When selecting collections for our fabric department, some things really are a no-brainer. With the collaboration of Kaffe Fassett and Morris & Co, we couldn’t get our order in quick enough. Combining William Morris’ iconic prints with Kaffe Fassett’s bright and bold use of colours, this collaborative collection is quick to set quilters hearts a-flutter.
But before we get into the collection itself, we thought it was time for another history lesson and a deeper dive into the designers themselves. First up, it’s William Morris.
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris
Continually well-celebrated, Morris’ designs have been reworked and re-released year after year. No stranger to wallpapers, textiles, embroidery and more, Morris & Co‘s iconic patterns appear to be just as prevalent in modern day. We’re rarely short of seeing their designs reworked over stationery, kitchenware, bedding and even candles, but where did it all begin for the prolific designer? With almost 40,000 logged objects and items, the V&A museum certainly know a thing or two about all things Morris. They explain via their website:
“A key figure in the Arts & Crafts Movement, Morris championed a principle of handmade production that didn’t chime with the Victorian era’s focus on industrial ‘progress’.”
Born in Walthamstow in 1834, his priviledged upbringing didn’t require him the need to obtain a career. Yet those factors didn’t deter him from being inspired to create. They continue:
“Time spent exploring local parkland, forest and churches, and an enthusiasm for the stories of Walter Scott, helped Morris develop an early affinity with landscape, buildings and historical romance. He also had precociously strong opinions on design.
Fast-forwarding many a year and navigating other avenues pre and post church studies at Oxford University, his passion for art only grew stronger.
Whilst working back in Oxford, he had a chance encounter with Jane Burden, a local stableman’s daughter. Their relationship transcended class as the pair ‘broke rules’ and married in 1859. When it came to their home, Morris commissioned old friend and architect, Philip Webb. The V&A explains:
Morris and Jane moved into Red House in 1860 and, unhappy with what was on offer commercially, spent the next two years furnishing and decorating the interior with help from members of their artistic circle. Huge murals and hand-embroidered fabrics decorated the walls, creating the feel of a historical manor house.”
Continuing, they say:
“Prompted by the success of their efforts (and the experience of ‘joy in collective labour’), Morris and his friends decided in 1861 to set up their own interiors company: Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. Everything was to be crafted by hand, a principle that set the company firmly against the mainstream focus on industrialised ‘progress’.”
Speaking of Red House, the next Morris & Co. collection appears to be a nod to his abode, due in the warehouse in late spring. Free Spirit describes Red House as the collection that: “[…] Highlights the extraordinary talents of the women of Morris & Co., including William Morris’s daughter May Morris, Kate Faulkner, and Kathleen Kersey. A delightful palette of soft autumn hues enlivens the collection with abundant charm, celebrating the skill of these talented designers […].”
We’re really looking forward to seeing what’s next! Click HERE to continue V&A’s insightful information about William Morris. But for now, our excitement continues as we head over to the second half of this creative union: Kaffe Fassett.
Living a life in full colour…
Bold prints and vibrancy are just two of the many qualities that Kaffe Fassett brings to any of his collections. Celebrated far and wide within the crafting community, Kaffe quickly became an inspiration across numerous diciplines. Both Kaffe and his work continue to draw in the crowds, as he’s quite the beacon at live events! Via his website, Kaffe’s illustrious career really is something to behold:
“[…] Born in San Francisco in 1937, Kaffe started as a fine artist, winning a scholarship to study at The Boston Museum of Fine Arts School when he was nineteen. […]
After settling in England in 1964, his passion for colour led him to knitting and designing knitwear for Missoni and Bill Gibb amongst others […].
He later took up needlepoint and patchwork, creating both his own works and designs for others to make.”
His paintings continue to be displayed in London, where his hand-knitted pieces feature in museums worldwide. Kaffe’s influence and reach knows no bounds, thankfully, showing no signs of slowing down:
“Kaffe Fassett has dedicated the last 50 years of his life to the world of Knitting, Needlepoint and Patchwork, promoting these crafts through his own work and encouraging others to find their own creativity. He has produced over close to 50 publications from ‘how to books’ to colour in design, and also tours internationally giving workshops, lectures and museum exhibitions.”
Our latest additions to the warehouse are Folk Flower, showcasing what Fassett does best with stunning florals and bold tones. Lucky for us all, Folk Flower is available in three colourways: Multi, Pink and Red. We’re always excited to see what the Kaffe Fassett collective comes out with, yet let’s finally take a well-deserved closer look at the collaboration of all collaborations!
“I look forward to seeing how this hybrid Fassett Morris collection is used in your special pieces.”
– Kaffe Fassett
When this collab crossed our desks, we knew we had to stock it. Not only did we love it, but we knew all you lovely quilters would, too. Each design is such a celebration of creativity, creating a hybrid collection that we feel will continue to be spoken about in years to come. Via their website, Free Spirit offers about the collection:
[…] Marvelously re-coloured through the masterful lens of Kaffe Fassett, this collection features much-loved and iconic designs that speak to William Morris’ fascination and love for nature, as well as designs that were inspired by medieval textiles, papers, and more. The timelessness and intriguing scale of these gorgeously alive designs are mood-lifting in Kaffe’s fresh spring colours.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of our favourites…
As most of our regular readers know, we always find it difficult to pick our favourites every other week! Yet, as always, we’re up for another challenge. We’re loving the pops of bright oranges, sunshine yellows and vibrant pinks in the purple colourway of Bluebell.
Reminding us of stunning summer blue skies is Fruit, a past favourite of ours, yet previously seen in it’s more traditional colourway. The duck egg really pops and compliments the branches that are ready to be harvested! We love the tiny blossoms, as the flecks and introductions of colour just add another dimension to a classic print.
And finally, Leicester in Cobalt truly has our heart. Strikingly vivid and forever chic, Leicester’s twist via Kaffe’s recolour really stops you in your tracks. With zingy lime, soft pinks and light turquoise, the leaves and blooms presented in this manner futher compliment the design, in this modern retelling. Using this for lampshade and/or cushion covers would create quite the conversation piece, as it walks the perfect line of individualism and classic luxury.
Free Spirit have left us slack-jawed on how they’ve used the collection to create these stunning quilt patterns. Luckily for us all, the Diamonds and Twinkle quilts are available to download for free! Yet if you want to have a further look, just click HERE.
Thanks for sticking with us for this longer edition of Fabric Focus; we hope you’ve enjoyed it! Have you used any of the Kaffe x Morris & Co. range? If you have, let us know by tagging us in your makes using #WWCrafters and we’ll share some of our favourites.
Happy crafting! 💚