I usually find myself finishing one quilt project and starting another without hesitation. There are however,times when I do struggle with "what's next?" So today I thought I would share with you a source of inspiration (and thereby also answer an often asked question).
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When I am in between projects I sit back and enjoy some quiet time surrounded with quilt books and magazines, focusing on color rather than details of the design. One of my favorite inspiration references are a selection of Japanese books and magazines. .
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| ISBN 4-529-04203-0 |
Pictured on the left is one such Japanese publication. Titled Kaffe Fassett Fabric Collection (ISBN 4-529-04203-0)* it features the work of well known textile artist and author, Kaffe Fassett, the master of color!
This is a soft cover "book" in the usual style of Japanese publications, with feature photos of the projects at the front and detailed patterns with written instructions and small drawings/measurements at the back. Much pattern information can be obtained from just the pattern drawings.
And some snippets of color to share:
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Images from Kaffe Fasset Fabric Collection (ISBN 4-529-04203-0)
Image from Kaffe Fasset Fabric Collection (ISBN 4-529-04203-0)
How I love the idea of this lightweight and colorful window dressing!
Kaffe Fassett Fabric Collection is one of my most well thumbed books, and although I've not (yet) made any of the projects in it, perusing it, and most of Kaffe's other books, have certainly helped shape my eye for color. Kaffe is a wonderful color and design teacher, both through his books and as a lecturer.
Image from Kaffe Fasset Fabric Collection (ISBN 4-529-04203-0)
Color - It is right there for you; be sure to make time to really take it.
*This Japanese Kaffe issue has been in my library for a number of years, and a quick search of the internet does not uncover any information regarding it's availability. It is presented by Yokota & Co Ltd, without a publication date.
I'm inspired already! You do such a wonderful job of putting fabrics together. Thanks for sharing your insight and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteyes I've got that book and love it! I did make one quilt from it - most of my craft books I can't say the same!
ReplyDeletecorrie:)
Isn't this book in English too?? If not, there are plenty of other Kaffe Fassett's... why not get an actual Japanese source. I get japanese magazines Patchwork Class and Patchwork Tsushin. Beatiful! :)
ReplyDeleteThese books are very inspirational and I use some of them too. It's true because one can't read them they appear more intense visually. I also am a fan of KF and also Philip Jacobs and never cease to learn from their take on colour combinations.Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYou like colour and you like (big) patterns: have you tried quilting a "one block wonder" quilt yet?
ReplyDeleteYum!!!
ReplyDeleteCan't believe he'll be here in the flesh next Feb!!
Can't wait!!
Andi x
What wonderful inspiration!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love quilting books- this looks like a great one!
ReplyDeleteI knew the japanese made beautiful fabrics but I had no idea they were into quilting.
ReplyDeleteI have not been quilting for long but Kaffe Fassett is a favorite. I am always inspired just looking at his fabric. Got to meet him last weekend and that was really exciting!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteYour post leads to another follow up question: Are you a one-project-at-a-time person or do you have any long term projects you work on concurrently?
I really like this post in part because it makes me feel less guilty about my crafty book (mostly sewing, but other mediums too) collection. I very rarely make actual projects from them, but I find such inspiration from the colors, patterns, and just really, all things visual.
ReplyDeleteI too love those books. I have number 1 and 2 and I just saw that equilter sells number 3. I might have to get that too.
ReplyDeleteI too am between projects and found wonderful inspiration yesterday on the wall at the hospital I visited. I snapped a quick picture of some wall art, hoping to re-make it in fabric, and being so new to these cell phones, I neglected to hit "store", and when I got home to look at the photo, I realized that I had lost it. But, there's inspiration everywhere, praise the LORD !
ReplyDeleteLove it! What a wonderful way to get inspiration.
ReplyDeletei looked on amazon.co.jp and found the book (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/4529042030/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP). you can view the page in english, but there's a lot of japanese and i'm not sure what the shipping options are (i live in japan but have never ordered from amazon.co.jp and not sure if they ship internationally or not) but there it is, in case anyone is interested!
ReplyDeleteYou can translate the Japanese to English or whatever language. Of course, I'm copying and pasting online ... not sure how you'd do it from a book.
ReplyDeleteGo to
http://translate.google.com/
You can copy from the Amazon page to translate.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/4529042030/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP
I lived in Japan as a child and learned quite a bit of the language. Unfortunately, after moving back State side and years passing I've lost most of what I learned. Dang it
talking of inspiration - I hope you don't mind but I just posted some pics of your fab FMF quilt ...
ReplyDeleteI looked for this book on Amazon.co.jp and found it. However it will not ship to the U.S. I was so not happy about it. I did have to use Google Translater to even try to understand how to use the site. It did help a bit. I hope that some of you can buy it. It runs about $20.00 and above U.S. dollars.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I wish I could get my hands on it. Darn it!!!!!