Passionate Patchwork: Over 20 Original Quilt Designs

The riot of color that defines Kaffe Fassett's renowned work in needlepoint and knitting also energizes his remarkable quilts. Passionate Patchwork features 20 projects of Fassett's designs, complete with materials lists, pattern templates, cutting directions, assembly instructions and diagrams, and gorgeous photos. Fassett draws on traditional quilt-block forms, lending his unique design and color sensibilities to squares and rectangles, triangles and diamonds, circles and ovals. An old favorite like Courthouse Steps takes on new vitality when pieced in countless shades of red. The chevrons of brilliant stripes comprising Fassett's Handkerchief Corners quilt hint at optical illusion, belying the quilt's simple assembly. Appliqué enlivens designs like Hat Boxes, wherein basic window blocks take on the appearance of cubbyholes, each sporting a multipatterned hat-box form. A solidly written section on basic quilt making appends the book, though these innovative designs are probably best attempted by quilters with a bit of previous experience. The resource page lists suppliers for purchasing Fassett's own fabric designs, but these beautiful quilts can of course be made with any appropriate fabrics. --Amy Handy