I love incorporating African fabrics in my quilts. To me, they make the simplest of quilts look special and complicated. I am asked all the time where do I purchase my African fabrics. The answer is anywhere I can — quilt shows, travel, local stores, the internet —, but following are some of my go-to sources.
I live in Atlanta where I have two sources for African fabrics. I am sure there are others, but this is where I have shopped.
Afro-Centric Network located in the West End community of Atlanta carries a good selection of African fabrics (not online) and is fairly close to where I live. I love going there because I can also shop for African clothes, shea butter and jewelry.
My other source is Fine Fabrics which now has two locations. They have a large selection, and it is all $5.00 per yard or less! I was recently there purchasing fabric for my new Juneteenth quilt Celebrating Freedom Fearlessly.
I buy a lot of fabric online. I have three favorite online resources for different reasons.
I shop at Cultured Expressions because I am lazy. I love the fact that the shop carries pre-cuts in 2 inch squares and 2.5 inch squares.
I love the big patterns of African fabrics, but sometimes I need to tone things down a bit for a particular quilt. I shop at French Connections because the shop carries South African shweshwe fabrics that feature small prints.
Recently, I have purchased from Quilt Africa Fabrics. I love that the shop is teaching others how to incorporate African fabrics in their quilts through block-of-the-month programs. I also love the way the shop features color themed packages, because you know I am always in the hunt for reds.
I am hoping to learn more about African fabrics at the Quilt Africa Summit where I will also be a speaker.
I have also signed up for Kena Dorsey’s class African Improv Logs at the Atlanta Quilt Festival. In addition she will present a lecture and sell some African fabrics. I love learning new things.
Where do you buy your African fabrics?
P.S. Coffee mugs with images of my quilts are available in my store.
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