Mud Cloth, vintage and new: Since I started offering natural color hand loomed mud cloth in the shop, it has grown in popularity. The lovely texture created by the bulky yarns and cotton slubs allow this fabric to coordinate beautifully back to all types of styles.
This particular cloth has been used by my customers to reupholster mid century chairs, make a maple daybed cushion, create a beach blanket, and back several indigo pillows. It's suited to a boho decor, coastal decor, or contemporary decor.
How would you use this fabulous cloth?
Happy sewing!

Hand loomed cotton in vibrant shades of blue and white are perfect summer accents for a table top, bed cover, or cut into pillow covers.

The lovelies pictured above come from Tansinia, Africa. They are hand loomed with Egyptian cotton which gives them a soft yet sophisticated finish. Easy to care for, simply gentle wash and dry and they will last for years.

Available in the store or in the Etsy shop, this throw measures 72" long by 39" wide. (Not including the fringe) Larger sizes and more colors available soon!

I'm a big fan of using African mud cloth for pillow covers, table runners, or when heavy like the one in the photo, as a floor covering.

For Summer 2016 I'm researching producing multiple light neutral shades of mud cloth. Ground colors like straw, flax, rose quartz, and light olive are in the works. Stay tuned and happy sewing!

I am fortunate to have wonderful memories of both my grandmothers. One was an antique dealer who collected Southwestern artifacts, the other was herself an authentic southwestern piece of art.

Both these women had homes filled with an eclectic mix of blankets, linens, pottery, rugs, light fixtures and tableware that reflected their admiration for hand made items that came from the Southwest, including deep within Mexico.

As I scour the market in search of hand-loomed fabrics, blankets, and throws, I often think of my grandmothers. They were very different women but each possessed a drive to take care of their families and they were both house-proud.

I'm certain it is from grandma Verle (paternal) and grandma Anita (maternal) that I learned to repair and repurpose things of value. That is why I take time to soak and gently spot clean cloth that others might throw away.

As for the trend in Southwestern decor and hand made fabrics; for me that is something my grandmothers proved may occasionally go out of fashion, but it never goes out of style.

Happy Sewing!

For inspiration for Spring/Summer 2016, I looked to Stella Jean Ltd. for whimsical color and details with an ethnic twist. I absolutely love her layer upon layer combinations! No holds barred.

Of course she shows head-to-toe Stella Jean pieces, but try pairing one jacket back to faded jeans and a white linen T. Or how about one of those skirts paired back to a simple tank top on a hot summer day?

Designer prices out of reach? DIY your own version. Happy Sewing!

I'm always on the hunt for inspiration. Especially for ideas and creative ways to reuse or repurpose textiles. So even though Weaving Hand is across the country from me, I can visit their website at weavinghand.org for inspiration anytime.
Happy Sewing!

The Japanese are world class style makers. Their textiles are full of history and artistry. The vintage Obe (ivory silk) in this photo is repurposed as a scarf. The spa green silk robe is perfect as-is. Note the dye resist decorative pattern created with a traditional shibori technique. Well done!

Deep dark indigo mud cloth can add drama to any space or outfit. This lovely vintage African indigo is perfect but for one sweet denim patch applied to save the day! I'm growing quite fond of the wide variety of patch artistry I'm finding among these vintage pieces.

This lovely fabric is embroidered with a substantial cord to add a lot of dimension to a simple cloth. The organic motif of leaves on swaying vines keeps the mood light. This mid tone gray is a great neutral for any decor. Upholstery weight cotton, dry clean to preserve embroidery.

Most everyone loves a crisp stripe. But there are also subtle monochromatic stripes that can add interest to your decor or wardrobe.

Pictured here are three African mud cloths made of hand-loomed cotton strips of fabric. They become full size throws or blankets (mud cloths) when finished cotton strips are joined by machine or by hand stitching together lengthwise. Sometimes the strips are one color, or as seen here, they are loomed with color stripes.

No matter what your preference, stripes will had some excitement through depth to your next project.

Happy Sewing!