How to Organize Your Threads

Ehrman has just posted a great video on how to organize your threads before you start to stitch one of their kits.  It's full of useful tips for those canvases that have printed color blocks on the edge of one side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6rw-bLChpI

If you have a little free time, you can explore Ehrman's YouTube channel. It has some great profiles of their designers!

https://www.youtube.com/@EhrmanTapestry

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 11, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Help Picking A Background Color

Ever find yourself stumped for a background color?  Fortunately for all of us, Kaffe Fassett is a master of color.  All you have to do when you have no idea what color to use is to visit Kaffe's website and browse.

https://www.kaffefassett.com/gallery/needlepoint/

A red flower?  Try teal green or a strong blue for the background.

Pink florals?  How about a strong terracotta?

Stitching vegetables?  How about a soft dove gray to set off those green leaves?

https://www.ehrmantapestry.com/our-designers/kaffe-fassett/

When stumped, consult an expert.  Then pull out threads from your stash in similar colors and arrange the skeins around the outside of your piece.  A color or two will pop out from the rest and there you go!

Kaffe knows color.  He'll help you know color, too.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 23, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Summer Fun from NJNA

This month's e-newsletter from the New Jersey Needle Artists chapter of ANG is chock full of items about ANG's upcoming seminar, shop clubs, New Jersey-themed ornaments, and the newest ribbons available from Renaissance Ribbons for finishing.

https://blog.njneedleartists.org/2024/07/13/whats-happening-at-njna-7-13-24/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 14, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Vegetable Pillows from Kaffe Fassett

Kaffe Fassett's vegetable designs have been very popular but they've been discontinued for a while.  If you are a fan, there's good news--Ehrman has brought them back!  And they are on SALE!

https://www.ehrmantapestry.com/sale/?view=all

Ehrman is an English company that produces kits with printed designs that are meant to be stitched with wool.  I don't think these older designs come with a chart and I also think they use tapestry wool and are on 10 count printed canvas.  If you are a fan, this is a good time to add to your collection of veggies by one of the greatest needlepoint designers of all time.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 22, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Anthropologie Discovers Kaffe Fassett

Anthropolgie has discovered Kaffe Fassett.  They've even recreated his studio at one of their store galleries, the London one on Kings Road.

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/kaffefassett?fbclid=IwAR1mmkAaiwZktH7ouk9fPAqVhiSOixNELIddDiVwRDvuYovTe32AcpRZdKM

Want a really special gift for yourself or someone who deserves it?  Browse the Kaffe Fassett items for sale on his website.  These include needlepoint upholstered chairs, pillows and rugs, plus more from his creative mind and hands.

http://www.kaffefassett.com/gallery/shop/?fbclid=IwAR3SXNHPwLVxcMYUvk34IHmS68_yNHa8KH0WjEAm_3JcnWRHS919v1mvHr4

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com 

 Copyright December 22, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Profile of Kaffe Fassett

Ehrman Tapestry has updated their website with a new profile of Kaffe Fassett.  There are lots of videos to watch about a man who has dominated the needlepoint, knitwear, and fabric worlds with his unique mastery of color.

https://www.ehrmantapestry.com/our-designers/kaffe-fassett/?fbclid=IwAR3Dr7CN_AmZ0u9ICPiFFGIESi2fK8W_UZWE2V6YJa5Iio1QYUNffI4PW3U

If you aren't familiar with the kits of his work Ehrman sells, you can click on "View All" at the very bottom of the page and see what Ehrman has available now from his designs.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 20, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Want to Buy a Kaffe Fassett Original?

