or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering
Sell Us Your Item
For a $5.66 Gift Card
Trade in
More Buying Choices
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Tell the Publisher!
I'd like to read this book on Kindle

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color: An Autobiography [Hardcover]

Kaffe Fassett
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)

List Price: $40.00
Price: $28.96 & FREE Shipping. Details
You Save: $11.04 (28%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Wednesday, May 29? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details

Formats

Amazon Price New from Used from
Hardcover $28.96  
Summer Reading
Summer Reading
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store.

Book Description

September 15, 2012
Kaffe Fassett has led an extraordinary life and is a captivating storyteller with a vivid memory. Born in 1937, he spent much of his youth in Big Sur, California, where his parents bought a cabin from Orson Welles and transformed it into the world-famous Nepenthe restaurant, a gathering place for artists and bohemians. After attending a boarding school run by the disciples of Krishnamurti, an Indian guru, he studied painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, then traveled to England, where he made his home. After an inspiring trip to Inverness, Scotland, Fassett began designing knitwear for Bill Gibb, and then the Missonis, Vogue magazine, and private clients like Lauren Bacall and Barbra Streisand, and, in the process, revolutionized the handknitting world with his explosive use of color. Further explorations led him to needlepoint, mosaics, rugmaking, tapestries, yarn and fabric design, costume and set design, and quilting. Now in his seventies, Fassett continues to produce new work and to travel worldwide to teach and lecture. In this intimate autobiography, Fassett shares rich, detailed stories about his lifelong creative journey as well as hundreds of glorious photos taken along the way.

Praise for Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color:

“Kaffe Fassett is to color what Julia Child was to French cooking.” —Knitters Review

“Lavishly illustrated with photographs from his life and work and dishing on everyone from Dustin Hoffman to Princess Margaret, Dreaming in Color describes a charmed life filled with creativity, big personalities, travels and not a little serendipity.” —Vogue Knitting

“Shapes and patterns are everywhere; they lie waiting for the person who wants to see them. It's the bricolage aspect behind his work and, arguably, Fassett himself: arranging disparate things to create something dynamic and new.” —Vogue Knitting

“This book would be a beautiful gift to receive or give. It is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
—Examiner.com

“A glance through his new autobiography shows that this is a man who, in design terms, hit the ground running and has never stopped.” —Selvedge magazine

“Dreaming in Color, lavishly illustrated with 500 color pictures, is a feast for the eyes.” —Shelf Awareness

“Reading this book is like peeling an orange on a gray winter’s day—every single one of your senses is sparked as you get sprayed with infectious creativity.” —Knitty.com

“Kaffe Fassett is a luminary in the world of textiles and knitting, spreading the gospel of color in his books and travels.” —The Houston Chronicle

“It is a beautiful book, no question. Beautifully designed, thoughtfully composed, well-written, Kaffe takes you on his creative journey. We all—quilters, knitters, needlepointers, and just plain art lovers—are indeed very fortunate that he would share all of this with the world.” —Getting Stitched on the Farm

“Fassett is a kind of Harrison Ford of the knitting world….” —The Washington Post

“Kaffe Fassett is a luminary in the world of textiles and knitting, spreading the gospel of color in his books and travels.”—The Houston Chronicle

“This book is a gorgeous coffee table treasure but it so much more than the vibrant photos, it is a moving and interesting autobiography and I am so glad it has been published. What a treat to read, hold, soak in and enjoy.” —Susan B. Anderson

“Brimming over with beautiful eye-candy and intimate details, this colorful book is sure to charm and inspire.” —Love of Knitting magazine

“Kaffe Fassett fans will want to read Dreaming in Color. The photos complement his rich and full life, and sup

Frequently Bought Together

Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming in Color: An Autobiography + Kaffe Fassett Quilts Shots and Stripes: 24 New Projects Made with Shot Cottons and Striped Fabrics + Kaffe Quilts Again: 20 Favorite quilts in new colorways from Rowan
Price for all three: $73.23

Buy the selected items together


Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kaffe Fassett is widely acknowledged as a visionary in the use of color and was the first living textile designer to have a one-person show at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He is a fabric designer for Rowan Patchwork and Quilting, the primary knitwear designer for Rowan Yarns, and the author of 15 books, including STC Craft’s Kaffe Fassett’s Simple Shapes Spectacular Quilts. He lives in London. Visit his website at kaffefassett.com.


