Can fabrics be made withoutany machinery application in todays high-tech, machinery influenced world? TheAfrican Langa lapu fabrics give the answer; yes.
African fabrics have the mostdistinctive features comparatively over the rest of the world. They representthe colors, wildlife, culture and people of Africa. They also have uniquecharacteristics of their own; depending on the region they are made. There aremany fabrics that speak of their lifestyle and culture, yet a few of them aremost traditional and much sought after. One such fabric is the Langa Lapu of Zimbabwe. The name owes its origin to the Xhosa (South African language) derivation, whichmeans sun cloth. They bring the beautiful textures of South Africa in front ofour eyes, with designs created using real seeds, grasses, and leaves availablein that region.
Though originally from Zimbabwe, these fabrics are made all over Africa. These exotic and colorful fabrics are handmadecombining the natural elements of wind, fire, water, and earth. They are handdyed and patterns, and color blending are created on the fabric using naturalelements such as twigs, branches, potatoes, and ferns. Hence they are alsocalled as sun cloth. Made as a totally hands-on affair, leaves, the fabricis completely made manually; starting from seedpods, and ferns collection tilllaying of the fabric on the grass for drying in the sun. This fabric has aunique charm in it in the sense that it lacks machinery in any stage ofprocessing. Special light sensitive and natural dyes are used in this process,which makes the fabric eco friendly. Every single piece of fabric is a unique creation
These fabrics are generally made only during summers when the sun is at its hottest. They classically apply only bright splashes of hues in this cloth. Cotton is placed in this fabric, and is then kept in the sun for hours making the color to spread out. Vegetation spread is used in the fabric to create a silhouette. They are hand-sewn into apparels and other items making them extremely durable. Silk screened in appealing colors, prints are made in this fabrics which makes them all the more attractive. They see non-toxic dyes, composite of old leaves, and recycles. Vegetation used in this process in completely sourced from gardens, and not cut freshly from the bushes.
These fabrics are made from cotton, and posses easy care and maintenance features. They can be machine washed. Hence this fabric sees a wide range of applications. Apparels such as jackets, waistcoats, and a variety of summer dresses are made using this fabric. Bags, cushion, furnishings and patchwork is also done using this cloth. They make a perfect choice for Hawaiian quilts, and appliqué. The langa lapu fabrics make a popular export item of South Africa.
These fabrics are 100% cotton and are used to make both traditional and modern clothing. These fabrics are used by the native Africans while farming, travelling long distances, and while working under the harsh sun. Hence these fabrics are made keeping in mind the hard weather, work and are strong, durable and do not tear easily.
A right blend of the love of nature, and ones creativity, the langa lapu fabrics bring abundant sunshine and vibrant colors of Africa inside our homes. The fact that each piece of fabric is manually made without using any machinery making it distinctive, and can never be reproduced, makes the langa lapu very special.
References:
1. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2638)%>" target="_blank">http://www.africanfabric.co.uk
2. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2638)%>" target="_blank">http://www.langalapu.co.za/
3. &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(2638)%>" target="_blank">http://www.africanfabric.co.uk
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