Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts
May 19, 2010
I recently received a copy of Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts from STC Craft/Melanie Falick Books. Kaffe and his co-author, Liza Prior Lucy, have put together 23 quilt patterns that all come from simple shapes just like the title suggests. Squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, diamonds and quarter circles are used with color to come up with fresh variations on traditional quilt squares and patterns.
We are in love with traditional
quilts. We
both admire and collect them. The repetition of shape in block form is
so
appealing. Most of the time we use a traditional quilt pattern to start
with.
We browse books of antique quilts and examine antique tops and quilts in
vendor
booths at quilt festivals.
Sometimes we find an antique
textile form
that is not a quilt but we think would be easily adaptable to piecing or
applique. For example, in the new book, Simple Shapes Spectacular
Quilts, there
is a quilt called Haze Kilim. This pattern was derived from a Kilim
Carpet. You
can find a very similar form in American Native woven textiles.
Our interest is mainly in playing with color to see how we can take those traditional patterns and bring them into the modern world. We tend to choose patterns that are not terribly tricky or complicated. Large scale printed fabrics are what we use most and that kind of fabric doesn't usually lend itself to tiny piecing.
........
There are so many gorgeous quilts in this book! I'm particularly smitten with Stripescape. At first glance this quilt looks quite complicated, but once I took a closer look, I was amazed at how simple these rectangles of striped fabrics really are.
Another favorite of mine is the Not-So-Lone Star. I love seeing a traditional quilt re-done in a fresh, modern palette.
To learn more about Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts, check out the Quilt-Along that STC Craft is hosting. There is a free pdf download of the Yellow Potpourri quilt pattern as well. Other stops on the blog tour are as follows:
May 3: Quilt-A-Long Begins! http://www.melaniefalickbooks.com
May 6: Review http://to-be-charmed.com
May 7: Kaffe and Liza’s Top Ten Quilting Blogs http://quilting.craftgossip.com
May 10: Review and “Liza Lucy Stories!” http://goknitinyourhat.blogspot.com
May 11: Podcast Interview with Kaffe and Liza http://www.PatSloan.com
May 13: How the "Kaffe Fassett Collective" designs together http://whipup.net
May 14: Choosing Colors www.knitgrrl.com
May 17: Art vs. Craft http://www.thisisloveforever.com
May 18: The Question of Dabbling http://www.yarnstorm.blogs.com
May 19: Choosing Patterns http://www.houseonhillroad.com
May 20: Interview http://sewmamasew.com
May 21: Review http://www.ohbara.com
May 25: Review http://usineurope.typepad.com
May 26: Review http://www.alabamachanin.com/journal
May 27: Why a Design Wall and Reducing Glass http://thelastpiece.typepad.com
May 28: Interview: Tradition Today http://www.materialobsession.typepad.com
May 31: Interview http://thelongthread.com
June 1: Kaffe and Liza's Quilt-A-Long http://www.melaniefalickbooks.com
June 2: Review http://quiltersbuzz.com
June 3: Quilt-A-Long Sharing http://blog.fatquarterly.com
June 4: Review http://www.trueup.net
June 7: Review http://bemused.typepad.com
........
I have one copy of the book available to giveaway. You know how it goes....leave a comment on this post before Friday, May 21 at 12 noon EST for your chance to win.
Lone Star is fantastic...Im with you...love seeing traditional quilts in modern fabrics!
Posted by: Jenny | May 19, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Really can't wait to get my hands on this book!
Posted by: blair | May 19, 2010 at 12:56 PM
I LOVE Kaffe Fassett!!
Posted by: Grace | May 19, 2010 at 12:57 PM
This would make a great addition to my craft book collection! : )
Posted by: Shannon | May 19, 2010 at 12:58 PM
I love the stripescape, too - I'll have to think about how that is done - I love the bright colors Kaffe uses!
Posted by: beth lehman | May 19, 2010 at 12:59 PM
what a gorgeous book! I love that stripescape as well.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | May 19, 2010 at 01:06 PM
I love Kaffe Fassett's quilts, the colours are so gorgeous, I'd love to win this book!
Posted by: Tong | May 19, 2010 at 01:12 PM
This book looks awesome! I love all the bright colors!
Posted by: Jolie | May 19, 2010 at 01:14 PM
the book looks fantastic!!! i love Kaffe Fasset's fabrics and quilts... i hope win it!! gracias!
Posted by: RosaMaria | May 19, 2010 at 01:16 PM
I love the stripe-y quilt too! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Katie | RunawayOctober | May 19, 2010 at 01:18 PM
His quilt books are my favorite and I don't have this one yet. The pictures you posted are just a tease.
