African American Fabrics

African American Fabrics: Why African American Fabrics??

2012-02-01T13:49:00.001-05:00

With African American History Month upon us, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share a bit about why I create fabrics that explicitly explore the culture and history of the African American. Check out Nicole Ashanti McFarlane's blog discussing Me and my designs---she sums it up...

BLOG POST FROM circuitouslycute:

With all the technological breakthroughs in digital textile design, so much is available nowadays to fabric enthusiasts. Formal artistic training is optional, while creativity and imagination are key. And though the skills and expertise involved in textile design are usually relegated to the domestic sphere of “crafts,” I believe the special body of knowledge that is derived from this area of creative expression truly reflects our humanity in a very real and profound sense.

Of course, black people have been deeply connected to the material history of textiles in this country and were involved in every aspect of the industry from the cultivation and harvesting of the cotton fiber, to the innovation and manufacture of finished goods. Needless to say, American slavery and the triangular trade that generated it was a brutalizing and dehumanizing process and yet, somehow, African Americans understood that even the most mundane and routine design interventions were necessary to help counter the highly organized systems of power and exploitation they faced. Without question, through the refashioning of a fundamental notion of what it means to be a US citizen, African American influence in the textile technologies (along with their inestimable impact in the areas of music, storytelling, and metalwork) was critical. African enslaved persons deliberately and methodically invented and arranged ingenious networks of emancipatory codes and sign systems into their day-to-day rhetoric of American civic lifeeven as they employed the very technologies that helped to enslave them.

Adam Banks points this out brilliantly, when he writes about Ozella McDaniel Williams who, until her death in 1998, carried with her the knowledge of how to painstakingly place different color knots on quiltwork in order to direct freedom seekers out of slavery and towards a mnemonic path to freedom through the Underground Railroad. And even David Walker, who composed the seminal “Appeal, in Four Articles: Together with a Preamble, to the Coloured Citizens of the World, but in Particular, and Very Expressly, to Those of the United States of America,” purposely designed the document at a size that could be easily concealed once sewn into the fashions Walker sold at his early 19^th century clothing store. This way the idea of freedom and emancipation could spread without risking detection by those who would rather thwart liberty.

For all these reasons and more (namely, the fact that my sewing pastime has had me on the lookout for cute new materials), I am so digging what Kweli Kitwana is doing with fabrics. Based on her keen awareness of African American history and cultural signifiers, she is designing fabric with some of the most unusual prints I’ve seen in a while. Scenes from the Middle Passage and the Civil Rights era (as well as some traditional West African motifs) are reinterpreted with fresh, contemporary colors — not the same old primaries and earth tones. Kitwana also has a very clever sense of irony in her designs. With her occasional selections of gothic slavery scenes juxtaposed against pastel backgrounds or arranged as flower petals, her fabric prints display a thematic gravitas that is hard to deny, despite their distinctively attractive character.

African American Fabrics: Using Apps for Digital Textile Printing Quilt

2012-01-21T19:44:00.001-05:00

Digital Art-Created on my Kindle Fire

Creating beautiful mini-quilts from a simple Kindle Fire Andriod App has taken my digital textile printing to a whole new level. I am sooooooo EXCITED!! Using Android Apps like PicSay Pro and Drawing Pad I now have my own "art studio" anywhere I take my Kindle. Even painting in bed can be done-- plus side, no mess.

Even more so, I can skip the Photoshop and other complicated desktop design programs and get right to the creating. I have spent some time since I've gotten my Kindle Fire researching the App Market trying to wean out the most useful and user-friendly productivity/design apps. There are many out there, under terms like: photo editing, drawing, sketching and paint. I suggest, if you are looking for a good app, play around with all of them and find the one that works for your needs.

Also, investing in a pad stylus would help with controlling your strokes. These go for about $8. I bought mine on Amazon.com.

