On this one, he dialed it in. Let me explain. A publicist from The Taunton Press sent me a review copy of Kaffe Fassett’s latest travel-style DIY book, Quilts in Italy
. And though I normally do go on to write a positive review when I receive such gifts from a publisher, I cannot do it, not for this one.
As always, the photography is stunning, but the 20 quilt projects are underwhelming. There is not a single quilt that after I saw it I said to myself, “I have to make this”. Even if you are new to quilting and to Kaffe’s wonderful world of fabrics, I still do not recommend you pick up a copy. Spend your money on his fabric or an earlier book such as Kaffe’s Shots and Stripes. This one, where he collaborated with talented quilter Liza Prior Lucy, is worthy of your time. You can read my interview with the authors here and my review of the book here.
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sorry you cannot recommend kaffe’s new book quilts in italy. when you hold a piece of kaffe’s plush, luxurious fabric in your hand you know you are on you’re way to a sewing a couture item. the fabric just melts in your hand like no other fabric you have ever held before. just choosing fabrics from his wonderful collection has to make you stop and look, and say “stunning”. so to say “underwhelming”, i don’t know about that. i’d have to see the photography in the book. but then again, everyone is entitled to a miss now and then!
Good Morning Scarlett! Thank you for your honesty, that I will definitely listen to and follow. I do think all of the bright fabrics on the cover here are fabulous though. Thank you for sharing and have a fantastic creative day!
It’s always great hearing from you Brenda! As a southern girl born and raised, I was taught if I cannot say something nice, to not say anything at all. That is my rule, but sometimes rules need to be broken for the sake of critical analysis. Warmest wishes to you, Scarlett
Rose Marie,
Just to clarify, I never said his fabric was underwhelming, I referred to the projects in the book as such. I love Kaffe and I feel gratitude towards him every time I walk into a fabric store reap the rewards of his color and design genius. But, even a genius should be called on a mediocre work. –Scarlett