Do you know anything about African Writing systems? Well I did not until I began reading the book, Hidden in Plain View, by Tobin, Jacquline L. Ironically the writers and researchers of the book, are as usual not African, which for me as an African, is a bit of a shame.
If they are trying to decipher our symbols and signs then why shouldn't I? I have had this book on my device for over 5 years and never bothered to finish it, so over this Easter period I decided to find time to curl up and enjoy the fascinating information within. It is interesting to learn that many African textiles have coded messages embedded in them. Including Adire created by Yoruba women in Nigeria, Adinkra printed by Ashanti men in Ghana, Kuba cloth woven with rafia by men in Congo and Bogolanfini fabric printed by women in Mali to name a few, all carrying their own stories. Apparently some of the quilt patterns that exist in the Western world today, may have originated in Africa. Even though Africans who were enslaved in America could not read or write they retained in memory, the communication methods of their ancestors, which included unique writing systems, symbols, signs and stitch patterns. Retention of this knowledge came in handy for the enslaved. For according to this book, they stitched messages onto quilts using African signs and symbols understood only by those seeking a way to freedom through the Underground rail road. Well how smart! Let us continue to appreciate our African history and culture, and encourage our children to do the same. We, Africans, should be doing more research into our history and culture and writing our own history for future generations. We have to appreciate our very rich continent, and see how best we can use our resources to help ourselves and each other. We simply cannot remain a consumer only people and allow other nations to use Africans as guinea pigs and a dumping ground for rubbish goods. How can we start manufacturing our own goods from start to finish, cars planes trains etc. Would be nice to hear from African scientists and engineers. This book is an interesting eye opener for me, and I thank the authors. If you enjoy African art, history and culture this might be a good book for you. Would love to know what books you are reading.
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, There are many benefits to be gained when kids learn to sew. Yes, both boys and girls! Do not be afraid to teach your son or grandson this valuable skill, especially when they show interest.
Because sewing is very tactile, it helps to strengthen the hand-eye co-ordination of a child as well as fine motor skills. It is also a path to creative and personal expression. It is a challenging craft, which creates the opportunity to test a child's brain and a great way to spend time productively. 8-12 year olds are mentally capable of following basic sewing instructions, and they have adequate manual dexterity to work a sewing machine. My 11 year old grandson (pictured above) is proof. He was able to figure out how to work a neighbours old sewing machine better than I : ). This age is the best time for them to learn to sew. Aside from being a life long useful skill, sewing also comes with health benefits. The craft requires focus, the ability to find solutions to problems and stimulates the left hemisphere of the brain. Making something for oneself or for someone creates joy and sewing relieves stress. Plus it is absolutely fun. It has been established that kids (especially 8-12 year olds) who learn to sew, gain many mental as well as physical developmental benefits. It has been found that the different tasks, such as following pattern instructions, fabric selection, colour co-ordination, and the ability to size and fit all help to generate creative thinking. When a child makes something useful, it promotes self esteem and confidence. Working on, and completing a project requires perseverance, which leads to accomplishment...a big morale booster. Happy sewing : ) Still trying to come to terms with the sudden death of my younger sister.
The past weeks have been spent in shock and very sad events. Personally, death brings about introspection and a review of every aspect of my life. As is said in the bible, "in the midst of life we are in death". Therefore loving ourselves, others and whatever we do is important. Keeping ourselves happy, and healthy is paramount. God's blessings everyone. Still trying to come terms with the sudden death of my younger sister. The past weeks have been spent in a number of very sad events.
Personally, death creates a need for introspection, a review of every aspect of my life. As is said in the bible, "in the midst of life, we are in death". Therefore loving ourselves, others and the activities we engage in, is important. Endeavouring to keep ourselves healthy, as much as is possible is paramount. God's blessings everyone. Testing, testing---5 tips to keep your sewing machine happy.
Just got my sewing companion back from the sewing machine clinic. It was a sad day in May 2017, when my machine stopped working right in the middle of important projects. Well I cannot say there were no warning signs. I just did not take them seriously. The sound of the motor changed, there were lots of skipped stiches, the top and bobbing threads kept breaking, just to mention a few. Why I did not think a machine would require servicing after two years of continuous sewing is beyond me. Needless to say I have learned the hard way. Therefore I am sharing what I have gleaned from the experience. 1. Please remember to take your sewing machine in for a good service and clean once a year. I used my machine to breaking point for two years without servicing...no wonder it just conked out! 2. Using good quality thread is essential. I was using cheap thread, without realizing that over time not only does lint build up in the hook race area (which is the dirtiest part of the machine), but also in the deep and hard to reach areas. Poor quality thread releases more lint, which affects performance. 3. If possible have a spare sewing machine handy. Especially when you have sewing deadlines, or orders to fulfill. One of my goals is to get another one soon. 4. Do you use upholstery fabrics, leather or any heavy materials? Please ensure your machine is designed for such purpose. 5. Some sewing machines require oiling periodically. Mine does not need any oil at all. Following manufacturer's instructions is a good way to ensuring that they keep running like well oiled ( or lack thereof machines). So keep your manuals handy. Sewing is not only rewarding, it is therapeutic. Transforming a one dimensional piece of fabric into a beautiful, functioning three dimensional object!! and you made it yourself?, hey, can you beat that!? Happy sewing : ) ,Why, I hear you ask, well anytime I begin a sewing project, it's like the start of a new journey, filled with excitement and great expectations,
with the beautiful completed work or destination, the reward for all my careful planning and executions. But alas!, life, as well as my sewing journey can be tough, fraught with challenges, frustrations, wasted time and effort, not to mention resources. At this point I'm usually filled with despair and disappointment and the option of giving up and throwing all into the bin becomes very tempting. However, what stops me from quitting the work ( and by the way, I have used this technique for dealing with other issues) is the vision of the completed work I had before I even began, in other words, seeing the end from the beginning. I step aside, take some deep breaths, go and do something else and come back to it when I have fresh insight and guidance to proceed. I am often amused, (that is after all is said and done), how seemingly simple projects give me a run for my money! For instance I may decide to create a nice little evening clutch bag. Then I say "this will be quick and easy". Well next thing I know I'm ripping out seams many times over, oh did I mention my hair as well! Anyhow, sewing teaches me patience, humility, perseverance as well as learning to find solutions to problems where I would have hitherto given up. Life always has a way of teaching us hard lessons--even if it is through the people or passions we hold dear. Recently, apart from having to cope with life's goings on, my sewing machine just up died right in the middle of an important project, and when I was not prepared financially to have it fixed. So in order not to feel defeated I decided to work on another one entirely by hand regardless of the fact that I had also chosen to incorporate some leather. Sore fingers not withstanding, here is the finished product. So when life hands us lemons, let us try to make lemonade.! Materials used include, soft leather, black sequined fabric and lace. Oh and I should mention the green lace is much better looking in reality, the camera did not do it justice: )) |
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