Kaffe Fassett at Standen House 26 November 2016

First and foremost an artist, Kaffe Fassett is renowned in the textile world for his extraordinary use of colour in knitting and crocheting, quilting and needlepoint. I think he's amazing, but how we persuaded Matt to come along, I'm not quite sure. We might have mentioned 'roadtrip' or 'scones'.

Standen House is a National Trust property close to East Grinstead. My extraordinary ability is that I'm able to get lost even when I'm using a GPS. It doesn't help when it's foggy either, but we eventually got there - via all the back roads. I know there are main roads in that area, but we didn't find them. I don't even get upset anymore ...

 Yarn bombing!

I love to see the bare bones of trees in winter.

Then through the gateway into the courtyard and this incredibly cheerful Christmas tree. Makes you happy just to look at it. One of the volunteers said that people were affronted by the non-traditional look of the tree, but come on! I love it.

 

 The other happy snapper.

Everything that stood still long enough got the treatment...

Inside the manor house every room is decorated for Christmas as well as showcasing Kaffe Fassett's colourful pieces.

The National Trust volunteers here were exceptional, they welcome you in, chat about the property and are full of friendly information.

 

Kaffe's fan tree was showcased at the V&A Museum in 2005.

This armchair! Apparently he works freehand without a pattern.

 

 Needlework - that's all it took to make Matthew smile. He couldn't believe he was at a Needlework exhibition.

 

 Some examples of work with more restrained colour choices, just beautiful.

A French town scene.

Not just flowers, vegetables too.

William Morris wallpaper.

The Christmas tree in the servant's quarters.

 

Back out into the cold and it's still misty.

There's a large kitchen garden with some more yarn bombing.  The chickens didn't seem to mind.

Do you see the fried egg on the tree?  Crochet.

How old must this espalier tree be to get this large?

What is this - a motor bike, a car? Boys toys?

Home time.