Just uploaded to the website from our recent travels in West Africa:
There now... don't you feel better already?
Left: Special Collection batik FBN735 by Grace Adover
Right: Special Collection batik FBN738 by Grace Adover
Sometimes - even for a quilter like Magie - cutting a really special batik into fat quarters is almost sinful.
As a whole piece of 2 to 5 metres, say - these designs and colours take you to another level.
Quite simply, they cry out to be worn.
That's why we set these special fabrics aside for our Special Collection batiks
Check 'em out.
Genuine handpainted Korhogo cloths are getting increasingly difficult to get our hands on.
We haven't been to Korhogo in person for over two years now.
To the big picture of transport and border problems caused by the pandemic, now add the risk of banditry on the routes to northern Côte d'Ivoire. Our contacts say it's just too dangerous these days.
Now the good news... Thanks to our ever-resourceful connection in Accra, we've just received a big bag of marvellous Korhogo cloths. Thanks, Eric!
Various sizes and designs online now: Korhogo cloths from Côte d'Ivoire
Read all about Korhogo cloth:
Magie and I arrived in Korhogo on a mission: to find, document and buy the eponymous textile of the region - handpainted Korhogo cloth. We left with bag-loads of cloth and this story. It stars two local artisans and Pablo Picasso.
Read and print the full story... you'll be amazed!
From time to time we get lucky and the Vintage & Collectable African Textiles we have in the shop are extra special.
Genuine Fulani khaasa blankets like this one are getting quite rare and hard to find.
These unique blankets come from the region of the Niger River bend, either in Niger or Mali.
Fulani blankets are handwoven, usually combining a cotton weft with sheep's wool warp. The motifs - which all bear Fulani names and appear Moorish - are arranged into bands across the cloth.
Quite heavy. Great as a bed cover, throw or wallhanging.
Approximate size: 130 x 227 cm / 51 x 89 inches
View and buy: Vintage Fulani blanket