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.
Kaffe and Liza explain how they choose a pattern:
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!
Really can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
I LOVE Kaffe Fassett!!
This would make a great addition to my craft book collection! : )
I love the stripescape, too – I’ll have to think about how that is done – I love the bright colors Kaffe uses!
what a gorgeous book! I love that stripescape as well.
I love Kaffe Fassett’s quilts, the colours are so gorgeous, I’d love to win this book!
This book looks awesome! I love all the bright colors!
the book looks fantastic!!! i love Kaffe Fasset’s fabrics and quilts… i hope win it!! gracias!
I love the stripe-y quilt too! Thanks for the giveaway!
His quilt books are my favorite and I don’t have this one yet. The pictures you posted are just a tease.
This book looks AMAZING – I love how those quilts look, especially the ones on the cover! Thanks for the giveaway!
The lonestar quilt is stunning
Amazing work, would love this book.
Really beautiful!
Wow! Great book!
Would *love* to have that book in my hot little hands! Definitely could make some stuff in it!
I would love a copy of this book!
I would love a copy of this book!
I would love a copy of this book!
I would love this!
Count me in! I would love this book.
Would LOVE a copy of this book! ohhhh, the colors!
Another fantastic book to add to my wishlist!
Swoon! I would love to have a quilt book in my little library.
Who wouldn’t want this book? It looks amazing!
This looks like another great book from a great team. Yes, please include me in your give away!
The book looks amazing – so many quilts to drool over and make! Thanks for the opportunity to be in the draw!
Hugs
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!
Looks like a great book, count me in ..Karen
Stripescape looks fantastic!
Beautiful quilts!
I have a feeling this is a book just to drool over.
I would love to have it =)
His quilts are always incredible–I bet this book is no exception!
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.
This book looks amazing. Count me in!
fabulous!
That book looks amazing!
I love love LOVE his designs and fabrics! The bold use of colour
Fun book! I love the colors and the quilty inspiration.
This looks like a really great book. The colors are wonderful! And I do have a thing for stripes…
Thanks!
The Stripescape reminds me of sunsets over the bay! Cheers!
Gorgeous quilts!
Love the colour explosion in each one!
This looks like a wonderful book!
love the stripes. please count me in too.
I’d love to receive this!
Thanks for the chance to add even more great crafts to the long list of crafty dreams!!!
I am smitten by this new book. Thanks!
Looks like a great book. Would love a chance to win!
Thanks for sharing…your thoughts on the book and the chance to win a copy.
I’m currently fascinated with the Lone Star pattern but not brave enough to attempt it…yet.
Ooo la la that book looks wonderful!!! 🙂
I have been thinking about trying some of Kaffe’ quilt books but I also always thought they looked too complicated for my weekend and after work quilting. But this one seems to solve that dilemma.
It would be great to win a copy
handmaderetro(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m throwing my hat in the ring. Sweet!
Those are really pretty fun quilts I would love to have this book!
I’m dying to try the Not-So-Lone Star pattern!!! It’s scrumptious!
I was sold on Kaffe Fassett as a source for inspiration the first time I opened The Passionate Quilter. I would love to add this book to my collection!
Oh wow, thanks for the giveaway! I love Kaffe’s books – so inspirational! Would love to finally attempt one of his quilts! 🙂
Looks gorgeous!
I’ve got this book on my wish list — sure would love to win it!
Oh, my – the stripes are amazing.
That striped quilt is the bomb.
I would love to win this book!!
Wow! Those are breathtaking quilts! I love the color used in them! Thanks for the giveaway!
Mmmm. I love stripescape! I’d love to see it up close.
I’m on the reserve list for this book at the library, but winning my very own copy would be even better!
I’ve always admired Kaffe’s designs. Our local library has several of his quilt books, they are always a treat to take out and admire. Thank you for the give-away!
Oh, that stripe quilt is gorgeous.
Yes please! At least that’s what I think when I look at those gorgeous quilts and yummy colors.
I’d love to add this to my collection of Kaffe books. Thanks Erin for the sneak preview and the chance to win!
I would love to have this book. I have been in love with Kaffe’s designs ever since my then new boyfriend now long-time husband introduced me to him by giving me a British copy of Glorious Knits before it was even in print here in the U.S. Since then I’ve become a quilter and love love love the way he uses color.
This book looks like a lot of fun!
I love the simple designs made spectacular by the wonderful fabrics! I would love to win this book! Thanks!!
When I was young my mum used to knit to Kaffe Fassett’s amazing colour exploding knitting books. I have fond memories of sitting and looking and watching her. Sometimes just looking at the book, and no knitting.
I would so love to win this book, as I am trying to expand my quilting skills (currently strip-piecing or basic squares is all I’m up to, but many plans in my head). It would be so perfect to have Kaffee sitting beside me while I learn {as my mum can’t be… only her memory}.
{I’m adding it to my wish list… so beautiful}.
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win.
Simple shapes and spectacular fabric colors!
This sounds like such a great book! That lone star pattern is so beautiful!
