Colourful Designs

In Search of Caribbean Textiles:  More Blitherings...

Limin' in Antigua

There is no Caribbean national costume as such, the islands are, after all, a "collection" by area rather than nationality.  There were however, many commonalities in dress (perhaps style) as we noted visions resplendent in regulation Hawaiian shirts (a la Jimmy Buffet tourists) and locals in Bob Marley emblazoned t shirts.  Even a trans-generational favourite, Che Guevara makes an appearance at times – not in the flesh, you understand!  

Hats are more the thing; worn rakishly to cover bold bunches of Rasta plaits or dreadlocks; just perfect for your next “fly on wax” mas, mon.

St Croix - both the Cap'n & Bruce trying to look younger!

In the Virgins, St Croix offered smallish patches of lycra and big swatch watch bands to decorate well tanned, hard working bods.  In purest white of course!  

Downtown Christiansted does have some inspirational heritage tiles however.  It's the French influence I suspect...

Culebra is more the home of colourful cocktail umbrellas (for visitors); all good inspiration for designs but not suitable materials for patchwork.

Prayer Flags Trinidad

T&C and the Bahamas are interested in super-yacht upholstery.  And bow bunnies.  We rarely got to see inside those darkened windows, so I can't tell you if the furnishing were suitable or even matched.  It wasn't hard to guess that  boat boy's crisp white linen outfits were probably imported from Italy. (Now I am rambling!)

Of course this local lad will just have to change his spots - his uniform was just sooooo old fashioned (and a bit sandy too!).

Finally, we’re in the USA, with its vast and popular collection of fabrics.  Not that I’ve seen a patchwork shop down near the docks yet…

A Real Windjammer in Norfolk (& tanned sails)

Oh yes, that's right - I'd forgotten.  I was searching for authentic textiles; trying to support local industries from being swamped by rapidly globalising, mass produced offerings.  If you make your own, or are keeping traditional skills alive, power to you!!  Meanwhile, I'll just keep looking.