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The African Fabric Shop


Moving Day Sale...continues online.

Ends midnight Friday 21st March.

Join our mailing list to receive an offer code for extra discount!

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In April we will be re-locating to the vibrant, creative village of Slaithwaite!

We are celebrating with a week of discounts.

The more we sell, the less we have to move!

Situated on the Huddersfield - Manchester train line, Slaithwaite is home to a host of independent businesses, co-operatives and creative organisations. Which is right up our ally!

Watch this space for all the latest moving shenanigans

or follow along on our Socials!

Jenny at the shop back in 2019, before she met Wally.

New Shwe Shwe

New colours and designs now available

We are still the biggest importer of South African Shwe Shwe into the UK.

There are lots of copies on the market, so it is important to look for the genuine 'Three Cats' logo on the back of the fabric to ensure authenticity and guaranteed quality. Originally manufactured in Manchester, Shwe Shwe fabrics are now 100% South African!

Traditionally, Shwe Shwe was always indigo, with the occasional red or chocolate brown design. It can go by a few names including, Isishweshwe, Blueprint and Manchester blue. Now they are available in a fantastic range of colours and designs.

100% cotton, they are starched in the factory - that's the tradition - so are quite stiff when new. After washing they become lovely and soft and a dream to work with. Perfect for dressmaking and crafts.


Featured in Contemporary Quilt Magazine

The African Fabric Shop founder Magie Relph has been a long time member of The Quilters Guild here in the UK and in December her story (and ours) was lucky enough to be featured in Contemporary Quilt Magazine.

Accidents Will Happen: Fabrics, Quilts and Africa. By Magie Relph and Bob Irwin is just a snap-shot of how The African Fabric Shop came to fruition. How Magie and Bob turned their passion for Africa and textiles into a full time job and how they plan to spend their (semi) retirement.

You can now read the full article HERE.

If you are interested in contemporary quilting and would like to become a member of The Quilters Guild then you can join via the website www.quiltersguild.org.uk. Open to all ages and skill levels the guild is a great community that offers workshops, exhibitions and competition opportunities accross the UK. 

 
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