Posted by: Christine Williams | May 19, 2010 at 01:22 PM
This book looks AMAZING - I love how those quilts look, especially the ones on the cover! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Erin H. | May 19, 2010 at 01:23 PM
The lonestar quilt is stunning
Posted by: bakeandsewblog | May 19, 2010 at 01:24 PM
Amazing work, would love this book.
Posted by: Myra | May 19, 2010 at 01:35 PM
Really beautiful!
Posted by: minnesota:madre | Sarah Jane | May 19, 2010 at 01:37 PM
Wow! Great book!
Posted by: Jen Gough | May 19, 2010 at 01:37 PM
Would *love* to have that book in my hot little hands! Definitely could make some stuff in it!
Posted by: nanann | May 19, 2010 at 01:41 PM
I would love a copy of this book!
Posted by: Lynn Harris | May 19, 2010 at 01:46 PM
I would love this!
Posted by: kimberly | May 19, 2010 at 01:49 PM
Count me in! I would love this book.
Posted by: Andrea | May 19, 2010 at 01:52 PM
Would LOVE a copy of this book! ohhhh, the colors!
Posted by: Karen | May 19, 2010 at 01:57 PM
Another fantastic book to add to my wishlist!
Posted by: Michele | May 19, 2010 at 01:58 PM
Swoon! I would love to have a quilt book in my little library.
Posted by: mandy | May 19, 2010 at 01:59 PM
Who wouldn't want this book? It looks amazing!
Posted by: Kirsten | May 19, 2010 at 02:00 PM
This looks like another great book from a great team. Yes, please include me in your give away!
Posted by: Anita | May 19, 2010 at 02:00 PM
The book looks amazing - so many quilts to drool over and make! Thanks for the opportunity to be in the draw!
Hugs
Posted by: Jen | May 19, 2010 at 02:05 PM
Would love to add this book to my quilting book shelf! I am drawn to his lovely fabrics and colors! Thanks for the give-away!
Posted by: Valerie | May 19, 2010 at 02:05 PM
Looks like a great book, count me in ..Karen
Posted by: Karen | May 19, 2010 at 02:06 PM
Stripescape looks fantastic!
Posted by: Agnes | May 19, 2010 at 02:12 PM
Beautiful quilts!
Posted by: Cindy | May 19, 2010 at 02:15 PM
I have a feeling this is a book just to drool over.
Posted by: mj | May 19, 2010 at 02:20 PM
I would love to have it =)
Posted by: Milena Oliveira | May 19, 2010 at 02:40 PM
His quilts are always incredible--I bet this book is no exception!
Posted by: mary | May 19, 2010 at 02:43 PM
Wow. I am in love. Those pictures inspire me to match fun colors and patterns and CREATE! Thanks for sharing! I love Kaffe patterns and fabrics.
Posted by: Kim | May 19, 2010 at 02:48 PM
This book looks amazing. Count me in!
Posted by: Courtney | May 19, 2010 at 02:55 PM
fabulous!
Posted by: stephanie from texas | May 19, 2010 at 02:56 PM
That book looks amazing!
Posted by: treeathie | May 19, 2010 at 02:56 PM
I love love LOVE his designs and fabrics! The bold use of colour
Posted by: Aditi | May 19, 2010 at 03:09 PM
Fun book! I love the colors and the quilty inspiration.
Posted by: Megan | May 19, 2010 at 03:11 PM
This looks like a really great book. The colors are wonderful! And I do have a thing for stripes...
Thanks!
Posted by: Lori | May 19, 2010 at 03:17 PM
The Stripescape reminds me of sunsets over the bay! Cheers!
Posted by: Jennifer H | May 19, 2010 at 03:17 PM
Gorgeous quilts!
Love the colour explosion in each one!
Posted by: domoshar | May 19, 2010 at 03:22 PM
This looks like a wonderful book!
Posted by: alissa | May 19, 2010 at 03:23 PM
love the stripes. please count me in too.
Posted by: lucette | May 19, 2010 at 03:27 PM
I'd love to receive this!
Posted by: Kate | May 19, 2010 at 03:30 PM
Thanks for the chance to add even more great crafts to the long list of crafty dreams!!!
Posted by: Tara | May 19, 2010 at 03:31 PM
I am smitten by this new book. Thanks!
Posted by: julie | May 19, 2010 at 03:50 PM
Looks like a great book. Would love a chance to win!
Posted by: Andrea | May 19, 2010 at 03:53 PM
Thanks for sharing...your thoughts on the book and the chance to win a copy.
Posted by: wintu nancy | May 19, 2010 at 03:59 PM
I'm currently fascinated with the Lone Star pattern but not brave enough to attempt it...yet.
Posted by: Heathir | May 19, 2010 at 04:15 PM