I just added that book to my cart yesterday! I suppose now I’ll hold off until after your drawing…fingers crossed…
I have this book out from the library and have spent every night looking over all the quilts and their colours. Think I will have a go at the Backgammon quilt for my son. Alas the book has along waiting list so I may have to photocopy the pattern!
What a fun book!
I have just started quilting (recently finished my first top). I would love to win this beautiful book.
I love Kaffe Fassetts fabrics! They are so instantly recognisable even when mixed with other fabrics. Thanks for the opportunity to win his book 🙂
i recently became fascinated with quilts – this is LOVELY and inspiring!
Love this book!
Wow, this looks amazing!
Would love to win!
My goal this year is to do my first quilt. Simple would be the best for me!
Oh yes please, I’d love to have this book! and I’m hoping to see Kaffe at Quilt Market this weekend!
Looks like a beautiful book…I love that stripy quilt too. Thanks for the giveaway!
Looks like a book I would love to have! Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks for the giveaway…count me in.
As with all of his books this looks like it is just filled with inspiration.
ooh, i’ve been admiring this book from afar. sure would like to admire it close up and personal!
What a fantastic book! Can’t wait to get up close with a copy. Thanks for the opportunity to win one.
I love Kaffe Fassett’s colours and quilts
THIS BOOK INSPIRES ME TO BEGIN ANOTHER CREATIVE ENDEAVOR.
I agree the stripescape is stunning.
Dawn
Thanks for the chance to win. I’d love to own this book:)
beautiful!
I must have this book!!! 🙂
That Lone Star pattern is drool worthy, the colors are amazing! Thanks for the giveaway! 😀
I have never purchased one of these books but i always love them. The fabrics and colors are so amazing….
Neat-o! I just returned three of Kaffe’s books to the library on Tuesday (one overdue, too, because I couldn’t bear to part with it!). His color choices are what draws me in; he sure knows how to make patches and half-square triangles look good!
I love that Stripescape! I would be thrilled to win this book!
I’ve never made a quilt, maybe it’s time to try.
Thanks for a great giveaway. What a great book! Love the LoneStar quilt.
I just picked up a Kaffe Fassett book from the library a few weeks ago and was blown away. I’d love to see the new one – thanks for sharing!
love Kaffe Fassett.
I’m in love with the triangle. Can get triangles out of my head and am playing with them in new ways. That’s quite a list of reviews. I’ll be sure to check them out!
I’d love to have another source for ideas for new projects – thanks!!!
I would love to win!
As expected, this Kaffe Fasset book is gorgeous. Thanks for the chance to win it!
What a great book for my MIL birthday in August! I am more of knitter than quilter, but my have to try the Yellow Potpurri quilt myself. Thanks for sharing!
I was waiting for this book to come out as I absolutely love Kaffe’s interpretation of classic quilts with modern colors and fabrics.
I love the colour combinations and patterns. This looks like a must have!
I’m with you – I love the striped quilt!
Oh I like that striped on too. I bet I could even make it, with my total lack of skills!
yay! thanks!!
I will blog about the giveaway!!
http://hello-my-little-world.blogspot.com/
escuishi(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have spent much of my morning just looking at his fabric collection online and would love to have his book to help with this day dream. Thanks for the chance!
Beautiful!!
Every book (sweater, quilt) that man touches is oozing with inspiration! I love all of my Rowan ones and this would be a great addition. Thanks!!
As my kids say, oooh, oooh, oooh, me, me, me! Pretty please? Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
What a wonderful book. It would go nicely with all the Kaffe Fassett fabric that I have been hoarding for years.
I think Kaffe’s fabrics are stunning…what more is there to say?
I’m starting to think that not only do we share a love for the color green, but also for stripes. Do you remember the knit Afgan book you wrote about? There was a striped pattern I was drawn to. And that one above is so cool looking! It does look complicated, but I will take you word that it is easier than it looks.
Happy Thursday Erin! : )
I love your color scheme.. its really sweet!
Thank you for the chance. Would love to win, since I am just getting into quilting~~~
*stunning* thank you for the chance to win!
I’d sure like a chance to win – I’m not saying I’m up to making any of them yet but I’d love a opportunity to dream! 😀
I checked it out at the library but had to return it. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
I am currently making a quilt and so am dreaming about the next one…. Thanks for the opportunity to win — the book would be very inspirational!
Ooh! Count me in!
i would so love a chance at this book. baby #3 needs some of her own new duds.
twrightgirl at hotmail.com
I would love to have a copy of this book…
the colors are so beautiful.
Jann
The photos in the book are inspiring, the quilts too.
Kaffe Fassett has an amazing ability with the color combinations he puts together! Thanks for the give away!
I love Kafe Fasset fabrics and patterns, choose me, Thsnks.
So excited about this book.Can’t wait to begin trying some of the ideas out. Thanks for the giveaway.
what a gorgeous book! My mother makes beautiful quilts and she has me wanting to do the same now 🙂
You are right. The striped quilt is great. So colorful and dynamic. Would love to start quilting someday, sooner rather than later.
Oh! thanks for the chance!
Beautiful! Would love to try some of these.
Looks like another beautiful book that I would love to own. Thanks for sharing it.