Blimey, it’s shocking to think that this time last year Kaffe and I met in NYC for the launch of the Coach x Kaffe Collection, at the NY fashion week. The anticipation was enormous as we had to keep it secret until after the hype of the fashion show in the Manhattan Old Stock Exchange.

2019 was a bumper year for the studio with a 6-month exhibition at the American Museum in Bath; an exhibition of Kaffe’s handmade items at the Anthropologie Store in London; very successful workshops in Holland, Ireland and the USA, followed by a much-needed break in Cuba for a couple of weeks, visiting spectacular places throughout the island, helped by the advice of British journalist travel writer Lydia Bell.  It was one of the most inspiring places we have been to for colour – though do research before going!!

Now we are all back in the Studio, including our faithful studio assistant Bundle Backhouse, who keeps us on the straight and narrow, and who returned from a 3-week trip to her home in Australia.  Kaffe is like a wizard whipping up various different colour arrangements for coming collections and books.  We are working on the Patchwork & Quilting book for 2021, cross referencing along the way with our super hero team of makers, for whom we are eternally grateful: Liza Lucy based in New Hope, PA and Judy Irish in WA for her quilting skills, Janet Haigh in Bristol, UK, who works with talented and trusted quilt makers, Ilaria Padovani and Julie Harvey.

At the moment we are working on a new hardback book for Abrams Publishers based on our home and the Kaffe Fassett Studio, showing highlights of Kaffe’s collections, interiors, working mediums and design philosophy. The book will incorporate knitting, needlepoint and patchwork projects – something to inspire all.

The glorious Hidcote Gardens, which happens to be Kaffe’s favourite garden in the UK, where we photographed our book ‘Quilts in the Cotswolds’ has opened up an exhibition gallery space for the first time. The Kaffe Fassett Studio will be lending a carefully chosen assortment of past / present quilts and needlepoints to display – 6th April to 5th December’20 – during the summer season.  Kaffe will be giving a Colour Inspiration lecture and a book signing at Hidcote around the middle of July.  Check the website for details in the Events section.

For the past 15 years Kaffe has been returning to his family home in Big Sur, California each year to visit his family.  During these visits he has been painting with his niece, established artist Erin Lee Gafill.  Kaffe sets up a still life and both paint the same subject.  This May will see an exhibition of over 50 of their paintings on display at the Monterey Museum of Art.  The title of the exhibition is ‘Color Duet’, and will run from 15th May to 23rd August 2020.  There may be some associated events around the opening date so keep an eye on the website for events around that time.

Rowan Yarns has launched their new collection of knits featuring designs from Kaffe and myself.  Recently we visited the new Rowan Flagship store which has moved from Liberty of London to ‘Osprey,’ in St. Albans. I will be teaching a one-day knitting workshop there later this year, in case you are in the area.

Peruvian Connection ready-to-wear has a cheerful, easy to wear garment by Kaffe called the ‘Sampler Cardigan’, knitted in super fine Pima cotton giving a lovely drape.

If you are looking to fancy up a garment, Kaffe has designed a small bright range of buttons. Visit Dill World of Buttons about distribution and purchasing for more information. ​

Following the tremendous response from the exhibition at Anthropologie store, we have launched a Gallery Shop on Kaffe’s website for the first time.  Most of the items for sale are handmade by Kaffe – check it out here.

Every day is completely different in the studio, working on books, new knit designs, needlepoint and fabric collections due out in 2021, plus planning exhibitions and travel, I often feel like we are on a magic carpet going at high-speed – or a Circus Ringmaster.  My stress buster is cooking lunch from scratch for all at the studio and evening meals.  We also do two Pilates classes a week, which is definitely life enhancing for Kaffe and I.

I’ll check back in with you all late Summer but please keep an eye on the events page on our websites for workshops and forthcoming events.

Sending all good thoughts

Brandon and Kaffe
at the Kaffe Fassett Studio, London

If you'd like to join us on Facebook under Brandon Mably or Kaffe Fassett Studio you'd be very welcome and on Instagram we're @brandonmably and @kaffefassettstudio.

www.kaffefassett.com
www.brandonmably.com