We have a super talented new supplier launching with Hochanda! Adaku Parker from Dovetailed London will be with us on 17th March at 4pm to introduce viewers to her range of African Wax Print Fabrics. The eye catching and colourful design will definitely brighten up you day so be sure to tune in.
Adaku started Dovetailed London whilst on maternity leave having previously had a career as a criminal barrister. To begin with, she took a range of short courses in textiles at her local adult learning centre which included clothes making, tailoring, pattern cutting, and decorative techniques. Having worn African fabrics for most of her life (parties, events etc.) this was Adaku’s choice of fabric to work with. Before long, she was making bags, clothes and accessories using the fabric and received many compliments from people who bought some of her makes. Many of the first bags that she made are still being used by the owners.
African Fashion and British Design
Adaku began selling her handmade items at small shows in 2017 . Whilst at one of these shows a customer asked if they could buy some fabric to make one of the handmade items she was selling but in a fabric of their choice. This was a turning point in the business. Adaku started bringing a few pieces of African wax print fabrics to the smaller shows and they proved popular. All the fabrics are made from 100% cotton. The phrase ‘wax print’ refers to the printing process whereby the wax resist method of printing onto fabric (similar to batik) and is used to create intricate designs. The fabric itself does not actually have wax on it.
Today, Adaku exhibits her beautiful fabrics at many of the big fabric and craft shows around the country. She also sells sewing pattern specifically designed with these fabrics in mind in order that these beautiful fabrics can be shown off to their best effect. There are 3 Dovetailed sewing patterns available to buy with several more soon to be available in her new book – ‘Sewing with African Wax Print Fabric’. The book will be on sale by the summer, but before then she’ll be with us on Hochanda to showcase some fantastic designs.