Product Details

  • Hardcover: 224 pages
  • Publisher: STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book; 1ST edition (September 15, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 158479996X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1584799962
  • Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.5 x 1.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kaffe Fassett, an accomplished painter and designer of textiles, is widely acknowledged as a visionary in the use of color. In 1988 he was the first living textile designer to be given a one-person show at the V&A in London, where he lives. He is a fabric designer for Rowan Patchwork and Quilting and the primary knitwear designer for Rowan Yarns.

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
(45)
4.7 out of 5 stars
Kaffe Fassett is so amazing and following his life was such a joy. Sharon Israel-Roiz  |  15 reviewers made a similar statement
This is a very interesting book which would be extremely enjoyable for non-knitters as well. Brenda V. Digges  |  8 reviewers made a similar statement
This book is one that I will treasure forever and ever and will go back to time and time again. Kate Martin  |  7 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book by a remarkable artist September 30, 2012
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I met Kaffe and Brandon a few years back when I worked as a hostess for a quilting workshop that they gave. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to work with them up close and personal. I found them to be very warm, approachable, and insanely gifted with color. I fetched a delicious beet salad for lunch for both of them. I sat with them at lunch and got to ask many of the questions that I had been curious about. It was a precious time because how often does one have an opportunity like that?

I have been a huge fan of Kaffe's from W-A-Y back to his very first book. Having knitted since age 5 I had never seen knitting patterns like his before. He used color in his designs like no one had ever used before. They were really quite radical for the time. This was in the early 80's. He took the knitting industry by storm and I imagine that sales blew the roof off of yarn shops because there were ton's of colors in each sweater. I have bought many of his books over the years and they are all great but this book is the cherry on top of them all. This is not a pattern book, it is historical timeline showing how his designs have evolved over the years.

Kaffe's family tree has so many gifted and interesting people who were trail blazers for their time. They really thought outside of the box considering the time in which they lived. To give you an example, Kaffe's great grandparents were the founders of the artist community of Carmel by the Sea. Kaffe's grandmother was also a very gifted painter who spent many years living and traveling all over Europe. His mother moved to Europe for six years to join her and told young Kaffe vivid stories of the clothes she wore and the things she saw while living there. All of Kaffe's family was really quite Bohemian which gave Kaffe the freedom to become who he was destined to be.

I love the size of this book as it really does justice to all of the wonderful pictures that accompany the written text. The pages explode with color and the stories that go along chronologically with them are as colorful as he is. I have always loved color and I never pick boring black or tan shoes. I am the one that immediately goes to the colored shoes, clothing, etc, etc. It just makes my soul happy when I see a brilliantly orchestrated design. This book is one that I will treasure forever and ever and will go back to time and time again. I find myself plotting for extra time in my day so that I can sneak upstairs and escape into the colorful pages of this book. While browsing Amazon I found this book and debated whether or not to buy it. Boy oh boy am I glad I did! If you are a fan of Kaffe's you will not be let down by this book. One day I hope that Kaffe will do a book on his house and studio. There are several pictures of his house but they left me begging for more. They make me think that if there were a crafter's heaven this is what it would look like. Yes, they are THAT beautiful.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Magical Life That Inspires -- Not Just for Crafters! September 27, 2012
Format:Hardcover
Kaffe Fassett is a quiet revolutionary. An art school dropout who was warned against giving into the seductive pull of craft, lest it ruin his reputation as a fine artist, Fassett is a unique and fascinating icon for creative types in every medium.

Kaffe turned the knitting world on its head, producing complex patterns that required upwards of 100 different colors in a single garment. Then, he moved on to the quilt world. He's tried his deft hand at drawing, painting, mosaics, needlepoint, costume and set design and more. He has painted murals in the mansions of heiresses. The common theme through all Kaffe Fassett's work is a deep passion for rich color. He sees the world very differently from most of us, and this fine memoir allows us to see what he sees.

