African Fabrics
Adult/High School-This title is a wellspring of inspiration and information. Fashion-magazine-style photos of gorgeous modern clothing and home furnishings showcase the versatility of the six common kinds of African textiles featured: mud cloths with abstract patterns, the familiar Kente cloths, Korhogo cloths with fanciful prints, plush Kuba-cloth velvets, and more. For each fabric, there is background about its cultural origin, traditional and modern methods of manufacture, and the meanings of colors or designs likely to be encountered. The author shares her knowledge of how to buy, care for, sew with, handle, and store African fabrics. Her instructions are detailed, right down to recommended needle thicknesses and interfacings. The 14 projects are relatively easy. Patterns for three items are provided in an envelope. However, for most of the others, clear instructions are given on how to make them. The last activity shows how to make and use a child's loom. Using a variety of illustrative media and straightforward explanations, Luke-Boone sends out her message: the beautiful fabrics of Africa are rich in texture and culture.Sheila Shoup, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.