits of his work and read several of his books. I use his work more as eye candy and inspiration to think in new ways and daydream.
ReplyDeletePadlitam on Ravelry
I've never made any of his stuff tho I've admired him for years. My mom had some of his quilting books and I looked at them and set them down - as well as setting down my needles, yarn and fabric. Too busy doing other kinds of life. I've never seen his knitting designs but I love his crazy use of color and design. It's inspiring! sbsford(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI've never knit any of his designs, although I've admired them for decades. I rarely knit from a pattern, but I just love his eye for color!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was doing needlepoint all the time, I did some of his floral designs. I remember the pansies most.
ReplyDeleteI don't know which I like more, the geometrics or the florals. So much to do, so little time!
Count me on the not yet knitted a KF design, although I just downloaded the pattern for his Jubilee Quilt intending to do a few of the patterns in it as something else (pillows maybe? If I get really creative, a sweater?).
ReplyDeleteSince my 50th is coming up next week, I am putting this book on the wish list!
I am a huge knitter-however I have never knitted one of his patterns-from what you have shown us the colors are delightful.
ReplyDelete~ Its been many years that I've been inspired by KF designs in all his wonderful mediums, knitting, needlepoint, fabric, I loVe it all, but have yet "to make" ! ~ I dream of knitting pillows with many of my favorite Kaffe patterns.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic, beautiful book. I like seeing & reading of artists inspirations from nature and art.
Kaffe is so incredibly talented. How great that he shares his vision with the world, just as you do Kristin.
Best,
Shell ~
YarnSoup@yahoo.com
I have never knit a KF design/pattern. I have looked at a few on Ravlery but never was brave enough until recently to attempt color work. teachlovereadathotmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteI have never knit a KF design, but as a finisher for my local yarn shop, I assembled and finished a KF sweater for a customer, including weaving in all of the ends.
ReplyDeleteI started a chrysanthemum cardigan with a peplum many years ago. The background is shades of blue and purple and the flowers range from deep dusky rose to salmon-y to light pink. They all have a pastel ombre center. Unfortunately, I outgrew it long before I finished. I haven't had the guts to frog it. I'm thinking I'll mount the back in a shadow box and hang it on the wall.
ReplyDeleteYears ago, I knit a raglan cardigan with a zig-zag design that was one of his patterns. It was the first bit of colorwork I had ever done, and the main thing I remember was being so afraid I was going to ruin it! I also jump on his Regia sock yarns whenever he comes out with something new---they seem like cheating. You get all those fabu Kaffe colors without all the work. And they make any simple sock pattern look amazing.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
IaBrenda0312@aol.com
We carry Kaffe fabrics in our quilt shop here in New Braunfels, Texas. The fabrics are very popular and I have made a modern purse out of his fabrics and love it, easy and peaceful to the eyes. Happy Sewing, Pamie G.
ReplyDeletepgraham@gvtc.com
I am also a quilter, love his fabrics. All of his books are candy for the eye.
ReplyDeleteRavelry-quiltu
I know who Kaffe Fassett is, but I've never knit his designs. I have him on a pedestal, I guess, and have always figured he was beyond me. I'd love to read this book, and maybe someday feel brave enough to tackle one of his projects!
ReplyDeleteI have made several quilts from his books and with his fabric--my favorite are two quilts for my girls using his floral fabrics (http://www.whatsthatgonnabe.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-new-quilts.html) His fabrics are just breathtaking! emilyquilts (at) gmail (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteI have never knit any of his designs but I do take out his books frequently and lose myself in the colour and pattern. Thinking about it makes me kind of weak in the knees actually, *sigh* in love really. anythingbutsnow on Rav
ReplyDeletebeautiful. Loving your own mittens too.
ReplyDeleteI'm making a quilt of diamonds in Kaffe's fabrics and loving every moment of it! I would love to knit one of his designs but I'm not at that level but I have one of his earlier knitting books and love it for the design, color, and inspiration. He is truly amazing and I would absolutely love to own a copy of this new book!
