What type of business is da Gama Textiles?
Da Gama Textiles is one of South Africa’s oldest and leading textile producers, covering a wide range of textile requirements for both the local and export markets. Our core divisions are Home Sewing, Furnishing and Workwear / government tenders.
What is the meaning of shweshwe?
Shweshwe (/ˈʃwɛʃwɛ/) is a printed dyed cotton fabric widely used for traditional Southern African clothing. Originally dyed indigo, the fabric is manufactured in a variety of colours and printing designs characterised by intricate geometric patterns.
How is shweshwe made?
Shweshwe is produced by feeding cotton fabric through a series of copper rollers that have patterns etched into them. A weak acid solution is fed onto the fabric, bleaching out the distinctive intricate white designs to create an eclectic range of attractive prints.
How wide is shweshwe material?
Genuine shweshwe, or what Da Gama calls “original” shweshwe, is made from 100% quality cotton. It is always 90cm wide as opposed to other fabrics which are usually 150cm. Original shweshwe has a characteristic scent and a stiff, starchy feel. Once washed, the fabric softens.
What religion was Vasco da Gama?
Da Gama and his crew contracted the services of a pilot who used his knowledge of the monsoon winds to guide the expedition the rest of the way to Calicut, located on the southwest coast of India. Sources differ over the identity of the pilot, calling him variously a Christian, a Muslim, and a Gujarati.
How do you wash shweshwe fabric?
Here’s How to Wash Shweshwe Fabric:
- Step 1: Start removing starch by soaking in cold water.
- Step 2: Choose only sensitive, high quality cleaning agents.
- Step 4: Rinse briefly in cold water to remove any traces of remaining starch.
- Step 5: Dry on a clothesline in shade or semi-shade until slightly damp.
What is a Seshoeshoe?
Seshoeshoe fabric, also known as shweshwe or isishweshwe, is produced by Da Gama Textiles in King Williamstown, South Africa. During the 19th century central/mid European textile manufacturers developed a printing style on indigo-dyed cotton fabric.
Where does the shweshwe design originate from?
Shweshwe – also known in Sesotho as shoeshoe for King Moshoeshoe – was once used to create simple traditional dresses, but has now become part of a fashion movement that’s modernising the use of the print.
How do you soften Shweshwe fabric?
Submerge the fabric in a tub or bath of cold water and gently agitate the material with your hands. Leave the shweshwe to soak for at least 15-25 minutes.
Is Vasco da Gama a good person?
Vasco da Gama was a highly successful Portuguese sailor and explorer during the Age of Exploration. He was the first person to sail directly from Europe to India, around the Cape of Good Hope.
What are some fun facts about Vasco da Gama?
Fun Facts about Vasco da Gama
- Originally Vasco’s father, Estevao, was going to be given the command of the exploration fleet, but the trip was delayed for many years.
- There is a crater named Vasco da Gama on the Moon.
- His fleet on the second voyage consisted of 20 armed ships.
- He had six sons and one daughter.
Why are African fabrics waxed?
Typically, clothing for celebrations is made from this fabric. Wax prints are a type of nonverbal communication among African women, and thereby carry their messages out into the world. Some wax prints are named after personalities, cities, buildings, sayings, or occasions.
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