If you're as excited as we are about our new Hope and Believe cushions, then read on... We caught up with the designer, Brandon Mably, to find out about the inspiration behind his designs, his love of needlepoint, and his background as an artist and textile designer. 

Brandon, how did you start your textile journey?

I have been the Studio Manager of the Kaffe Fassett Studio for the past thirty years, which is renowned for its colourful textile designs. Despite having no formal education in design, my enthusiasm and curiosity attracted the interest of artist and designer Kaffe Fassett. There began my education as an artist and designer in my own right, through Kaffe’s encouragement to find my own style by ‘just having a go!’.  

When did you first begin to work with needlepoint?

The art of needlepoint caught my attention and intrigue after watching Kaffe stitching coloured threads through a needlepoint canvas. He encouraged me to take a bold image as a reference, drawing an outline of the image onto needlepoint canvas using a waterproof marker pen. Using a half cross stitch - tent stitch - I then start to stitch colours to create an impression of the design. I stand back from the stitching as the design grows to see the progress, remembering that when the design is finished, it will be viewed from a distance on the couch or on a chair.

As I don’t work on a frame I can scrunch up the canvas and stitch away wherever I like. The enjoyment of needlepoint - the repetition, the motion of stitching and creating a joyful web of colours -  is so relaxing, like a meditation.

Since I began, I've had the great pleasure of stitching on large tapestry commons, coverings for antique chair seats and whole needlepoint arch chairs, as well as countless needlepoint cushions. 

Brandon and Kaffe stitching 

Do you have a signature design style and, if so, can you describe it? 

I suppose one would say I specialise in a charming, funky, humorous and primitive touch. I call myself a missionary for playing with arrangements of colour in design, in whatever medium I can, using the simplest techniques possible.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs, patterns and colour palettes?

If it doesn’t move fast enough I might use it! It can be chewing gum on the outside of a tube station, animal markings on tree bark, or a detail from a painting that caught my eye, for example.

How does your work come to life? Do you sketch with pen and paper or create digitally?

None of my designs are worked out on a computer. I’ll mark out an outline, then start filling in the colours to build a story, standing back from my work constantly. Nothing is preconceived. It’s an organic process.

Brandon in London 2021, and Brandon's 'Wobble' fabric design in pastel

How did the Hope & Believe Cushions designs come to be, and what was the inspiration for these?

Believe came about after watching the amazing TV series Ted Lasso. When the main character has to take on the impossible task of controlling a new football team, he sticks a quote over his office door that says the word ‘BELIEVE’. It was so powerful to me and has had so much meaning in many ways. I also felt it would be a powerful quote to stitch on a cushion, particularly for stitchers in prison. The same can be said for the word ‘HOPE’ – we all need that in our lives.

You've been a supporter of Fine Cell Work for many years. What does this relationship mean to you?

Kaffe Fassett is a Patron of Fine Cell Work, and we share this with pride.

We both spend a large amount of time travelling the world, working on museum exhibitions, giving lectures, hosting workshops and talks to share our knowledge and experience, and encouraging others though our design and the books we produce. At the end of last year, we had the fortune of being invited to the headquarters of Fine Cell Work to meet with and talk to their volunteers and apprentices, sharing with them some of our experiences and encouragements. 

I often say that one of the highlights of my career has been to assist Kaffe in needlepoint workshops and slideshow lectures in prisons. It is such a humbling experience.

Brandon and Kaffe leading an inspiring colour and pattern workshop for Open The Gate apprentices and volunteers at Fine Cell Work HQ

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Brandon has published three knitwear books and has produced over 45 titles with Kaffe Fassett. He has also published work in needlepoint, mosaic, rag rugs, patchwork, painting, and photography, and has styled museum exhibitions worldwide. Most recently, he has been on a six week tour with Kaffe Fassett in the US promoting Quilts on an English Farm, the new book from the Kaffe Fassett Studio. 

Follow Brandon on Instagram and Facebook to see more of his work, or visit his website and the Kaffe Fassett Studio.

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There are many ways to get involved with Fine Cell Work. Our diverse community is made up of stitchers, post-release apprentices, volunteers, trustees and staff.

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