The story of how the Quilt Africa Fabrics journey began has many parts.
Today, I'll share how I was introduced to fabrics, African prints specifically and learnt most of what I now know.
Some of my earliest memories of time alone with my mother was our trips to go fabric shopping in one of the largest African prints markets in West Africa.
It was a hot, sweaty business, lots of walking, huge crowds-a sea of bodies going in all directions, a raucous cacophony of busy-ness. She would either grip my hands so tight and drag me along, afraid to get me lost in the crowds or set me walking in front of her, her sharp reminders from behind kept my little legs pumping as fast as possible.
We would walk so far down the line of shops to the ones at the end of the lane which were usually the dingiest and smelliest, filled to the brim with freshly milled African prints stacked precariously high with barely enough room to perch on a chair. The interminable waits in the tightly cramped stalls that make up African open air markets was very uncomfortable, I was always imagining the fun I was missing out on back ate home.
But over time, watching her, I learnt to select fabric.
I learnt to contemplate both colour and pattern; and pick out the best ones that would be most suitable for whatever purpose I needed, in the midst of so many beautiful fabrics
It was from my mother that I learnt to appreciate fabric, colour, texture, patterns and grew to love the smell of 100% cotton African prints, it smells like no other, a mix of natural fibers and dyes.
I close my eyes and I still hear the sound of her scissors cutting through the fabric for a customer after a purchase.
Here I am, many years later, doing the exact same thing myself, scouring the markets for the best colours, designs and patterns of African fabrics for my customers!
8 comments
Loved your interview with Karen Brown, you are an amazing entrepreneur so down to earth with such style with a huge heart. Much love and respect from two guys in Wales
I’m looking forward to your book, when you ever have time to write it! A wonderful introduction to your beginning love of fabric.
You have so much to share!
Nice to meet you today. Thanks for the wonderful lecture. Lakeside quilters.
Miriam, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story of inspiration. I pray that once the pandemic is over We will have the opportunity to visit you. Thank you for the vision, reaching out, educating and suppling your American Sista with such Gorgeous fabric.
Muriam! Thank you for taking us on your journey of remembering your Momma! We are who we were taught to be!