ReplyDeleteThanks - LauraT
Lauratawney7 at gmail dot com
i am so inspired by Kaffe Fassett. What seems like a long-long-time ago now I knit a Persian Poppies shawl. It is still my favorite FO. Somehow I gathered up the courage to wear it to a lecture he gave in Cleveland and he complimented my color color choices - being an awe struck fan- I blushed and nearly fainted. My shawl is draped over my a love-seat in my living room where i admire it every day. So exciting to have the chance to win his new book....fingers crossed. Lam8147v2@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteYears ago, I used several of KF's needlepoint designs. Once I saw his work, I couldn't imagine doing anyone else's. It was his blending of color and pattern on pattern that I found so exciting.
ReplyDeleteHis books have been an inspiration for me in many areas and I look forward to seeing this new one.
Thank you for your beautiful blog and the inspiration you share with us.
Angeluna on Ravelry
I have all of his books, know much of his story. I am not sure if it was the knitting or the photos that held me spellbound. I think it was Glorious Color that had a photo in the blue/green hue of vases that still mesmerizes me. I have yet to knit one of his designs, but it is time to take up the challenge.
ReplyDeleteI first stumbled on Kaffe in the late 80's, living in Salt Lake. The Wooly West, Nancy Bush brought Alice Starmore to teach, I took the class and found there was a huge world of knitting I never knew existed. Foolish Virgins is on my "bucket list", just speaks to me. I have used his Persian Poppies to inspire a color class I taught. His influence is one of the reasons I love your own, Kristen's work. ijs j9knits (ravelry id) jeanninesims_1999@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI, too, am a Kaffe groupie!!! Many years ago one of the Rowan free gifts for subscribing to their magazine was one of Kaffe's tumbling blocks pillows. It sat for years---I was intimidated, but when I finally took the plunge I found it absolutely fascinating----each block combined two of the gazillion colors together, switching slightly between blocks to make the subtle color changes. I knit A LOT--and this project remains one of my favorite of all times.
ReplyDeleteI heard him speak about color at a quilt show here in Paducah---and our National Quilt Museum had a exhibit showing both his quilts and knitwear--stunning.
My hubby and I sleep on pillowcases made from his fabric!
Yes, I'm most definitely a groupie!!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI discovered Kaffe back in the mid 80s from his book "Glorious Knits". I knit the "Diamond Tunic" & still wear it today, 27 years later! I have also quilted with Kaffe's fabrics & knit socks with his sock yarn. He has many memorable designs, but the photography of his designs & colors is what is most memorable for me. Because of Glorious Knits when I find a gorgeous doorway, I pose in front of it. He opened up the world of color for me. Excuse me while I go pose in front of my doorway! I am 'oldgoatwoman' on ravelry & here is the link to my Diamond Tunic: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/oldgoatwoman/kaffe-fassett-large-diamond-tunic
ReplyDeleteThe book looks amazing!! No, I have never worked with any of Kaffe Fassett's designs - this is the first time I've heard of this artist. I would love to learn more and see the book! I'm a knitter, needlepointer and rug hooker and I love color.
ReplyDeleteI'm at daisygirl12us@yahoo.com or DaisySnow on Ravelry.
I've never made any of Kaffe's projects, but I regularly drool over his designs in the bookstore!
ReplyDeleteflgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com
i have a big pile of kaffe fabrics and they are sprinkled throughout my quilts. they also figure largely in the prayer flag style banners that i have flying in my studio. his color work is inspiring!
ReplyDeletemaureenodoogan on ravelry
maureenodoogan@yahoo.com
Kaffe Fasset's colorful designs are what got me hooked on knitting. By far, my favorite design is the Foolish Virgins sweater. A friend made it and it is absolutely awesome - went out and bought the yarn and pattern but have not made it. You have inspired me to get it out and get started! Would love to win this book! I'm at carol@ozimek.com
ReplyDeleteI have not knit one of Kaffe's designs, but have enjoyed his books very much. I'm at d_karen@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have always been inspired by Kaffe Fassett and his gorgeous sweaters. I was introduced to all things Rowan when I went to work for Wild And Woolly in Lexington, Mass in the 1990s. Overwhelming was my fist response!!! One of the designs I have always loved is the "Virgins" in the original yarns, not the cotton version, as well as the "blocks" vest.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your owns successes, Kristin. Remember the Tapestry yarn kits in the baskets? My intro to you many years ago........
