The Many Uses of Ethnic Fabrics

There are so many things one can do with fabric. They can wrap it around their bodies, they can use is as a blind, a basket or a carpet. With that kind of versatility all you really need to make sure of is that the fabric is beautiful to look at. A lot of the most beautiful fabrics come from parts of the world such as India, Indonesia, Morocco and Peru. Some ethnic and gorgeous uses of their textiles include:

Pareos:

Pareos, or sarongs, are very versatile. They can be used as beach towels, scarves, bathing suit wraps or head scarves. Some people use them as blankets or even tie them in a way that can be used as a bag. If you're in the market for a beautiful textile, then a pareo is well worth your money.

Hats:

Mexicans are known for their sombreros, Jews for their kippas, and Jamaicans for their beanies. But the list doesn't end there. There are so many authentic styles of hat and ways to wear them. The trick is to brave wearing them somewhere that they're not customary, like London.

Leather slippers:

In places like Morocco and the Middle East it's not uncommon to see both men and women wearing colourful leather slippers, known as babouches. Not only are they very comfortable but they are extremely stylish. If you live in a bit city like London, you might pair them with a pair of tight-ankled trousers.

Kafkans:

Kafkans are long, thin pieces of fabric that are often seen on the beach and occasionally in the city. They come in a wide spectrum of colours and often have detailed embroidery or beading. Some have ties around the bust line that give them a bit more of a fitted look. The thin materials they are made of make it feel like you are wearing nothing. This is ideal for a hot summer's day.

Bags:

There are so many cool and original style bags you can make with different fabrics. With beautiful and ethnic styles you can make fabulous patchwork bags. With a bit of straw and embroidery you can make great, big beach bags that are fashionable and functional.

Canopies:

Whether you're trying to block the sun from beaming through your window on bright mornings, or you're actually looking to build a solid canopy you can do it with fabric. The fabric needed to build a solid canopy must be thick and defensible against all weather conditions.

It's really quite amazing what a bit of fabric can make especially when you're working with beautiful materials and creative people.


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Fabric Architecture Limited has been specialising in the design, engineering, manufacture and installation of tensile fabric structures since 1982. For more on fabric canopies visit http://www.fabricarchitecture.com/entrance-canopy