New African Clergy Stole

Today I cut into my latest Etsy purchase of African fabrics. I buy from sources in the US and Africa. I used to make quilts with these fabrics, but now I use them mostly for clergy stoles. When you view a whole yard, the bright bold designs can be overwhelming. But when cut up and blended together in a stole or a quilt, I think the result is beautiful.

See the listing for this stole in my Etsy shop.

(Clergy stoles are worn by many ordained Protestant ministers.)

Global Textiles and Gifts from More Love Mama

Carrie Wood in Houston, Texas offers some of the prettiest global textiles out there. Take a look at the Java print above. The selvage says "Veritable Super Java." So you know it's good, haha. I've been searching for (and collecting) interesting African fabrics for years and Carrie's Etsy shop More Love Mama is one of the best. You can even choose 5 of your favorite fabrics in her shop and she'll sell you a custom made package of fat quarters. Carrie is mom to 6 adopted kids from all over the world too. Visit her shop and say hi. 

The Australian fabric shown above is called Bambillah.

A Finished Quilt!

This is my first finish since I got serious about finishing my quilt tops yesterday. So far, so good.

The African fabrics were collected on my trips to New York City's Garment District. The backing isn't African, but I think it's compatible. (Above) The white is Kona cotton. Details here.

This quilt is one of a series that was inspired by a quilt made in Zambia by a women's collective called "Lazy Lion," below. I haven't looked at this photo in a year. Now that I'm reminded of how pretty it looks, I may try again. But not until I finish more tops!