KAFFE FASSETT, AN AMERICAN HOUSEHOLD NAME IN BRITAIN , AN INSTITUTION OF CREATIVITY AND A DESIGNER QUITE POPULAR AND ADMIRED
Kaffe Fassett can be all three and way more, but to me he is a Genius who wrote fantastic masterpieces on how to master Design, Colour, Needlepoint and get inspiration from our every day surroundings to create what is different and unique , what stands out and leaves an intemporal mark -a legacy to our relatives , friends and to the world.
A designer with fabrics, quilt and needlepoint kits for sale at the Victoria and Albert Museum, outlets and luxury shops in Central London , Ehrman is also a painter with a particular vein for mosaics.
His personal studio is accessible online at http://www.kaffefassett.com/ .
Here is my selection of his most iconic current needlepoint works. Please note, the first is already complete while the others below are kits to complete at your own leisure and time.
FRENCH CITYSCAPE £2350
By Kaffe Fassett
- LIMITED EDITION of 25 Stitched Panels
- 59" x 32" (150 cm x 81 cm)
- 10 holes to the inch
- Ehrman wools
- By Kaffe Fassett.
- 29" x 21". 74 cm x 54 cm.
- 10 holes to the inch.
- Ehrman wools.
Included in the Kit
The kits include a 100% cotton canvas printed in full colour, all the yarns required (100% pure new wool), a needle and an easy to follow guide to get you underway.
By Kaffe Fassett
- 30.5" x 26.5". 78 cm x 68 cm
- 10 holes to the inch
- Ehrman wools
Included in the Kit
The kits include a 100% cotton canvas printed in full colour, all the yarns required (100% pure new wool), a needle and an easy to follow guide to get you underway.
By Kaffe Fassett
- 44" by 31.5". 112 cm x 80 cm.
- 7.5 holes to the inch.
- The kit uses Ehrman wools stitched double and is worked in half cross stitch.
Included in the Kit
The kits include a 100% cotton canvas printed in full colour, all the yarns required (100% pure new wool), a needle and an easy to follow guide to get you underway.
By Kaffe Fassett.
- 20" x 20". 51 cm x 51 cm.
- 10 holes to the inch.
- Ehrman wools.
Included in the Kit
The kits include a 100% cotton canvas printed in full colour, all the yarns required (100% pure new wool), a needle and an easy to follow guide to get you underway.
Next I am very briefly reviewing six Kaffee Fasset books which are a true must , especially considering that each book has a good amount of projects that can potentially make Benetton look handmade - by you!!!!
Though this book is out of stock in London's Waterstones , Bennet Books ( KY, USA) has the book as new in stock and ships to the UK. Abebooks also features five USA retailers that stock the book . You can access them here
187 pages describing the whole creative process of Kaffee Fassett told in the first person, with a particular attention to historical information of patterns and themes used, and how the colours choice are made in an informed manner - most elaborately, for example, why the choice of that particular tone of yellow - how that tone of yellow has been used throughout centuries in different cultures like the Chinese Tapestry and how it lays well in British needlepoint creations.
Everything in tapestry has a meaning, and with this book we learn that is not just an iconic meaning, it can well be relational and related with how men and women throughout centuries valued things like rabbits and cabbages.
It's a book replete of pictures, of radical colour combinations in ancient artefacts and present creations brought to life by Kaffee Fasset. It's a guide to creativity , not a workbook and therefore has no projects, just different layers of intellectually elaborate creative processes which we benefit tremendously from learning from accomplished and highly successful and respected artists.
With 33 authority books to his name ( http://www.kaffefassett.com/publications/ ) , KAFFE FASSETT'S book Glorious Colour is relatively an introduction to his complex artistic work in the fields of the visual arts, needlepoint tapestry , fabric and knitted yarn design.
The book is divided by shapes and patterns chapters and in each the author reveals a bit of his work routine and ethics, his conscientious effort to introduce and elaborate projects for us readers to do at home that celebrate Oriental, Islamic, Medieval and Eastern culture in a way that matches our environment and don't make the items look out of date or out of context in our home. For example, on page 18 we have a historical introduction to the Islamic stripes patterns and then on page 19-20 we have the instructions for the project ISLAMIC STRIPE PATCH CREWNECK.
What really enamoured me with this book was the sections FANCIFUL FLORA ( Page 101 ) . Is the most mesmerizing call for creating beauty and perfection drawn from nature. You can easily replicate the needlepoint and knitting projects, respectively for the home and for clothe wear, by following the instructions and diagrams on the book.
Trust you found my book review useful and remember to check the other 32 books by the author at www.kaffefassett.com/publications.
This book has everything you need to make stunning cushions, kitchen accessories ( e.g. mosaic head plate ,fan throw, fan lampshade, tea cosy, table mats) , shoulder handbags, lampshades , upholstery of antique chairs ( e.g. Tropical Floral Chair, page 80) ,flower trellis cushion, flower trellis carpet and various tapestry cushions .
Is a money saving book that frees me from buying further tapestry kits. I can't wait to execute the handbag project as the pattern is so beautiful and also I just need to purchase a wood handle . What about you, what project would this book entice you to try and what are you missing in your family home? Remember that tapestry items are years without end durable and will definitely stay for generations to come - so why not give it a try?
Rag rugs, mosaic decorations giving a new look to conservatories and bathrooms, Afghan knitted sofa and bed covers, knitted cushions, furnishings, murals, collage screens and the most beautiful tapestry to attach to woodwork around your family home, this and much more in this classic book by Kaffee Fasset. For more of his publications - 33 books in total- visit http://www.kaffefassett.com/publications/ .
KNITTING DESIGNS FOR THE HOME AND PERSONAL WEAR
A. KAFFE'S CLASSICS - 25 GLORIOUS KNITTING DESIGNS- BCA ( LONDON ) 1993
B. GLORIOUS KNITTING , CENTURY ( LONDON) 1985
All together, two books with 55 designs with easy to follow instructions for shawls, throws, jumpers, cardigans, coats, tunics and dresses. The projects are suitable for all family members.
Which tapestry kits are your favourites and looking at the extensive list of publications by this author ( http://www.kaffefassett.com/publications/ ) , which books would be ideal to enrich your family environment?
Until next time,
Best wishes,
Ariane
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