Kaffe Fassett: The Power of Pattern

Dazzling exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum of quilts made from Kaffe Fassett textiles.

The introduction explained how Fassett formed a collection of fabrics for quilting with designers Brandon Mabley and Philip Jacobs and the exhibition then showcased quilts made with those fabrics.

The effect in the space was beautiful and it hummed with colour. There was a mix of patchwork and appliqué work ranging from the tradition to works that were more like paintings.

The show was full of ladies who were obviously needleworkers having long conversations about technique which at times made it hard to see the exhibits and read the commentaries.

As someone who did patchwork in their youth, and has a couple of half-finished quilts, I felt it was slightly cheating to use material designed for quilting. To me it has been about using up scraps.    There was also a lovely display of Fassett’s needlework cushions which reminded me I’d done a couple which I must dig out of storage as they are now vintage!

Closed 12 March 2023


 

 

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