Replies

1. 
   Ceeayche | Feb 10, 2009 06:43pm | #1

   I use http://www.culturedexpressions.com/. The website owner is Lisa Shepherd who has written several books where mud cloth and other African textiles are featured.  She has wonderful batiks and other cotton fabrics, books, and kits.

   Happy shopping.

   
   

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   Edited 2/10/2009 10:46 am ET by CHL

1. 
   LadySewWise | Feb 10, 2009 07:33pm | #2

   CHL~Thank you so much. I appreciate the quick response. Im on a quest to find several resources of these types of fabrics and the study of them. Thanks again. ladywise

1. 
   Ceeayche | Feb 12, 2009 08:10am | #3

   If you're interested in the study of them, reach out to Lisa Shepherd.  I'm on travel but at least two of her books (can't remember which two) had chapters about mud cloth, it's origins and the differences between the various types of mud cloth.  And they include a list of resources in at least one of them.  Also she's very approachable.  I've posed questions on the website and she answers within days.  Finally, there are online clips of her doing her thing on some of the craft shows.  You'd think I know her, but I don't!  LOL   Just a fan.

   Edited 2/12/2009 12:11 am ET by CHL

2. 
   meg | Feb 12, 2009 01:31pm | #4

   check out

   http://www.africanfabriclady.com

   She may have exactly what you are looking for! Meg

1. 
   Ceeayche | Feb 12, 2009 04:30pm | #5

   FYI, that site is a blog that concentrates primarily on batik prints and Kente Cloth-- with lots of information of the authors travels and her knowledge of the same.  Unfortunately, I didn't see mud cloth on either that site or her companion e-commerce site http://africanfabricsales.com/ There, she sells prints and kente.  The quilters among us may be interested in her blog.  She's a quilter who uses African fabrics in her creations.

   Here are a couple more that do have Mud Cloth

   For more information on what it is, here is a graduate paper on the history and origins:  http://www.library.cornell.edu/africana/about/mudcloth.html andat the Smithsonian Institute:  http://www.mnh.si.edu/africanvoices/mudcloth/index_flash.html

   http://www.africaimports.com/ has both the traditional mud cloth and some interesting dyed versions in bright colors.

   http://www.uniquespool.com has lots of variations ranging from$35 to $120 per piece.

   http://www.zanzibar-trading.com/ has a wide selection from Mali.

    

1. 
   LadySewWise | Feb 13, 2009 09:21pm | #7

   Wow. I guess all I have to do is ask? Thank you so much. I checked out the one site already and was ready to shop. I have seen some mud cloth on e bay, but not sure I want to purchase. Do you shop for fabric from e-bay vendors? If so, could you recommend reputable vendors? Thanks again. ladywise

    

    

1. 
   Ceeayche | Feb 14, 2009 07:29am | #8

   No ma'am.  I don't shop on ebay for fabric.  Right now, I'm on a self imposed restriction-- I'm merging my stash and my mother's stash and I've forbidden myself to even think about buying more fabric until everything is sorted and put away.  It's my promise to myself.  And, mama is watching from heaven.  The last time I bought mud cloth it was at G Street Fabrics. While they have a website:  http://www.gstreetfabrics.com/, they are local to where i live so I get to go run my hands through the fabric before I buy.

1. 
   LadySewWise | Feb 16, 2009 08:47pm | #9

   To funny. Me too. I am in the process of cleaning out all my supplies.  However I have yet to buy any mud cloth. Which I really want to decorate my home in and others. I also want to do an "African" or African American style quilt. I guess what I mean is a style and ethnic fabrics that reflects my heritage. If that make any sense. Going back to the purchasing of fabrics online. I really rather not. I too like to touch and feel fabrics before purchasing. I might wait to get back to Georgia. Where Im sure I can find a store that sells mud cloth. I will be back there in about 4 months. The reason Im trying to clean my supply of fabrics and notions. I now know exactly what I want and like. For years I would just purchase fabrics of course because they were nice, but now have grown into my own sense of style and what I like and what fits for me. Hope all this makes sense :) Thanks for listening and responding. ladywise

2. 
   LadySewWise | Feb 13, 2009 09:13pm | #6

   Thank you so much. I will definately check that site. Sounds like it might be a good source for choosing fabrics for an african quilt. Which I desire to do. Thanks again. ladywise