Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts

As many of you crafters out there already know, Kaffe Fassett is a legendary designer of quilts, knitting patterns, and fabric (amongst many other things.) He has a singular sense of style revolving around a vivid color palate, intricate construction, and unexpected juxtapositions. We are always excited to see a new book of his and his latest work, Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts (published by our friends at STC Craft) exceeds all expectations!

This lovely new book is all about taking inspiration from everything around you, especially in regards to shapes. In the introduction Fassett tells us, "My ambition in this book is to draw attention to the basic shapes that we cut for quilts as they appear in our surroundings. The more we spot these shapes in the world... the more we can access the rich world of inspiration they provide."

The book is divided into chapters each devoted to a simple shape. It's amazing what can be done with simple squares or rectangles or triangles when you play with their color and placement. This lovely rectangle quilt, entitled "Tilt" couldn't be easier to put together and draws inspiration from simple, colorful tile work.

Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts contains 23 original quilt patterns and it also contains many pictures of the places and shapes that inspired them. This pretty star tiled wall is a great example.

It's great to see the stimulus for the idea and then see the fully realized idea as well. You can really see how the tiles might spark this festive, lovely quilt!

In addition to the simpler sections on squares and triangles, there are some stunning patterns for more advanced quilters as well. This "Not-So-Lonestar" Quilt displays everything we've come to know and love about Kaffe Fassett's work.

Above all this book is about seeing the world in an abundantly creative way, and searching out the artistic muse around every corner, or tile, or pane of glass!

You can watch and hear Kaffe Fassett talking about this wonderful new book in his own words, at this fun book trailer.

You can get yourself a copy of Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts right here!

Comments

[Ashley Schott]

These are sooooo gorgeous. That first one is my favorite. It's breathtaking.

[msvonkat]

it's like my granny and anthropologie finally met and really hit it off...I MUST OWN THIS BOOK! thanks for the post :)

[shery]

lovely collection

[Allison]

I just wanted to let you know that your link to the book is not working properly.

[purl bee]

Thanks Allison! It's all fixed now.

[plaisirs simples]

ooo these are beautiful!!! sooo pretty!

[angelina]

very nice, i love it

[claireyloo]

What a genius with colour. I first discovered Kaffe Fassett at a textiles exhibition at the Alexandra Palace in London when I was about 13. I remember it was the first time I really realised how important colour is in design (I didn't really care or hadn't really thought about it before). I appreciated that it takes real skill to make colours work so well together to make something that makes you stop and look and say "wow - that looks amazing". I'm sure seeing his work then provided the water for those first seeds of interest in textiles.....thank you.

[Carole]

Absolutely wonderful! A must have book for me.
What yarns does he use and do you carry them?

[Josie]

Beautiful and inspiring.

[Kat]

Ohhh.... the pictures are gorgeous. I have to admit I'm a fabric fondler and his are one of my favorites!

[Cheryl]

Thanks so much for the review! I recently spotted his book, and they're all hard to resist! This helps so much!

[Ryan]

Looks beautiful, I can't wait to see some of his inspiration. And hopefully use some of my stash.

[Marg]

I went to a talk he gave a number of years ago in Toronto -- one of the absolute best I've ever been to. He is such a wonderful artist and a nice guy to boot! His books are always so mouthwatering and inspirational. This book is certainly one I'd like to add to my collection.

[pam]

wow! that makes me want to learn how to quilt. Is it very difficult?

[Captive Illusions]

Very nice. I'm trying my hand at my very first quilt square and am just hoping it isn't a disaster. I love the fun outrageous quilts!

[Julie]

I just found out that Kaffe Fassett will be in Philadelphia on Apirl 10th for a book signing! I'm so excited and I just wanted to share the joy!
http://www.spoolsewing.com/blog/2010/03/03/spool-welcomes-kaffe-fassett/

[agulha não pica]

I can see that at least some photos are taken in Portugal! I'm so happy about my country being so inspiring!