Here's a sample of one of my sketches (completed from start to finish on Kindle Fire with PicSay App), along with a couple of my quilts resulting from these designs. Process included:

Sketching with app
Inserting pretreated (with BubbleJet Set 2000) fabric on freezer paper
Printing using my Canon9000 printer
Layering for quilting
Free Motion Quilting

For more information contact me: sale@africanamericanfabrics.com

Sisters, There A Jungle Out There, By Kweli Kitwana-Mini Quilt , 11" x 8.5"
CLICK TO SEE DETAILS

Brothas On The Move, By Kweli Kitwana-Mini Quilt , 11" x 8.5"
CLICK TO SEE DETAILS

African American Fabrics: Skin Deep Beauty

2011-12-31T21:57:00.002-05:00

When you think of beauty, do you allow for a deeply felt consciousness of your own beauty? Do you explore your heartfelt inner being for a deeper exploration of beauty?

Lately, I've allowed myself to truly explore the aesthetic of African American culture-- the beauty of the what it means to be an American American. I've asked myself how is it that I connect to my culture and it's history. Have a compartmentalized my own identity? Am I afraid to explore creatively what is seen as sadness and harsh? Should I not confront truths?
In asking these questions, I've come to realize I am not exploring my truest creative self.

A Self that embraces the "All of My Being".

2013 brings much more of this exploration. I am interesting in hearing from my followers.

What have you planned for 2013 in the area of self discovery?

Visit: www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kkitwana
to see more of AFRICAN AMERICAN FABRICS.

African American Fabrics: 2012 Inspiration in COLOR

2011-12-20T20:09:00.002-05:00

2012 Preview

African American Fabrics will feature a new line this coming year. The designs will focus on bigger, bolder and more dramatic motifs inspired by the African Diaspora.
The fabrics will include:
100% organic cotton.
100% organic cotton sateen, glossy finish
100% cotton twill with an optic white finish
LINEN-COTTON CANVAS
100% silk with a delicate, semi-sheer texture
100% cotton voile, combed, delicate, silky texture
* NEW * COTTON SILK
* NEW * COTTON POPLIN

GET INSPIRED!! Visit my shop @ www.SPOONFLOWER.COM/PROFILES/KKITWANA

African American Fabrics: Printable Wrapping Paper

2011-12-15T22:17:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays from African American Fabrics.com

Print your own African American Fabric wrapping paper.
This sheet features a hand printed Power to the People design.
Enjoy!!!

Thanks for your continued support, Kweli
www.africanamericanfabrics.com

African American Fabrics: "Movement" in the Studio

2011-10-28T18:37:00.001-04:00

There's "movement" in the studio. I am working through a few new techniques with digital textile images using cotton and silk. The results are fascinating. Remember how I declared in a previous post, that I'd put almost anything through my sewing machine? Well, turns out I have the same methodology when it comes to experimenting with the printer.

I am digitally and by hand manipulating vintage photos. This photos depicts the Niagara Movement, the first major civil rights organization of the 20th century. Founded in 1905 by Dr. W.E.B. DuBois this group was the forerunner to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Determined to take their rightful place in society, members demanded equal enforcement of the law for all races and active political involvement at all levels of society. The group’s 1906 meeting, the first on American soil, was held on the campus of Storer College, now part of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. This three day gathering was later described by W.E.B. DuBois as “one of the greatest meetings that American Negroes ever held.”

I am planning on assembling these (8 1/2" x 11") pieces vertically on twigs with strips of silk and thread. Stay tune....

Niagara Movement Fiber Art by Kweli Kitwana (c) 2011
Learn more about Kweli and African American Fabrics
www.African American Fabrics.com

African American Fabrics: Unique Fabric with a SOUL

2011-10-28T10:01:00.001-04:00

SHOP TODAY

UNIQUE FABRIC with a soul. Time to celebrate. If you are a regular follower of African American Fabric, you are by now aware of the commitment we have held over the past two years--a commitment to take back the imagery of African Americans in textile and surface art.

In hopes of building an affirming collection of contemporary African American fabrics and surface designs. Fabric that will counter balance and ultimately surpass the negative stereo-types images in textiles lingering from the past-- representing African Americans in what is known as Black memorabilia “collections”.
African American Fabrics is a highly regarded and recognized company, who's work is devoted to the creation of designs for the purpose of inclusion into other artist’s creative process and crafts, in hopes of building an affirming collection of contemporary African American fabrics.