The Kaffe Fassett Studio has a few of the needlepoint models stitched by Kaffe himself for sale.

http://www.kaffefassett.com/gallery/shop/

They also have knitting, ceramics, patchwork, hats and more for sale.  I should also mention that there is a new Fassett book called "Kaffe Fassett in the Studio" which talks about his studio and his love of color and pattern.  It's not a book with charts of his needlepoint designs like some of the early ones but if you are interested in color, he is a master. You can see more about it here.  Don't miss the video!

http://www.kaffefassett.com/kaffefassettinthestudio/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 13, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Nothing Is More Inspiring

For me, nothing is more inspiring than listening to Kaffe Fassett talk about needlepoint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpClScg9rR0

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright October 10, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Tour of Kaffe Fassett's Studio

Even though this was filmed as a Christmas treat, I thought the wonderful colors and patterns of Kaffe Fassett best viewed in the dreary month of January!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGLqWHbCxpk&feature=youtu.be

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 11, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's All Sit Down

Orna Willis has found some lovely photos of needlepoint chairs.  I know that the second and third photo of chairs are designs by Kaffe Fassett.
https://ornadesign.blogspot.com/2018/09/needlepoint-to-sit-on.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 13, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Sneak Peak At Genius

Check out this work-in-progress piece by Kaffe Fassett.  I think these are circus tents.  Note that he doesn't use a frame, works all in tapestry wool,  and uses the scoop method to stitch instead of going up and down.
https://www.facebook.com/ehrmantapestry/photos/a.1482740371985400.1073741838.1455089021417202/2050095271916571/?type=3&theater

Design genius he definitely is but having seen some of his work in person, it's not technically perfect. But the colors he uses and the patterns he creates are amazing.

There's a lesson for us regular stitchers here somewhere.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 27, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Needlepoint Cosmetics

Ok, here's something you don't see every day—cosmetics packed in needlepoint-themed cosmetic bags!   
https://www.facebook.com/kaffefassettstudio/photos/a.1293531724048674.1073741838.1185596584842189/1304233396311840/?type=3&theater

Here's more about the line of cosmetics and fragrances, makeup bags and cosmetic bags.
http://www.kaffefassett.com/wp-content/uploads/On-Point-fragrance-press-release.pdf

http://kaffefassettfragrance.com/onpoint/

For those who aren't familiar with Kaffe Fasset, he is a master of color and textile design and has created a huge range of tapestry kits in partnership with Ehrman.  If you search the Ehrman website, you'll find the currently available kits from the many he's designed and several videos of Kaffe.  He's the master of color as far as I am concerned.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/KaffeFassett.aspx

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 12, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Special Gift Idea

I just happened to see this photo of Kaffe Fassett working a puzzle someone made for him from a quilt done in his fabrics on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/358534837577981/photos/a.467651833332947.1073741825.358534837577981/1448085668622887/?type=3&theater

I had a puzzle made from a photograph of my mother's cat for her for Christmas one year.  This is the place I used.  It never occurred to me to do a piece of needlepoint as a puzzle, though.  It would make a wonderful gift for the right person.
https://www.puzzleyou.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 12, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kaffe Fassett's Colour at Mottisfont

The great textile designer Kaffe Fassett is doing an exhibit at Mottisfont Abbey this year.  He's done a short video in which you can hear his thoughts on color and see some of his needlepoint and knitting and quilts.
https://vimeo.com/234475089

The exhibit runs until January 14, 2018 so if you are in the Hampshire part of England this fall through early winter, I hope you get to see some of this amazing work in person.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/features/kaffe-fassett-exhibition-at-mottisfont

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 9, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kaffe Fassett Exhibition Opens

If you will be anywhere newer Mottisfort Abbey (a National Trust property in Hampshire, England) today through January 14, 2018, be sure and visit the Kaffe Fassett exhibition which will include examples of his needlepoint, quilting, knits and much more.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/features/kaffe-fassett-exhibition-at-mottisfont

Kaffe is a master of color and pattern.  If you get to see this, you'll never forget it.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 24, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kaffe Talks Needlepoint

You can't miss this—Kaffe Fassett talks needlepoint.
http://www.kaffefassett.com/gallery/needlepoint/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright June 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Is Blue and White a New Trend in Needlepoint?

I just added these to the Destination Dallas 2016 tab--

Lycette Designs is partnering with Indigo Home Shop to bring some of their lovely work to needlepoint canvases.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2016/10/indigo-home-shop-lycette-designs/

Blue Dogwood Designs has a few special sachets with matching canvases. The sachets are made from Japanese indigo-dyed fabrics.
https://www.facebook.com/BlueDogwoodDesigns/photos/a.200573464851.166776.200567374851/10155635572324852/?type=3&theater

I'm starting to think blue and white is a new trend in needlepoint....

