The first (and surely most important) stage in world domination is to know what you are up against.
Hence, a world-tour of all things fabric must be undertaken. Pronto.
Destinations must be determined. Focus must be the priority. There’s a lot of fabric out there, ripe for the picking. We’d best get going…
The first stop on any global fabric tour must surely be India. The colours are amazing, bright, luxurious…It’s up there on my must-go-to list*. Plus, I love curry. Bonus!
Central and South America have the most eye-poppingly-bright fabrics on this little rock we call home. These beauties are from Argentina. Did someone say poncho?
Slightly more subdued tones here, but closer to my heart, Harris Tweed (from the land of the Mother Pony). Scratchy, yes, but guaranteed to block an icy gale. Makes great hats. Also available in pink.
Japan has the cutest fabrics, bar none. Tiny rabbits, flowers, small animals on bicycles and mooses-a-plenty, what more could a girl ask for! I would love to get my hooves on a good stash and create awesomeness for people-I-know-with-babies.
Whilst a challenge for those who do not like to haggle (i.e. me), South-East Asia has some amazing silks (at very good price). I recently tried my hand at fabric shopping in Vietnam, in a town with few Westerners where I was stared at. A lot. The main challenge however was my lack of Vietnamese – a handy local friend on the other end of the phone made my few purchases possible, thanks Hiep! Must learn more languages…
Aaaah, Europe. Where everyone speaks English (if grudgingly at times). Great Scandinavian pattern design, luxurious Italian wool, crisp French linens and intricate lace…or just an excuse to holiday in the Mediterranean? Either way…
Africa! Fabulous colours and beautiful batik** patterns, plus lions. In batik. (Visualise it. They’d look great!)
I think that’s all continents covered…apart from the one where the penguins hang out. I think the seal-skin trade ended a few years ago (I hope it did!).
I wonder what other fabrics exist out there in the great wide universe. Wouldn’t that be a trip to remember! Although I don’t recall seeing pictures of aliens wearing clothes…but maybe they love a good quilt as much as the rest of us.
*take an empty suitcase
** batik: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batik
Midnight Pony 