African Sunburst
with Maggie Relph
24th September 2011
10am to 4pm
£40 + Materials
We are delighted to welcome Magie Relph to the Silver Thimble. Some of you will know Maggie from her colourful stand at exhibitions and also her wonderful talks that she give around the country.
Discover the magic of African fabrics and create this stunning masterpiece using Kola Nut and Indigo Sunburst fabrics.
You can alo introduce some colour - try turquoise, purple, gold or green for some fantastic results.
Whatever you choose the finished piece will be a real feature in your home.
Maggie will bring kits and also individual fabrics for you to choose from on the day.
Click here to book this workshop.
A little bit about Magie Relph
"The Accidental Business"
"How and why did you start your fair trade business, The African Fabric Shop?"
It's a question I'm asked all the time and the truthful answer is, "By accident."
My passion for African textiles, heritage and design began in the 1980s, as I spent several years travelling and working all over Africa as a cook on an overland expedition truck. I made my first patchwork quilt "on the road", collecting scraps of African fabrics as I travelled.
Eventually my husband Bob Irwin (aka The Saturday Boy) and I gravitated back to the UK. I continued to develop creatively as a textile artist and quilter. At the same time, I started doing talks and workshops for patchwork, embroidery and textile groups, always bringing along my growing stash of African fabrics for display and for sale.
Today, The African Fabric Shop has taken over not only the house, but most of our waking hours. As we travel regularly in Africa, I continue to expand my knowledge and appreciation of African textiles and the talented artists who create them.
I combine traditional, pictorial and experimental use of fabrics to create original wallhangings, quilts, cushions and clothing. Not surprisingly, you'll find African influences and fabrics in many of my pieces.
I've had the good fortune to have my work honoured on a couple of occasions.
