Wednesday, February 23, 2011

South Africa Fashion Industry Revival

The South African Fashion industry has been under some pressure for many years now. Forty years ago it was a huge driver of the economy. Today it is a mere remnant of its former self and it almost looks as if it might disappear altogether. I spoke to somebody a couple of years back who went so far as to say that "The industry is DEAD."

I have never been able to accept his autopsy. So long as there is a handful of people fighting for it, the industry cannot be dead. It certainly is in big trouble. It is not dead.

Last night I attended and amazing seminar where key players in the industry are rallying together to find solutions. AFI (African Fashion International) has partnered up with Endeavor and GIBS to turn the tide and GIBS has announced the rollout of their Fashion Entrepreneurs programme. Even Government has joined the conversation and it looks as if the industry is poised to rebuild.

As a generation of determined young designers emerges to revive the ailing industry, they are going to need a generation of determined artisans and manufacturers to service them and I am very excited to be right in the middle of this work.

For years now I have prayed that the industry would rally together to find solutions and that day finally seems to have arrived.

Keep your eye on the local Fashion industry and expect some big things.

Have a great day in full colour!

Kind regards

Melanie

0835689150

http://www.dyeandprints.co.za/


Friday, February 18, 2011

Hand Craved Stamps




I absolutely LOVE hand carved stamps. One of my customers sent me these pictures of some hand carved stamps made from wood that she found at a flea market in Pretoria. Thank you Dalene!
Aren't they beautiful?!
I believe that you cannot actually put a value on a stamp. Even though these particular ones are dirt cheap, I believe that they are invaluable because you can print the image thousands of times. Once you have made a stamp, you can use it again and again.
Wood blockas have been used for centuries around the world to print fabrics and the technique is still useful today. Although most fabrics are now printed with machines, block printing lends itself to manufacturing small runs of custom items.
Wood block stamps are widely used throughout India and Central Africa. I prefer to use lino or the more modern rubber mats because they are softer and easier to carve. The more pliable stamps also lend themselves to printing on more rigid surfaces. I use my lino stamps to print on fabric, paper, card, leather, pvc, wood and even candles.
The beauty of hand carved stamps is that you can make them whatever size you need. Many of the commercial stamps that you buy are very small. With lino you can make much larger stamps and you can shape them into convenient shapes for printing around the construction of garments.
All this talk about prints has inspired me to go and do some printing of my own....
Have a great day in full colour!
Kind regards
Melanie
0835689150



Sunday, February 6, 2011

Happy Customers



I have received some awesome feedback from my customers who are using my Slipstream dye and products. This is what they have to say...
"Your Book is absolutely stunning and user friendly." Deyana Thomas.
"Thank you for your DVD. I find it much more informative and enjoy your company in my living room." Hesmari van Toorn, Eazystitch.
"The colours are incredibly vibrant and look fantastic!" Pet-Jane Grove.
"I have a severe physical complaint - LOCKJAW - because of all the Wow stuff!" Glynis Jones.
"You really opened a new world for me." Jeanette, Quilter.
"Very enjoyable. Much more than what I expected." Charmaine Swanepoel, Craft Retailer.
Thank you all for your positive feedback!
Have a great day in full colour!
Kind regards
Melanie
0835689150