Anna O

I'm just wondering if fabric manufacturers make/sell the same to all countries. If different fabric is sent to different countries, I'm then wondering if a swap of fat quarters (18" x 22" piece) would be fun. I'll never travel the world, but fabric from different countries would be fun to make a quilt from. And I don't know if all countries get 100% cotton. Any thoughts? Maybe this has already been done or tried.

gal288

I think it's a great idea.

I have a friend who is a world traveler, she has bought me batiks from Philipines, fabric from Mexico, Chili and recently, real batiks from Africa.

It is really fun to get from other countries and see their fabrics. I have found their fabrics are not as refined as ours, courser texture, but the colors are so vibrant.

I'll scan a couple for you to see,

jeantro

i would be will for this. so let me know if your going to do it.

Anna O

Thank you for posting those pictures. She must be a very special friend. I didn't even think about the quality issue.

gal288

If you use the fabric for wallhanging it would be fine, but it would not work in a bedquilt. Some of the fabric still has the wax they use on it! I'm not sure how to wash it, have to check it out. I'm sure the fabric will bleed the dye is so rich.

Anna O

Well, maybe my idea isn't such a feasible one. That's where this board is so awesome; what you don't think of someone else will! Thanks again for your input.

lynnie k

maybe a batik swap would be good. Just my opinion keep me posted

cannyquilter

I think it would be really interesting. I live in England but have purchesed from the States. Also when on holiday I always manage to find a fabric shop and buy some fabric to take home (luggage allowance permitting!)

just stitchin'

I would love to do a round the world swap. It could be very interesting and exciting.

TanyaLynn

I would love to participate. While American fabrics have no problems with the dyes, etc. we also have no texture to speak of in our all cotton. I would love to get fat quarters with a lot of texture from other quarters. If I didn't want to prewash them, I would just dry clean the quilt when it was dirty. Hopefully we could get a lot of hand woven textiles.