From School Library Journal
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, VA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Born in Sierra Leone on Africa's West Coast, Luke-Boone is a clothing designer who also teaches techniques of sewing with African fabrics. Here she discusses six distinctive African fabric types: Mudcloth, Kuba Cloth, Korhogo Cloth, Fancy Prints, Wax Prints, and Kente Cloth. For each she includes a history of the cloth, traditional and modern production methods, its symbolism, where and how to buy the cloth, information on sewing and caring for it, and design ideas. Most African fabrics are sold in pieces not on bolts and are often best used in combination with other less spectacular fabrics, so Luke-Boone also discusses which fabrics work well with the African ones. The reader is referred to commercial patterns that lend themselves to African fabric, and the author presents 14 original patterns for items such as vests, shawls, tote bags, and pillows. Notable for its outstanding graphic design and illustrations, this is generally recommended for public library sewing collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
