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Kaffe dialed it in on Quilts in Italy

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quiltsinitalybookkaffefassettOn 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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Comments

  1. 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!

  2. 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!

  3. 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

  4. 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

Have you read?

In the Garden Layer Cake – A Bloom-Filled Fabric Collection for Spring Sewing

Some fabric collections feel pretty, some feel useful, and then there are those rare ones that instantly spark a dozen ideas the moment you see them. The In the Garden Layer Cake from Fat Quarter Shop falls firmly into that last category. From the moment I opened the pack, it felt like stepping into a watercolor garden—soft, romantic, full of movement, and brimming with detail that invites you to slow down and really look.

This collection brings together an elegant mix of florals, garden motifs, and soothing color palettes that feel like they were created for spring quilting. Instead of loud novelty prints, the designer chose a gentle balance of botanical sketches, scattered blossoms, tiny seed patterns, and larger feature florals that work beautifully in both traditional and modern layouts.

What struck me most is how thoughtfully the color stories are arranged. Each print blends seamlessly into the next, giving you a spectrum that includes soft rose pinks, leafy greens, lavender tones, fresh sky blues, rich corals, and delicate neutrals. It’s the kind of palette that instantly feels “quilty” in the best way—inviting, calm, and incredibly easy to mix and match. You can tell the designer planned this for maximum versatility.

Layer cakes are one of the most beginner-friendly precuts, but this collection elevates them with a sense of sophistication. The prints are strong enough to shine in simple patterns, but subtle enough to support more complex designs. Whether you prefer classic half-square triangles, framed squares, modern grid quilts, or something scrappier, this fabric adapts beautifully. It’s also a wonderful choice for table runners, spring wall hangings, and even quilted bags or home décor projects.

One of the nicest surprises with this layer cake is how it manages to feel seasonal without becoming locked into one particular holiday or theme. While the palette is undeniably perfect for spring, the prints themselves are timeless enough to work year-round. A floral quilt made from this collection would look just as lovely on a summer sunroom sofa as it would draped over a guest bed in winter.

The fabric quality is exactly what you’d expect from Fat Quarter Shop—crisp, clean cuts, vibrant printing, and a smooth hand that makes piecing feel effortless. Nothing is too thin or too stiff, and the colors are even more beautiful in person than they appear online.

If you enjoy sewing projects that feel light, fresh, and inspired by nature, In the Garden is a collection worth adding to your stash. It has all the qualities quilters look for: balance, versatility, gentle movement, and that spark of creativity that makes you want to start a project immediately. Whether you’re planning a gift quilt, treating yourself to a new spring project, or simply building your fabric library with a set of prints that will play nicely with others, this layer cake is a thoughtful and inspiring choice.