Colourful Kaffe

 OK, hands up, who’s been to see the current Kaffe Fassett exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum?  If you’ve not seen it yet, there is still time as it closes on 29 June and is well worth seeing. 

I’m not a knitter myself, mainly because I have 2 left hands where knitting is concerned, but I do admire all the lovely hand knitting out there at the moment.  Kaffe Fassett must be one of the most well known names in the knitting world, famous for his knitwear designs for Missoni and Baccarat in the 1970’s.

The first jumper (cardi) ever knitted by Kaffe Fassett

The small and intimate space of the FTM is crammed full with the most colourful and vibrant quilts, needlepoint and knitwear, but the design of the exhibition by Sue Timney (of Timney Fowler) is so clever that this profusion of colour which could easily be overwhelming seems to be perfectly placed.

It’s not a huge show, but it does cover the whole of Fassett’s output from sketches and paintings to knitwear and accessories and finally to his more recent quilts and fabric designs for Rowan. 

Blue and white china from Fassett's extensive collection, with drawing and needlepoint cushion design it inspired 

 

Various pieces of ceramic from Fassett's collection with fabric and needlepoint designs they inspired 

 

Knitwear designed by Kaffe Fassett 

 

 One of my favourite parts was the display of hand painted fabric designs together with handwritten notes by the printers based in China and Korea where the fabric is printed.

 

Peony design for fabric for Rowan Fabrics, original handpainted design with printer's mark-up

 

Pages from sketchbooks

 Hand painted sign from Fassett's old shop in Bath

If you are looking for some inspiration, or need an injection of colour in your life then nip down to Bermondsey and catch this fascinating show.  Don’t forget your camera as photos are allowed, and you can get up very close to the exhibits – just remember no touching!