Kaffe Fassett’s Bold Blooms: Quilts and Other Works Celebrating Flowers

In this gorgeous coffee-table book for crafters, textile designer Fassett celebrates the special role that flowers play in inspiring his vibrant fabrics and other works of art. He sees flowers as bold bits of botany that are transferrable into decorative arts: ribbons, patchwork, pillows, flower arrangements, and needlepoint. The book includes instructions for projects, which are organized into moods, such as “Bright Pastels,” “Brilliant Highs,” and “Smoldering Deep Tones.” Each section begins with Fassett’s explanation of the mood; in these introductions, Fassett writes invitingly, distinguishing easy projects from challenges. In the last section, he expands instructions and includes quilting and needlepoint basics as well as templates. Patterson’s photographs enhance the artistic aspect, making the book not just a craft guide but a beautiful keepsake of its own. The whole book is just smashing. Color photos. (Sept.)