Mary Pat Morris
I have not knit any of his designs...yet! I am wildly in love with his Argyle Jacket but am not a good enough knitter to try it. Someday. Thanks for the giveaway Kristen, the book looks fabulous.
ReplyDeletePam H
phopkin1@rochester.rr.com
I have not yet made one of Kaffe's designs, though I have a fabric packet and pattern for one of his quilts. I want to thoroughly enjoy the experience and am saving it for when I have time to do so. A colleague at work has done a bunch of quilts with his fabrics and they are always like jumping into the deep end with color just to look at them! I'd love to have this book for the end papers alone :)
ReplyDeleteI have never knit one of his designs but I did hear him speak once! Inspirational!
ReplyDeleteLike you Kristin, I discovered Kaffe's work and it imploded into my life and my imagination and has had a truly profound impact upon my creativity ever since. I have knitted his designs, learnt to manage using hanging multiple colours and loved them, still do. His wool tapestry [sigh] and the excitement of learning about blending colours of yarn and therefore being able to draw up my own designs and "to paint with wool!" I have not yet made any of his quilts but so enjoy reading about them and him whenever I can.
ReplyDeleteIn all probability, Kaffe has had the singular most impact on my creativity and I have had such fun over the years and still do ……with all thanks to him.
TopsyMoon@clear.net.nz I forgot to add this to my comments. i tried to use Wordpress but it did not seem to work for me today??
ReplyDeleteI made 2 vests from his Glorious Color book. I remember collecting yarn for years to have enough different blues, pinks and grays to use. The second vest was made with hand dyed yarns-golds,reds, etc. I was more adventurous in those days!
ReplyDeleteI heard Kaffe lecture when he first started out at a theatre in Birmingham, Mich. He was the most exciting person to come down the pike! My favorite is the "poppies" jacket but I've still not knitted it.
ReplyDeleteI love Kaffe's work. I have lots of his books, both knitting and needlepoint. I also collect Rowan magazines. Many years ago I knitted a jumper, from a kaffe kit, for my then boyfriend. It took me months and I was so pleased with it, only the relationship didn't last and I never saw the jumper again!
ReplyDeleteYou can find me as lindarumsey on ravelry!
ReplyDeleteI have not worked from any of Kaffe's designs so this would be a special treat for me!
ReplyDeletethespinartiste@gmail.com
I havent made any of his patterns yet because I only heard of him a few months ago! I'd love to give them a try though :)
ReplyDeleteRav ID: Klevitan17
I have never handcrafted one of Kaffe's designs because for me he is inspiration to create my own. I have several of his books that I look at when I need creative "juice". The first book I saw was the needlepoint book which I bought for my 90+ year grandmother. I am not sure she "got it" but every time I visited I looked at it and I inherited it. His freedom with color is good for me since I can get "rigid".
ReplyDeleteRav ID: ettennA
I have not used one of Kaffe's designs directly, but I have spent many hours poring over his books and gathering inspiration.
ReplyDeleteknitterplease45@gmail.com
Kaffe Fassett is sort of a hero of mine ... I love the career he has created for himself and the exhuberance of his use of color. I don't knit a lot and have never knit one of his designs though I did use his sock yarn, and his fabrics oh my .... love them and love using them in my own designs.
ReplyDeleteJules Means wrote:
ReplyDeleteOh,Kristin, I remember going to see him then, too!! He would say, "oh why do you Americans worry so about washing sweaters? They are outerwear! Don't bother!!" and he would say to stop planning and fussing- "Just suck it and see!!" He has been a brilliant inspiration to me for many years. xxoo - Jules Means
PS I love your blog... :)))
julesmeansATgmailDOTcom
I knit a Rowan kit pillow cover of 3D blocks and learned why KF doesn't sew in his ends. Couldn't not sew them in, though!
