Thursday, June 16, 2011

African American Fabrics: Five Ethnic Inspired Sewing Books For Your Bookshelf

There's a whole world of designs and inspiration to draw from to blend and bend the rules for your decorating and sewing projects. I have a weakness for ethnic symbols and cultural flare. With so many new and updated sewing books, learning to sewing with giving up your cultural "eye" has never been easier. I love tapping into my own creativity via reading and learning about textiles and crafts from around the world. Especially if the books are fun, simple and upbeat--otherwise I may as well be working. :)
Therefore when at the library, used bookstores or yard sales I am always keeping a sharp eye out for books that focus on African or ethnic sewing and decorating.
Here's a list of a few of my favs. Some of these books may be out of print, so you'll have to dig around to find them. I did find a few at Amazon for as low as 41 cents-used. Also, I am pretty certain you can contact Lisa Shepard Steward at  Culture Expression for copies of her books, events, workshops at http://www.culturedexpressions.com/
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1 comment:

  1. Ebun IfeJune 16, 2011

    Greetings Kweli, great story and I appreciate your passion and research. I am interested in different African fabrics for re-upholstery on some beautiful used furniture that I picked up over the years. I would like to use mudcloth or different fabrics from other African countries...any suggestions where to purchase fabric for this type of project. I am in California. Please advise and thanks again for your passion.

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