I have long been a fan of the fabric designed by Kaffe Fassett and his partners Philip Jacobs and Brandon Mabley, collectively known as “The KFC Collective”.
The bright, bold, joyous designs are instantly recognisable and very appealing . However I had never actually bought, sewn with, or even been in the same room as an actual piece of the fabric. I was an admirer from afar. I had mentioned my love of the fabric on Facebook and in July 2017 out of the blue, an envelope arrived stuffed with bits of the actual real life fabric by a kind Facebook friend (thanks Crystal). I jumped up and down, did a couple of twirls, and immediately got to work .
I made these brooches
and added bits to scarves 
and jackets, waistoats, in fact almost everything I made now included at least a wee bit of KFC (finger lickin’ good fabric)
I used up every tiny piece of the precious gift … and then I bought what is called a ” mini charm pack” which consists of around 40 different designs with each piece measuring 21⁄2 x 21⁄2 inches.
When it arrived in the post I dropped everything and made this..
which became this…
I soon realised why it was called that , as the word “charm” is close to “hypnotise” and before I knew it I was ordering more fabric, in a trance-like state, being seduced by the new vocabulary I was learning – “Fat Quarters, Fat Eighths, Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, Honey Buns, Dessert Rolls” – hmmmmm, I think I’ve got the munchies.
Yum yum ……
I’m a member of a group on Facebook which consists of over 30,000 fans of this type of fabric, and they are fervant and knowledgable about their subject. I really enjoy posting photos of work that only has a small piece of KFC fabric in it, and I know that it will be recognised and appreciated. One of the things I love about these designs is that they still work on a very small scale, so I can use the thinnest of slivers and it’s still recognisable, well at least to the KFC Cognoscenti!
It’s probably because it is designed for making patchwork quilts that the fabric makes sense on a small, as well as a large scale, and because of that it works well on my brooches. I had a fun making hundreds of them for a Christmas Market, and they also sold well on Facebook, a lot of them to fellow KFC fans.
I had a new shape of brooch as well, a heart, and the technical dept. (Steve) is working on a heart shaped button to compliment them. Exciting times here at McAnaraks !
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Hi – been following you on FB for a while. Have just subscribed to your blog – maybe twice – sorry ! Look forward to seeing what you get up to on here 🙃
Thanks Anne-Marie, I’m not as active on here as on Facebook where some might say I am TOO active, but I hope to blog more this year
Wow! I love everything! Your work really inspires my creativity.
thank you, that’s nice to hear
all so very very yummy!!!!!!
thank you very very much!!
Thank you for the mention Fran! Delighted to see the lovely stuff your now producing…your brooches and indeed yummy! Go Fran!!!!! xxx
I owe it all to you Crysytal!
When I saw the name of your blog I knew immediately who it’s name for! That phrase is my only way of remembering how to pronounce his name… he shared it when I attended his lecture in Aberdeen Art Gallery a few years ago. Good luck with this blog!
Happy seeing Fran X
Thanks Jo, yes, I have to say it in my head every time I say his name! I saw the exhibition in Aberdeen, loved it!
All stunning as usual,Fran.
thank you kindly Gilleoin
I thoroughly enjoyed your blog post. So much inspiration Thank-you
I’m glad you enjoyed it Terry
Your work is absolutely fabulous!!!
thank you so much Cathy
Loved your blog and the magic piccies you included. Great to get insight into how you use KF in your work. Your stuff is always amazing – bright, colourful, quirky. Definitely brings a bit of summer sunshine every day to the wearers and users. Looking forward to seeing the new heart shaped buttons.
thanks Angela, yes I’m very excited about them <3
Love your work. Your pieces are fabulous!
Thanks Fran, says Fran 🙂
beautiful work with beautiful fabrics
thanks Nancy, I love working with them
I am a Kaffe Fan…but only collect the fabrics ! I am getting very close to actually making something…cut into those fabrics. I love your posts. I adore your Hearts ( especially the blue/purple).Are they for sale ? And is so,how do I purchase ?
Thank You so much for the Eye Candy !
Thanks Deborah, I have some for sale in my Facebook group …
https://www.facebook.com/groups/869581356489561/
Wow, love your work. They are all amazing!
Thank you, I love fabric!