Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance: 20 Designs from Rowan for Patchwork and Quilting

by Kaffe Fassett

Discover 20 glorious new quilts that will take you on a journey back in time when you flip through Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance . All the romance of a time gone by is captured in exquisite pastels, set against the dramatic Italianate architecture of a tiny Welsh village -- enchanting patterns that will warm up your home and make wonderful gifts. Based on Fassett's signature line of Rowan fabrics, here's the 11th book in his series of best-selling quilt patterns. You'll find pieces designed by the world's finest quilters, including Liza Prior-Lucy, Pauline Smith, Robert Horton -- and introducing Kim McClean, an Australian quilt designer and teacher. Each pattern includes step-by-step instructions for creating a museum-quality piece -- plus inside tips and techniques that Fassett has picked up in over 30 years as a textile artist. And the stunning color photos by Debbie Patterson will inspire you to get going on your first project when you see the artful beauty in each and every piece.

Genres: Quilting, Crafts, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Minnesinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photos are gorgeous, as you would expect for a book by Kaffe Fassett. My favorite designs of the collection are Ice Cream, Red Flower Power and Pastel Flower Power, but all are beautiful given that they are constructed of his gorgeous fabrics.

This collection was photographed in Portmeirion, a village that was designed and built on a scenic coast in North Wales from 1926-1976 by Welsh architect Clough William-Ellis “to demonstrate that a beautiful site could be developed in a sensitive, imaginative way” (per KF’s introduction). The buildings and gardens of Portmeirion certainly do complement the landscape; the entire village is stunning: Pastel exteriors with exquisite detail, ornate grillwork, ornamental gardens all within a walk to the sea. As Fassett remarks, it looks like the whole town was lifted out of Italy. (Because all buildings are Italianate in style.;)

(NB: I added one star simply for the uniquely beautiful location. If based solely on the quilt designs, I’d say 3.5-4 stars.)

[Kathie Young de Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book, have7. Say it with Flowers and Stripes Quilt
made at least one quilt from it.
1. Jiggery Pokery Quilt
2. Hearts and Flowers Quilt
3. Pastel Italian Tiles Quilt
4. Ice Cream Quilt
5. Cutting Corners Quilt
6. Pick Dish Quilt
7. Arrow Feathers Quilt
8. Spring Log Cabin Quilt
9. Pastel Flower Power Quilt
10. Red Flower Poser Quilt
11. Magic Carpet Quilt
12. Incredible Stripes Quilt
13. Gold Italian Tiles Quilt
14. Summer Tumbling Blocks Quilt
15. Autumn Daze Quilt - made this one for us
16. Two Up Two Down Quilt
17. Tulips Quilt
18. Hearts and Gizzards Quilt

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 50 pages are quilts on doorsteps, stairs, and other beautiful locals in a small European town. And absolutely useless as a how to book. The back 90, however, have really cleverly laid out patterns that go row by row with well done cutting instructions and patterns that remind me of how cross stitch patterns work. I don't know if I like any of the patterns enough to use them, but they have given me some ideas.

[Wallis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures, but not for me. These quilts are too complex for my skill, although the pictures are gorgeous. I found the book a little frustrating because there aren't any beginner patterns. A lot of skill is assumed here.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful quilts masterfully photographed in Wales. It features the expected glory of color & pattern mixing as well as full instructions and templates for the featured quilts, most if which are for intermediate quilters with one gorgeous beginner quilt pattern.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book the most disappointing of all Kaffe's books I have read so far. I must note that a variety of famous quilt artists contributed to the book as well. I liked the quilt on the cover the most.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The colors of these quilts blow me away. Very simple, but very inspirational.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this a beautiful book to look at it is also really great reading. The photography alone is stunning.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fassett's books are always awash in color and pattern - they should really be read on a wet November afternoon. I'm clipping the Autumn Daze Quilt as an easy exercise in color values.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to make all of these quilts!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful.