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GLORIOUS COLOUR
Shows seventeen designs inspired by exhibits at the Albert and Victoria Museum, and includes diagrams and instructions
159 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 10, 2023
A little busy and chaotic in formatting, but take a look at any of Fassett's designs - he packs a ton of details into any given space, so it kinda makes sense. Just a view on the world that's different than mine, and you get that right from the get-go.
Aside from my initial response to the presentation, how is it as a book?
As always, Fassett is so creative in his color and pattern design, and in this one he really goes into the thought process - the travel inspirations, the time at the V&A Museum studying patterns from objects from around the world, and then reworking those ideas into something in knitting or needlepoint. And of course, some patterns and charts thrown into the pages too. It's a really great book for inspiration. Even if it's not one for your own shelf, it's an interesting one to borrow from your library.
For someone used to more modern pattern books, there are things that I miss in the pattern instructions here. The biggest one is yarn information. Today's books are much better about giving yardage, not just weights. Here we know that we need 5 skeins of ABC yarn that's Xg/Yoz per skein, but there's no yardage given. Depending on the fiber content, the same number of oz can have different lengths, right? With a bit of research, you can look it up, but that gets more challenging the older the yarn is, as things do get discontinued from time to time - even classic yarns. Not insurmountable, but definitely a frustration.
The patterns themselves. Would I make anything? Maybe, actually. I'm not a colorwork knitter, but these are such great patterns, that it's tempting to make something as a really cool accent piece. So, yeah. Maybe. (And yeah, standard warning here - I haven't actually made anything yet, so no comments on completeness or coherency of the patterns).
The sweaters are definitely signs of the times. The shaping, the colors, the all-over patterns... very late 80s/early 90s "TV Dad Sweaters". But with a little shaping, or a different color scheme? Yeah, can definitely be modernized. And I'm a sucker for a good snuggly shawl or large cardigan - maybe not down-to-my-ankles type large, but still. So even being a bit dated, I can see making these - or at least considering, or adapting patterns.
Bottom line - would I buy it? It's on my shelf now and I don't regret it, but it was also a second hand bookshop find. So definitely not full price. I'm not that into this style of sweater that I'd have sought it out or paid full price. But as I said earlier, if you don't luck into a copy like I did, it's one worth checking your local library to see if they have a copy.
Aside from my initial response to the presentation, how is it as a book?
As always, Fassett is so creative in his color and pattern design, and in this one he really goes into the thought process - the travel inspirations, the time at the V&A Museum studying patterns from objects from around the world, and then reworking those ideas into something in knitting or needlepoint. And of course, some patterns and charts thrown into the pages too. It's a really great book for inspiration. Even if it's not one for your own shelf, it's an interesting one to borrow from your library.
For someone used to more modern pattern books, there are things that I miss in the pattern instructions here. The biggest one is yarn information. Today's books are much better about giving yardage, not just weights. Here we know that we need 5 skeins of ABC yarn that's Xg/Yoz per skein, but there's no yardage given. Depending on the fiber content, the same number of oz can have different lengths, right? With a bit of research, you can look it up, but that gets more challenging the older the yarn is, as things do get discontinued from time to time - even classic yarns. Not insurmountable, but definitely a frustration.
The patterns themselves. Would I make anything? Maybe, actually. I'm not a colorwork knitter, but these are such great patterns, that it's tempting to make something as a really cool accent piece. So, yeah. Maybe. (And yeah, standard warning here - I haven't actually made anything yet, so no comments on completeness or coherency of the patterns).
The sweaters are definitely signs of the times. The shaping, the colors, the all-over patterns... very late 80s/early 90s "TV Dad Sweaters". But with a little shaping, or a different color scheme? Yeah, can definitely be modernized. And I'm a sucker for a good snuggly shawl or large cardigan - maybe not down-to-my-ankles type large, but still. So even being a bit dated, I can see making these - or at least considering, or adapting patterns.
Bottom line - would I buy it? It's on my shelf now and I don't regret it, but it was also a second hand bookshop find. So definitely not full price. I'm not that into this style of sweater that I'd have sought it out or paid full price. But as I said earlier, if you don't luck into a copy like I did, it's one worth checking your local library to see if they have a copy.
December 6, 2018
Lots of color.
July 13, 2016
I have an ever growing fascination with Kaffe Fassett. He's someone who's brain works so very differently from mine, but I say that with absolute admiration and respect! Of course the actual articles of clothing in this book are very dated, but I don't think the patterns and color combinations necessarily are. I loved the visuals accompanied by his musings on what inspires him. He has no fear of blending eye-popping colors and patterns into massive works. I can't imagine the amount of labor that goes into his pieces. There was one project that he used over 50 different colors! I can hardly navigate two or three balls of yarn with my colorwork projects. Seriously, he's fearless.
Even if you don't appreciate how busy and eye-bending his designs are, I think this book/the patterns in it are important pieces of knitting and textile history.
Even if you don't appreciate how busy and eye-bending his designs are, I think this book/the patterns in it are important pieces of knitting and textile history.
July 10, 2008
A great book for inspiration with bold use of colour and varied places to look for styles and patterns. I'm not sure I'd make any of the patterns in this book but it's a lovely read and good for ideas.
September 29, 2011
The book that inspired me to learn to knit. I saw a copy at my cousin's house in Denmark, in 1990.
August 27, 2014
Not my cup of tea! Too busy looking. My preference is for the subdued. But you've got to hand it to him. He makes it all look so easy. Mais chaq'un à son goût.
December 3, 2015
Older patterns, of course, but still amazing. Organized by pattern type--stars, diamonds, circles, crosses, etc. Full instruction patterns.
September 17, 2012
More color inspiration for knitting, needlepoint, and other fibre arts.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews