Da Gama Blog
Launch of the limited edition Albertina Sisulu commemorative skirt panel ~ 25 January 2012
Albertina Sisulu (21 October 1918 – 2 June 2011) was one of South Africa's great heroes. Known to the people as MaSisulu, "Mother of the Nation", beloved of all who knew her, Albertina was an anti-apartheid activist who fought resolutely and courageously for human rights and dignity, suffering severe restriction of her personal freedom and of those she loved most dearly in the process. She lived to see the fruits of her labour and ultimately received numerous awards and honours for her part in the history of reform in South Africa.
In recognition of her life's work, Da Gama Textiles chose to create and produce a commemorative Original Shweshwe skirt panel in her honour. Original Shweshwe, South Africa's favourite fabric, has dressed the nation since 1948 and it was felt fitting that this iconic fabric, graced by this icon of the nation, be worn by the women of South Africa, whose largely liberated status has much to do with the ideals, struggles and successes of MaSisulu.
International Quilt Market & Festival, Houston ~ Update
The response to the showing of our new Coral Tree Fabrics ranges, "Shweshwe Collection" & "Rain Forest Collection", at the International Quilt Market (29 - 31 Oct) was overwhelmingly positive. It was wonderful to meet so many others as enthusiastic about beautiful, quality quilting fabrics as we are!
We are looking forward to the International Quilt Festival (3 - 6 Nov) and sharing our exciting, vibrant, jewel-bright, uniquely South African, 100% combed cotton quilting fabrics with the quilting public.
International Quilt Market & Festival, Houston
2011 International Quilt Market / Fall: 29 - 31 October
We are very proud and excited to show our new brand, Coral Tree Fabrics, at the Quilt Market. Retailers & Wholesalers, don't miss this opportunity to experience the unique designs and bright, vibrant colours of these truly South African fabrics!
This premium brand is synonymous with export quality fabrics. The superior quality of these soft finish, 100% combed cotton fabrics is evident in the feel and handling of the cloth; a pleasure to work with and to the touch. These outstanding fabrics are notable for excellent shrinkage and colour fastness properties. The regular release of new ranges offers designs which are fresh, relevant and that never fail to pleasantly suprise.
Festival of Quilts
Our team has recently returned from the UK, exhausted but immensely proud of the spectacular success of Da Gama's exhibition of our new quilting range, Coral Tree Shweshwe Fabrics at the Festival of Quilts, 11 - 14 August 2011. The FOQ, hosted at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, is the leading quilt show in Europe.
Monkey Puzzle Quilt Project
The Aug/Sep issue of Stitches, Your Stitchcraft Magazine has just hit the shelves! Featured on pages 61-63 is this beautiful Monkey Puzzle quilt created by Leslie and Suanne Pahl, a mother-and-daughter team, who own and run the quilt shop, Umnyama. Fabrics are from the Coral Tree Shweshwe Range printed by Da Gama Textiles. Instructions are available in the magazine, so get yours soon and you can make your own Monkey Puzzle quilt!
Da Gama Inter-schools Consumer Studies Design Competition
The fourth annual Da Gama Inter-schools Consumer Studies Design Competition - a project initiated by Helen Bester (Da Gama Textiles, Home Sewing, Marketing) - was held at the Guild Theatre last week Wednesday, 22 June. Pupils from schools in and around East London showed off their proud creations.
South African National Quilt Festival
We are so proud to be exhibiting our new quilting range, Coral Tree Fabrics at the 16th South African National Quilt Festival at the Bloemhof Girls' School in Stellenbosch, 1-7 July.
Come view our product at the Shweshwe.net stand in the Main Hall.
