The massive “Mercado Oriental” in Managua (the largest in Central America) is the hub for purchasing fabric either wholesale or retail. I have desperately needed backing for my 5 large denim projects and spent considerable time looking there. Feeling like the frustrated sailor in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” I could not find cotton fabric amidst thousands of bolts. How I wanted to scream out “Fabric, fabric, everywhere and not a cotton one in sight!”
Fortunately, I held my tongue and left each store discouraged. When I finally asked a prominent fabric merchant where it would be possible to find 100% cotton, he replied as expected. Not in country anymore. Everything in a developing country is price driven. Synthetics are cheap. Even the beautiful cotton fabrics easily found a few years ago are now coming with a small percentage of synthetics.
Lest this sounds like a happy ending is impossible, hold on. As I left yet another store discouraged, I spotted about 8 full bolts of Guatemalan woven cotton under a table. Since the pandemic hit and there are almost no tourists, the typical local folkloric clothing and imitation Guatemalan objects are no longer being made. Artisans had ordered the fabric, then decided not to purchase it. One man’s loss is another man’s gain. Oh, fortunate me!
Best of all, I would not have ordinarily considered this fabric for backing my denim projects. However, as time has passed, I am reconsidering my artistic choices based on what is available while stretching my conservative boundaries.
I love them! Reminds me of a gorgeous purple bag I bought while on a Guatemala adventure back when I was at university in Mexico.
Oh, I believe you! Have you ever seen an UGLY Guatemalan fabric? They are all beautiful, at least IMHO!
I bought a LOT of yardage because if not, it may never be seen again.