Our shop is currently located at www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kkitwana. Stop by and browse for inspiration and affirmation. Of course, we welcome your ideas, suggestions and feedback. CONTACT: sales@africanamericanfbrics.com

African American Fabric: Mosaic Quilt

2011-10-20T01:45:00.000-04:00

This beautiful quilt was made using Cultured Expressions Quilt Fuse pre-printed 2" fusible grid for easy layout and assembly, plus instructions. The Kit includes creative tips and ideas for a variety of projects.

I have used the swatches and scrapes from African American Fabric; my hand painted and digitized fabric sheets; pieces of vintage family heirlooms; and, remnants from my ethnic stash.

Note: I even added images of Harriet Tubman and Frida Kahlo.

This was a fun project. I highly recommend this project for getting rid og your scraps. But, watch out I am certain this is addictive. The results are stunning.

African American Fabrics: Digital and Hand Painted Fabric Quilting

2011-09-11T16:12:00.003-04:00

I am working on a W.E. B. Dubois quilt. The process for this quilt is utilizing many of the hand painted and dyed fabrics I have created over the Summer. Also, I have taken advantage of the wonderful ability to print my own fabric using my home printer. The over all result is stunning.
As you plan for your Fall quilting and fiber art guild upcoming meeting--Don't forget, I am available to run workshops for hand painting, dying and home printing fabrics.

Contact me at: Classes@AfricanAmericanFabrics.com

African American Fabrics: High Fashion Meets

2011-08-30T23:59:00.000-04:00

Talk about thinking outside the box. These beautifully designed pieces are truly inspiring. Nwakaego Maduekwe, owner and designer of Alter Ego has really taken African American Fabrics to their limits. Her thoughfully constructed fashion is cutting-edge apparal for today's woman. Remember, African American Fabrics are available in various weights of material, including silk, as used in these designs.

African Beauty-Fabric AVAILABLE at www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kkitwana

Alter Ego is designed for the Contemporary Nigerian woman who loves great design,who is not afraid of a little edginess, who wants to reference trends but is not a slave to fashion

Twice Blessed-Fabric AVAILABLE at www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kkitwana

Designer Nwakaego Maduekwe, Alter Ego

African American Fabrics; NEW!! AFROCENTRIC Patterns and Kits

2011-08-08T12:25:00.001-04:00

Easy Pattern

READY for SOME FUN??? GO TO SACK PATTERN

Personalized Lunch Sack Kit. Once you make one, you'll be hooked. You will receive instructions, all the pre-cut fabric needed, custom "wording" , name or monogram -- Finished bag is 10 3/8 high x 6 1/4" wide x 3 1/2" deep. This adorable bag was inspired by the childhood favorite chat: "Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack..."
Also, available in other fabrics. visit www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kkitwana to pick your fabric. Also, AVAILABLE in an ethnic boy's superhero fabric.

All this PLUS!! Instructions.

African American Fabrics-Culture Collaboration and Slavery Toile

2011-08-05T08:35:00.000-04:00

Kweli Kitwana, African American Fabrics collaborates with Lisa Shepard Stewart, Culture Expressions to create this beautiful work of art fitting for any sacred space in need of reflections. Quilt Swatch Applique stretched on canvas, approx size 18"x 18", Lisa Shepard Stewart, 2011--Featuring Slavery Toile-Blue and Gold AVAILABLE http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/436804

African American Fabrics: Brilliantly Colored Moments

2011-07-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

Civil Rights Yes

Never underestimate the power of a movement. This fabric is a brightly colored green and purple illustration that appropriately "demonstrates" this critical moment in African American history. There is also a complimentary flower fabric. Order in silk for a beautiful scarf.

Bottle Tree Fabric- Whimsical Elegance!!

2011-07-20T01:00:00.000-04:00

In Southern Black Folklore, the bottle tree was a means of protecting the home by trapping evil spirits within the colorful bottles. Though scarce today, bottle trees are still created for their artistic appeal.

I love getting inspiration from rich history and tradition. The bottle trees are beautiful and magical. This fabric has a special "sneaky" floral appeal- which adds to it's unique and whimsical elegance. NOW AVAILABLE!

