The African Fabric Shop

Shop currently closed to visitors

but not to worry we are still posting out online orders as normal.

Throughout April and May we will be busy shuffling things around, making the new place look spic and span, inviting and inspiring! We have therefore decided to close the shop to visitors for the next couple of months.

We will be open again June 1st at our new location of 2 Lewisham Road, Slaithwaite, in time for WOVEN festival. A celebration of innovation in textiles across Kirklees, there are events, exhibitions and workshops happening across the region throughout June. You can find more informaton and the event programe via the website HERE.

The shop might not be open but you can find us at these up-coming events.

• World Textile Day East, 10th May, 10am - 4pm. Mundford Village Hall, Norfolk.
• Threads Festival, 17th & 18th May, 10am - 4pm. Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Leeds.

New Shwe Shwe

New colours and designs now available

We are still the biggest importer of South African Shwe Shwe into the UK.

There are lots of copies on the market, so it is important to look for the genuine 'Three Cats' logo on the back of the fabric to ensure authenticity and guaranteed quality. Originally manufactured in Manchester, Shwe Shwe fabrics are now 100% South African!

Traditionally, Shwe Shwe was always indigo, with the occasional red or chocolate brown design. It can go by a few names including, Isishweshwe, Blueprint and Manchester blue. Now they are available in a fantastic range of colours and designs.

100% cotton, they are starched in the factory - that's the tradition - so are quite stiff when new. After washing they become lovely and soft and a dream to work with. Perfect for dressmaking and crafts.

New Shwe Shwe colours now available

New Shwe Shwe Indigos now available

Featured in Contemporary Quilt Magazine

The African Fabric Shop founder Magie Relph has been a long time member of The Quilters Guild here in the UK and in December her story (and ours) was lucky enough to be featured in Contemporary Quilt Magazine.

Accidents Will Happen: Fabrics, Quilts and Africa. By Magie Relph and Bob Irwin is just a snap-shot of how The African Fabric Shop came to fruition. How Magie and Bob turned their passion for Africa and textiles into a full time job and how they plan to spend their (semi) retirement.

You can now read the full article HERE.

If you are interested in contemporary quilting and would like to become a member of The Quilters Guild then you can join via the website www.quiltersguild.org.uk. Open to all ages and skill levels the guild is a great community that offers workshops, exhibitions and competition opportunities accross the UK.