Kaffe Fassett’s rise to fame reads like a fairy story. Born in San Francisco in 1937, Kaffe’s artistry gained him a scholarship to the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston. A short three months later saw Kaffe abandon that course and come to London to paint.

While visiting a Shetland Mill with fashion designer Bill Gibb, Kaffe discovered the beauty and potential of yarns. Armed with a recent purchase of Shetland wool and some new knitting needles, Kaffe learnt to knit from a fellow passenger during the long train journey home to London. So began his career in textiles and design.

In the early years, working in fashion knitwear design, Kaffe had work commissioned by stars including Barbara Streisand, Lauren Bacall, Ali McGraw and HRH Princess Michael of Kent, to name but a few. An unrivalled career in textiles and design followed.

The 1980s saw Kaffe host a successful TV series Glorious Colour for Channel 4, which inspired countless traditional knitters to experiment and be bold with colour. All his patchwork, knitting and needlepoint designs feature his bold colourful style.

In 1988 Kaffe had his own show at the V&A Museum in London – he was the first living textile artist to do so.

Famous for his use of colour and patterns, Kaffe has produced successful collections for Designers Guild, and an expanding range of patchwork fabrics for Rowan. He also contributes exclusive new knitting patterns to the Rowan magazine.

An impressive range of Kaffe Fassett books are a must-have in any fan’s library. You can also catch him on lecture tours and talks, conducting workshops on knitting and needlepoint, and lecturing on textile design.