THE KAFFE FASSETT INTERVIEW
We had the great honour of interviewing Kaffe Fassett earlier this summer. Kaffe is a leading textile designer and world renowned for the vibrant colours in his designs. He has dedicated his life to the world of knitting, needlework and designing and has produced over 30 books. Kaffe has been commissioned and had garments worn by; Barbara Streisand, Lauren Bacall and Shirley Maclaine – to name a few and he has been interviewed countless times on national TV. He was also the first living textile artist to hold a one man show at the Victoria & Albert which later toured 9 countries.
Kaffe spends his life touring the world encouraging others to work with colour instinctively. His desire to help quiltmakers work with colours has helped them to produce some stunning designs – some most recently seen at the Festival of Quilts 2018 and led to his reputation as a bit of a guru! Admired by most other textile designers, fashion designers and quilt makers, Kaffe not only produces inspirational projects he is an inspiration – still touring the world in the pursuit of his passion and recently honoured with an MBE in recognition of his services to the crafts of knitting and needlework.
We discovered a lot more about Kaffe – read on….
Can you remember the first item you designed and made?
The first knitted cardigan is in my autobiography – Dreaming in Colour – The cardigan’s simple stripes feature the subtle landscape colours that caught my eye when visiting Scotland.
What is your favourite tool or gadget?
My favourite gadget is the on/off button on my Radio so I can tune into Radio 4 daily.
Do you have a favourite colour to work in?
That’s like saying – do you have a favourite breath – colours are my oxygen and always used in combos.
Where do you get your inspiration for the colours you work with
Inspiration for colour comes from observing life – watching what people wear passing by my local coffee shop, flowers in my garden, art in galleries, TV, magazines, films etc.
What type of fabric would you choose to work with?
Cotton for patchwork, all natural fibres for knitting and wool for needlepoint.
Have you ever had a design or a piece of work that drove you mad – what was it?
No, I’m still sane. I work through any difficulties without too much stress. I’ve had a mural painted over when I spent months on it. That was hard.
You have designed for many famous people is there someone historical that would you love to create something for and what would it be?
I’d love to knit a great patched coat for someone like Maria Callas.
Talking of designing for famous people – is there a garment that you have designed that stands out or is more memorable?
I did a top for Barbara Streisand that worked out well…!
Do you listen to music whilst you work – what is your favourite album/artist/ genre?
I don’t often listen to music except when I’m teaching workshops. I prefer Radio 4 plays and interviews (I dedicated my first book Glorious Knitting to R4!)
What time do you start your day – Are you an early riser or a night owl?
I start in my studio about 7:30am – breakfast at 8 and then on with the day.
What other hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
I try to get to the antique shops and art museums at home and when I travel – I always find it rewarding. I also devour books and like to do jigsaw and crossword puzzles
Do you have any pets?
No I do too much travelling for pets
Have you achieved your vision of success – is there anything else you would like to achieve?
I’m always breaking new ground so there is plenty more for me to do and it keeps me looking forward. As for success – I can always improve, which is another motivation – I’m always thinking lets have another go – see what we can make better.
What fabric or textile designers do you admire?
The patchwork artists I meet on my travels – too many to mention who produce beautiful work and use colour deliciously.
You travel extensively – what do you take everywhere with you that you cannot be without?
A knitting project or a needlepoint, one that centres me after teaching classes, book-signings or interviews all day on my travels.
Do you have a favourite place to work?
I have a low chair in the corner of my studio, that is where most of my projects are done on
You have shown all over the world is there a building that you would like to have your work in?
I love museum shows because they have the space to show my work and the standing to attract a larger audience, so I can share with others what I do – so the museums I’ve not yet shown in I’d love to do.
What do you consider is the secret to your success?
Hard to judge. The fact that I do simple crafts that anyone can learn is part of it – Nostalgia – picky subjects that connect with peoples’ past and passions is another part – but colour is top for attracting fans a generous exploration of all that colour can give us which is an on-going activity that is highly motivating.
What is the secret of your eternally youthful looks and energy?
I try to keep fit, eat well, drink moderately, go to the gym or walk each day and get 8 hours sleep a night with a 15 min kip after lunch.
and finally – why Hastings and why Kilburn?
Haven’t a clue (cheaper?)
Eclectic Maker are currently selling Rowan Kaffe’s Colours Collection – a collection of 7 designs by Kaffe Fassett using existing shades of felted tweed alongside the NEW colours especially designed by Kaffe
.