There is a kind of scrapbook or travelogue quality to the book, but at a very high level, and one of the most exciting aspects is the way the visuals are layered: Kaffe has put snippets of his recent fabric designs next to paintings he made decades ago, and compared both to paintings that informed his taste since he first viewed them in the great museums of Europe as a young man.

In anyone else's hands, this might seem like excessive name-dropping, but the anecdotes really do convey the enchanted quality of this man's life. After all, his parents really did build and run the hippest eatery on the California coast in the '50s, and movie stars and famous writers populated his youth as a result. Kaffe really did move to London during the swinging '60s and get to hang out with a lot of the creative movers and shakers of his era. Another sort of author might let the reader know what happened AFTER Leonard Bernstein called him "the handsomest man in the world" at a New York party, but this memoir is much too gentle to tell all.

Buy this wonderful book for what it is instead: a joy-filled account of one creative man's dance with his muse. This is the perfect gift book for anybody you know who likes to make beautiful things.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars What A Joy September 26, 2012
By j
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I do not usually "gush" about books...and I was not sure I wanted to pay so much for this book...BUT boy, am I glad that I did.
I do own his knitting books and I admit I was curious about his background. The book arrived today so I have not had the chance to read much..but the presentation is magnificent. The pictures and the paper used are really high quality and the photos are all carefully labeled which adds a lot to my enjoyment.
What a fascinating life he has had.
Anyone who is not sure whether they should buy this book....indulge yourself. OK, now I am going back to start reading....
Having just read Chapter 1, I am just amazed at Mr. Fassett's background...the people in his early life who influenced him spanned so many areas from philosophy to show business to government to leaders in business...his own family...parents, grandparents were just unbelievable....WOW...what an enjoyable book!!
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars What a great Story
I am really enjoying reading about how Kaffe grew up and how he choose England. His career is so varied it is fun to see how it evolved. Nice color pictures too.
Published 2 days ago by Cheryll Salzberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the book
I love all Kaffe's fabrics, all the floral prints are so vibrant, and have bought several of his quilting and knitting books. I really enjoyed reading how he started out... Read more
Published 8 days ago by K.H.
5.0 out of 5 stars inspriing
Great book, laid out great with lots of photos and dreamy colors. Recommend if you're a knitter or quilter or just plain love Kaffe Fassett's works.
Published 23 days ago by E. Nelson
5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary
I loved the book. I have been a fan of his for years and enjoyed reading about his family. But mostly the stories and pictures the show the many sides of this multi talented man.
Published 26 days ago by Karen DeMeritt
4.0 out of 5 stars Safe asset
Heard Kaffe speake at American Quilters Society Lancaster PA show; amazing...so talented. HAD to buy this book. Love the stories and photography.
Published 1 month ago by Vicki
3.0 out of 5 stars Dreaming in Color by Kaffee Fassett
Very detail about his family and his experiences growing up. I was inerested in his chane from knitting to qilting and how they are really similar in grafting patterns.
Published 1 month ago by millie58
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun reading about his life. And he had a majestic life.
Visited Nepenthe in Big Sur last year on the coast. Beautiful. His family story is amazing...His artistry and what he's accomplished is beautiful
Published 1 month ago by Anne
5.0 out of 5 stars Kaffe Fassett,Dreaming inn color an Autobiography.
This is a neat autobiography of Kaffe Fassett. I have taken classes with him and just attended a lecture. He is very interesting to hear speak of how he is inspired.
Published 1 month ago by sandyreeves01@comcast.net
4.0 out of 5 stars With all that talent he knows how to live
Around 1958, I took my mother, visiting from Ohio, to the Nepenthe as we were touring California. I remember watching people dancing on the patio to Misirlu above the Pacific... Read more
Published 1 month ago by charp
5.0 out of 5 stars More than I expected
Kaffe has spent his life bringing color to the world, and his autobiography tells how that came to be. Read more
Published 2 months ago by E. Keane
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews


Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store

If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store. Learn more

Forums

There are no discussions about this product yet.
Be the first to discuss this product with the community.
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 



So You'd Like to...


Create a guide


Look for Similar Items by Category