ReplyDeleteRav sunnydayknitter
I've never knit any of KF's designs -just admired them! I think I'm intimidated by them - so MUCH color. Your designs have actually encouraged me to try more color; maybe someday I'll try one of Kaffe's designs.
ReplyDeleteTricia
thefankells@mesanetworks.net
Hi Kristin, Love your designs, love your house & love Kaffe. I am a quilt designer (I also knit sometimes) & I have many, many of his fabrics. In fact, I bought a kit once with all the fabrics to make one of his quilts (you really don't have to make it - just knowing you could if you wanted to is always good!) My favorite Kaffe fabric is a cabbage rose (not sure if I know the real title of it) I used it on a little butterfly wallhanging I made for my neice. (huge print on tiny wallhanging...) I sometimes do articles for McCall's Quilting & it was featured on the cover of their February 2007 magazine (Lily's Butterfly). I love it best because it combines cheddar with hot pink and green. All of his combinations are quite striking but this one makes my heart sing. I've used it as a border on quite a few wallhangings and sadly don't have much left. I can send you a picture but I'm not sure how to do that in this comment section. Let me know if you would like to see it. Would love to have Kaffe's book from your contest! Thanks, Jan Carlson, baltoquilt@att.net
ReplyDeleteI get Kaffe's books out of the library to help me see how color goes together. I do dream in color : love his title. His work STOPS me in my tracks and I hope to make one of his quilts one day. Colors: what does the color purple sound like? That is what my daughter's choir director has them do. Close your eyes and imagine. That is how Kaffe's work is.
ReplyDeleteKBUCKINGHAM@carolina.rr.com
I have never done any knitting, needlepoint or such. I discovered Kaffe Fassett through his book on mosaics. I did mosaics for many years and now paint and repurpose furniture. I absolutely love his love of color. And I just rediscovered you through the Houzz article. Your house is amazing!! I first saw your house in a magazine and have saved the ripped out pages for close to 10 years!! Would love to have another book by Kaffe Fassett. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteEven though I love Kaffe's sweaters, I've always had trouble with intarsia. The only sweater I finished was a Rowan kit for a red vest with cones done in fair isle. It's gorgeous but too large for today's styles.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with the quilt on the cover of Passionate Patchwork and made it using his fabrics in a queen size. It is truly a work of art (his, not mine)!
Janet Anderson
Have I made a KF item? Well sort of! The article "Un plaid tout yoyo & patch" in the Marie Claire Idees issue #72, Mars 2009, inspired me to make a similar quilt. Because I was a member of Hands All Around Erie Quilt Guild, the quilt was donated to charity. It was quite an undertaking & thankfully other members helped with the piecing. However, I made all the yo-yos & quilted it by hand with perle cotton. Since I'm a member of ANG, I'll be checking out his needlepoint designs next! hottleco@neo.rr.com
ReplyDeleteKaffe's Glorious Color was the book that inspired me to (re)learn how to knit, in 1991. I have several of his books but have not yet made any of his designs. I guess the designs seem more like inspiration to me than real garments. I especially like his photos of his inspiration from the V&A Museum. I have this autobiography on my to-read list, am really looking forward to it.
ReplyDeletemarymort@aol.com
Have you ever knit, needlepointed, or sewn any Kaffe Fassett designs or fabrics? If so, which is the most memorable design of his that enthralled you? If not, tell me why?
ReplyDeleteI have been inspired by his works. (as by yours). Not made any yet...choosing colors to go together is still daunting for me. However, love how wonderful they look ... and inspired by your house... so incredibly joyous. used to droll over his patterns at Erica's needlepoint shop on Madison.
I can't remember if I left a comment yet!
ReplyDeleteI've not knit any of his patterns yet but find his books a great inspiration-they are eye candy.