Of course, Kate Dickerson and Ehman have had blue and white classic designs for years.
http://www.katedickerson.com/the-fishnet-collection?lightbox=i41vnp

http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Star-Rug__SR.aspx#.WA4oLhQldjc

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 24, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Kaffe Fasset Interviews UPDATED

Hands Across the Sea posted two interview videos featuring Kaffe Fasset.    Stop and listen to them.  Then listen to them again and again.
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/interview-kaffe-fassett/

It's that interesting.  He is a master of color and pattern, which you can see here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSyUkyYA-mA

...or in his needlepoint kits on the Ehrman website.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/designer-products.aspx?id=7057648f-50e0-45e0-baab-cd506d20efb5

If you are charmed, there are many short videos on his website.
http://www.kaffefassett.com/Videos.html

There are DVDs available, too.
http://www.kaffefassett.com/DVDs.html

UPDATE:  There's a new book coming out from Kaffe Fassett in mid-September.  It's called
Bold Blooms and it features 18 quilt and 7 needlepoint patterns.  I can't wait to see it!
http://www.kaffefassett.com/Books.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 28, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Shakespeare and Kaffe Fasset

Kaffe Fasset takes his inspiration for tapestry designs from many sources, but he's often worked with the theatre.  This morning I got an e-newsletter from Ehrman Tapestry (the source for Kay's needlepoint) announcing his partnership with The Royal Shakespeare Company. 

He has created a needlepoint design called "Pressed Flowers" based on various flowers Shakespeare mentions in his plays.  Ehrman sells the kit.
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Pressed-Flowers__PFLO.aspx#.VTOMraZH1jc

The Royal Shakespeare Company sells other goods based on the what they call his "Shakespeare's Flowers Range" on their website.
http://www.rsc.org.uk/shop/category/197df978-76c5-4c92-a486-a9a59f33dc5f/http://www.rsc.org.uk/shop/category/197df978-76c5-4c92-a486-a9a59f33dc5f/

This isn't the first time Mr. Fassett has worked with the RSC.  In 1999 he designed large floral cushions for their production of "As You Like It."  Ehrman sells smaller versions of these patterns on their website.  This is the only photograph I could find showing his designs (both sweaters and needlepoint cushions) online.  
http://www.rsc.org.uk/images/content/Photo_Galleries-2009_earlier/as-you-like-it-2000-phoebe-silvius-361x541.jpg

Here are the small versions of cushions from the 1999 RSC "As You Like It."  First, Crimson Blush--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Crimson-Blush__CBLU.aspx#.VTONvqZH1jc

Double Yellow--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Double-Yellow__DY.aspx#.VTONiqZH1jc

Paradise Pink--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Paradise-Pink__PINK.aspx#.VTONcKZH1jc

and Rosa Rubicunda--
http://www.ehrmantapestry.com/Products/Rosa-Rubicunda__ROSA.aspx#.VTONsKZH1jc

Remember, English tapestry kits are much different than the hand painted needlepoint designs we are familiar with in the U.S.  They are printed patterns on larger count (usually 10-12 count) and meant to be stitched with the tapestry wool that comes with the kits in continental or half cross stitch.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 19, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tony and Jinny Get to Work

From the Cover of Glorious Color, By Kaffe Fassett, 1988 Edition

Virginia posted a progress photo of her lovely Colors of Praise still life of Chinese ginger jars, worked according to Tony Minieri's instructions from an embellishment class she took with him.
http://stitchstyleblog.com/2015/04/ginger-jars/

It's looking really good!  I've always loved the still life pieces from Colors of Praise but there's no doubt they are complex to embellish because there are so many pieces.
http://www.colorsofpraiseart.com/miscellaneous.html

I've also always loved ginger jars and hope to have time in my crazy life to stitch one.  I'm not the only one who adores them, either.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/interiors/10003910/My-space-Kaffe-Fassett-textiles-designer.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 15, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.