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It's a question that crops up more and
more in emails and at shows.
Because my fabrics and beads come from
a variety of sources - some hand produced
by artisans and some manufactured, it
is difficult for me to make a blanket
"Fair Trade" statement, in the
sense that it is generally understood
in the developed world.
So, with the issue of "Fair Trade"
in mind, I'll tell you a bit about how
I source my fabrics and beads and how
I deal with the people who produce them.
Hand-dyed
Batiks from Ghana and The Gambia
I buy the majority of these fabrics directly
from the dyers, who generally work at
home in their "compounds". Sometimes
I even order specific patterns and colours,
for example with the Kola Nut and Indigo
designs I buy from Musa in The Gambia.
I always pay a fair price to these artisans
for three reasons.
- First, a fair price means I get top
quality for my customers.
- Second, my business means a lot to
them and helps them support their extended
families.
- Third, over the years the dyers have
become more than suppliers. They are
my friends.
Kudinda and
Langa Lapu fabric ranges
Kudhinda and Langa Lapu are small scale
"co-operative" operations in
Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.
Both were started by locally born white
women with an artistic flair and a desire
to make a difference. These small, creative
enterprises provide much-needed training
and employment, most often for women.
By buying from them, I am supporting these
vulnerable communities.
Mudcloth
and Whole Cloths
I either purchase these cloths directly
form the makers in West Africa, or via
a trusted third party. My policy is always
to pay a fair price.
Hand-made
Beads from Ghana
I buy most of my beads directly from the
makers, usually by travelling to their
homes and compounds. Sometimes, when I
can't get to Ghana, I buy through a trusted
fair trade supplier in Accra. In either
case, I always pay a fair price to the
makers.
Hand-made
Buttons from South Africa
The Incomparable Button company is a small,
community based operation which trains
and employs local women who would otherwise
struggle to support their families.
Wax Prints
and Three Cats ranges
Both of these fabrics are manufactured
by large textile companies. My wax prints
are produced in the UK for the African
market, just as they have been since the
industrial revolution. Three Cats comes
from South Africa. I buy both of these
fabrics directly from the manufacturers.
I first went to Africa in 1984 and I've
been passionate about it ever since.
The African Fabric Shop was never planned
and I doubt any bank manager would have
given it a sideways glance. It just sort
of evolved out of my interest in patchwork
and quilting and my passion for African
textile traditions. In 2005 I finally
quit my day job to concentrate exclusively
on African textiles.
I do it because I love it. It keeps me
connected with Africa and the many artists
and friends that I know there.
As I develop the business, I hope I can
work with many more artists in many more
countries - and share my passion for their
creativity and traditions with you. |