African American Fabrics: Paint Yo' Thang Workshop--FUN!!

2011-07-18T00:58:00.002-04:00

Today was a beautiful day and there was plenty of beautiful fabric under the sun. Participants in the Paint Yo' Thang-Handpainted Workshop were inspired and upbeat.

Join us! Next class:

Aug 7, 2011-5pm-8pm
At Color Me Mine, Silver Spring, MD

823 Ellsworth Drive

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Come and paint hand paint a 22"x18" (fat quarter) of fabric (or, more) for your next sewing project, to frame, make a gift for some one. It's only fitting to repeat this fabric painting workshop with a "two-fer" deal. Bring a 2nd person for the Regular Fee $45. Supply fee: $25 each.

RSVP at: classes@africanamericanfabrics.com

African American Fabrics: Digital Fabric Design Workshop

2011-07-16T18:43:00.000-04:00

JOIN US!!! DIGITAL FABRIC DESIGN CLASS by Kweli Kitwana

Next Class AUG 8th and Oct 3rd- REGISTER: www.gstfabric.com

Digital Textile Design and Fabric Printing: imagine yourself as a fabric designer. You’ve seen it on Project Runway. Now you can start designing your own fabric. Whether you are looking for fabric for sewing, embellishing, quilting and crafting, the ability to design and print your own fabric by the yard is one of the most significant advancements in printing technology. The possibilities are endless. You will receive an introduction to the FOD (Fabric on demand), a basic lesson in digital design and the basics of surface design elements. When you finish this class you will have a fabric design ready for printing by the yard, and a sample 8”x8” swatch of your design. Basic skills in use of printers, scanners, and internet recommended. Supply kit available Kit Fee $25. 1 session. $49

African American Fabrics: JOIN US!! Summer Classes

2011-07-15T02:17:00.004-04:00

Digital Fabric Design
July 16, 2011- 10:30 am-2:30 pm
August 8 · 5:00pm - 9:00pm
G Street Fabrics-

5520 Randolph Rd,
Rockville, MD

Imagine yourself as a fabric designer. You’ve seen it on Project Runway. Now you can start designing your own fabric. Whether you are looking for fabric for sewing, embellishing, quilting and crafting, the ability to design and print your own fabric by the yard is one of the most significant advancements in printing technology. The possibilities are endless. You will receive an introduction to the FOD (Fabric on demand), a basic lesson in digital design and the basics of surface design elements. When you finish this class you will have a fabric design ready for printing by the yard, and a sample 8”x8” swatch of your design. Basic skills in use of printers, scanners, and internet recommended. Supply kit available Kit Fee $25. 1 session. $49 Sign-up at www.gstfabrics.com

PAINT YO' THANG- Cowrie Shell Special!!
Hand Painted Fabric Session
July 17, 2011- 1 pm-4 pm Mt. Rainier, MD
FOR MORE CONTACT: Sales@AfricanAmericanFabrics.com
Come and hand paint one yard of fabric. Make one unique piece.
Fee: 10 Cowrie Shells and a $25 love offering. (Regular Price $45 + $15 Supply fees)
Create your fun, funky and spirited cloth for a head wrap, sari, lapa or summer cloth.
PAINT YO' THANG- Two for One SPECIAL!!

Hand Painted Fabric Session

Sun, Aug 7-5pm-8pm
Wed, Aug 10- 6:30-9:30
Wed, Aug 24- 6:30-9:30

Color Me Mine Studio

823 Ellsworth Drive

Silver Spring, MD, 20910

FOR MORE CONTACT: Sales@AfricanAmericanFabrics.com

Bring a Friend!! Bring a Date!! BYOB --We provide chips and dip. Come and hand paint one yard of fabric. Fee: Price $45 for Two+ $15 Supply fees (each)

Create your fun, funky and spirited cloth for a head wrap, sari, lapa or summer cloth.

Slavery to Freedom Toile

2011-07-13T23:52:00.000-04:00

"Slavery to Freedom Toile", a fabric by, Kweli Kitwana, AVAILABLE

This fabric is now in four colors!!

