I returned from two years in Zaire 1972 with many meters of fabric which I learned to love for its beauty and practicality. We called it Java print. A few yearsago I realized that what I had not used for clothes or tablecloths would be welcomed by the TCMCC Sale quilters. Thanks to Marlys there are now two or three quilts.
Beautiful colorful textiles are produced from 100% cotton fabric, wax-dyed in brilliant colors and patterns unique to the Congo. Women wear long dresses with detail work and then cover the skirt of their dress with a pagne: a piece wrapped around and tucked in the band to anchor it around the waist. The pagne is a versatile piece which is part of the dress but removable and used as a shawl or worn over the head as a cover from the sun or rain. It can be wrapped around an infant and tied on the mother’s back, leaving her hands free. The pagne is worn as an honor by married women.
The fabric can be bought at the market where women are selling it in 6-yard lengths; I believe the cost was $6 in 1972.
I have found no fabric more comfortable in hot weather.
Lois
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