My brother brought me back this awesome stuff from Hawaii. It is screen printed by Hawaiian artist, Sig Zane. I have never been sure what to do with it, but I enjoy getting it out to look at. Lately I have been thinking about using it in more of a whole cloth fashion. In the meantime, it makes me happy to just to look at.
My husband has traveled to some pretty exotic locations. Sometimes I have been lucky enough to go with him, but when I can't he has been good to search out yard goods for me.
This first group is a mix of Nepali and Greek fabrics. The dark blue came from Greece; it is a twill and is a little heavier than most quilting fabrics. The print makes me think of cells under a microscope. Perhaps it would do well with a white fabric in a simple patchwork design? Perhaps something like the postage stamp quilts that are happening right now.
The other three came from Nepal. He thinks that he got these in a small village in the countryside where they were amused by a man buying fabric. The stripes are a heavy, coarse weave. I've made a skirt from the blue and still have lots left over. The red and pink print is thin and gauzy (I have used it as a back of a small quilt).
Of this pair, the red with the small print is from Kathmandu, Nepal. I really love this fabric and have kind of hoarded it waiting for just the right thing for it. I think it combines well with the shell-y fabric. It was not a gift from anyone; I bought it at the estate sale of a dear friend who traveled the world collecting and studying shells. I like to think of it as a gift from her. I don't know where it came from but would guess somewhere in the south Pacific.
These last three came from Curacao. They are imitation wax batiks in a nice weight for patchwork. They are just waiting for the right project.
6 comments:
this is a gorgeous collection! and i don't think you should feel compelled to "bust" them. they actually are precious as examples of world textiles and you might enjoy them when incorporated into a project. but there should be no guilt here!
thanks for sharing your photos and stories!
I recognized the Nepali ones even before I read your post! Just FYI, the thin red and pink one is used to make the traditional Guniu (sari-like dress) or Cholo (blouse). The Cholo is made kind of like a quilt with three layers of fabric. I've made a couple quilts using Nepali fabric. I'll see if I have pics.
You're lucky to have family and friends bring you fabrics from the world over. Maybe one day you could use them to make a trip-around-the world quilt!
I read your comment in Completly Cauchy's blog earlier today. I'm so with you on this. I love my fabric and the word collection is most appropriate. Your comment called to me and now I'm following your blog...it's great.
I like the way you describe yourself as a quilter and as a fabric collector, not just a quilter with a stash. I think collecting fabrics as a hobby in itself. The ones you've shared with us are so unique and different and I love all the exotic places and stories about them. maybe one day the right project will turn up but isn't it fun just pulling them out of the cupboard and having a look every now and then. i love doing that!
Hi, Your blogger profile is on a no reply option so I couldn't email you but I had to pop over and say I love the little story about you meeting Jane Sassaman. I probably wouldn't know what to say either. I'd love to meet Jennifer Paganelli one day, Id probably just faint.
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