African American Fabrics: Alter Ego Fashion, Nigerian Style

2011-07-04T23:57:00.001-04:00

Fashion by ALTER EGO Mwakaego Maduekwe

I am finding more and more fashion-minded people from around the world are following my blog and incorporating my fabrics in their work. Talk about a blessing. As, one of my primary missions is to create fabric designs that "speak" to cultural aesthetics and honor ethnic beauty.

Recently, ALTER EGO, designer Nwakaego Maduekwe from Lagos, Nigeria purchased "African Beauty" in silk crepe de chine, and other designs. According to Nwakaego, Alter Ego is a line for the “contemporary [woman} who loves great design, is not afraid of a little edginess, wants to reference trends but is not a slave to fashion.”

Watch this post to see Alter Ego's design results from my fabrics, read more about our collaboration and more...in the meantime, check out ALTER EGO on Facebook and follower the on TWITTER

African American Fabrics: Come to a Fabric Design Workshop

2011-07-03T12:01:00.000-04:00

YOU CAN DESIGN YOUR OWN FABRIC!!!

Digital Textile Design and Fabric Printing: $49 ROCKVILLE, MD --7/16 Sat 10:30-2:30

8/08 Mon 5:00-9:00--You will design your own fabric. The possibilities are endless. Includes basics of Fabric on Demand, a lesson in digital design & basics of surface design elements. You will print 8”x8” swatches of your design in class and can order your design by the yard!! Class Kit $25.

Got an idea, photo, image or artwork? Bring it.

What to get your laptop setup to design? Bring it

http://www.gstreetfabrics.com/Classes/registration_info.pdf

PASS THE WORD....

African American Fabrics: Cotton Pickin' Fun Fabric

2011-06-22T18:25:00.001-04:00

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

HAND PAINTED FABRIC

Y'all remember my African American Cotton Fabric? Well, I've designed, hand dyed and painted a "Cotton Pickin'" fat quarter series to compliment this fabric. This fabric is original art for quilts, decor and crafts. These are created to order and will vary. You can purchase these handpainted fabrics at http://www.etsy.com/shop/kkitwana. If you happen to have a request or require more information, please contact me at sales@africanamericanfabrics.com. Or, visit AFRICAN AMERICAN FABRICS on FACEBOOK to see more and contact me.

African American Fabrics: Hand Painted Fabrics Available NOW!!!

2011-06-19T09:57:00.008-04:00

The Blacker the Berry

Nothing like a fresh batch of fabric swatches to cure your holiday gift idea rut. African American Fabrics currently has AVAILABLE hand painted fabric by the yard and fat quarter bundles starting August 2011. These designs are hand painted altered commercial fabrics with themes of Ethnic and African American culture. These are all %100 cotton, washable, sewable fabrics (not too stiff for machine sewing). PRICES RANGE FROM $8 to $10 for Fat Quarters and $20 to $30 by the yard (must request).
To ORDER : http://www.etsy.com/shop/kkitwana

African American Fabrics- Heirloom Photo Quilts

2011-06-16T19:22:00.000-04:00

Working on some photo quilts using my DIY printed fabric, mentioned in earlier post. Visit me on FACEBOOK to follow my progress. https://www.facebook.com/AfricanAmericanFabrics

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

2011-06-16T13:43:00.000-04:00

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/

Global Expressions-Decorating with Fabrics from Around the World, Lisa Shepard
African Accents-Fabric and Craft to Decorate Your Home, Lisa Shepard
African Fabrics-Sewing Contemporary Fashion with Ethnic Flair, Ronke Luke-Boone
Comfort Clothes-Easy to Make Easy to Wear West African Garments for Everyone, Chris Rex
Culture Accents, Ronke Luke-Boone

African American Fabrics: Drawing Board PREVIEW-- coming soon

2011-06-15T16:33:00.000-04:00

I have been working slowly to create a few designs for my grand daughter's summer dresses. It's amazing how difficult it is to find designs that reflect a bit of that African American soul. So, once again I am feeling the pressure. Here a re a few samples of what I am working on. VISIT www.spoonflower.com/profiles/kkitwana to see details. UPDATE: NOW AVAILABLE!!!