At Mielie we have been lucky to make friends with like-minded
people from all over the world, and so it came that our paths
crossed with those of Rick and Rosy from New York, who made a
short documentary about Mielie and some other innovative craft
producers in Cape Town.
Rick and Rosy spent quite a bit of time with us, and our weavers
became very fond of them, so when the time came for them to leave,
there were many fond farewells to be bade.
Noseko's wish was that they send us iphepa leswekile. Literal
translation: sugar paper. Real meaning: "Travel safely and send
us a note to let us know that you've arrived back home. Don't
let the fact that you don't have fancy writing paper stop you -
just send us a note - you can tear off a bit of paper from a
packet of sugar if you have to - just send us a note!
Sure enough, a couple of weeks later, a little note written on
a piece of paper torn from a sugar packet arrived - all the way
from New York. There was much cheering in our happy little loft.
OK, Noseko, next step is to email all your friends around the world!
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Zanele and Nomthunzi have been with Mielie almost since its inception
in 2002 and are two of our most dependable and creative crafters. They
also help to quality check all our weavers' work every Thursday, train
new weavers and serve as our hubs in Khayelitsha.
As if that is not reason enough to sing their praises, look what they
brought in this week: five exquisite Splash Daisy cushions in different
colour schemes.
We have now perfected the pattern of our Mielie cushions. They measure
45cm2, are backed with denim and have a zipper all the way around. I'll
post some more designs as and when they come in.
Thank you for everything you do, Zanele and 'Thunzi!
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Meet Allie and his daughter Naima, who run The Bargain Corner, a tiny trim shop in Wynberg that is crammed with treasures. If you need a certain width of elastic, shade of thread or unusual button, ribbon or bead, this is where you'll find it.
Whenever I feel like a pick-me-up I just browse in The Bargain Corner for five minutes and I feel on top of the world again!
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If ever you get the opportunity to phone Mielie, you'll hear Sheila's friendly and efficient voice on the other end of the phone. Sheila is the interface between Mielie's ordering machine and the crafters. She has an excellent understanding of every crafter's skills and knows just how to challenge them to new heights.
Sheila, we hope this is will be a happy, healthy and prosperous year for you!
Birthday greetings from afar... (Finland, in fact!)
... and from just up the stairs from Marina!
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In a recent blog entry I mentioned Phumla, who does such a sterling job of sewing our soccer ball pouffes together. Today she and her brother Mzo are in my thoughts because they are attending their aunt's funeral in Willowvale, Ciskei. Phumla and Mzo lovingly cared for her in her final frail days, and it made me reflect on the importance of family.
Mzo is a very important cog in the Mielie machine - he ensures that we always have stock of all the materials that we use to make our products. What's more, his gentle manner and fair disposition make him a pleasure to have around and also a respected member of the Mielie team. It's no wonder, really - his real name is Mzoxholo, which means "house of peace"!
Come home safely, Mzo and Phumla.
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Way One: Make Oupa's Magic Potion
Lemon trees are creaking with fruit at the moment, so this is the time to make some of my dad's world famous Lemonade. This recipe was slightly modified from the Kook en Geniet recipe book, a tome that every good South African grew up with. It's the easiest thing ever to make.
Heat equal parts strained lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is melted - do NOT boil.
Strain again.
Pour into bottles.
Done.
It will keep for a couple of months.
Dilute 1 part to 10 if, like me, you like it not too sweet.
Way Two: Get inspired by the Amakhosi.
Today Kaizer Chiefs (or the Amakhosi as they are also known) played Manchester United in a friendly match. Chiefs supporters are famous for their flamboyant get-up. I spotted this supporter on his way to the game this morning.
Oh, and we didn't do too shabbily - the end result was 1 all.
Way Three: Enjoy another Skelly bag
Dude, you need a good dentist.
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Nelson Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday today. It was an opportunity for the whole country to pay homage to this inspiring man, who has been such a unifying force in South Africa.
Every South African has a favourite Madiba story. Here's mine - I wasn't there, but I believe it:
A pre-school class went on an outing to the Gardens and stood at the gates to catch a glimpse of Tuinhuis, where President Mandela lived. Madiba himself walked to the gate to greet them and, shaking the hand of a very fidgety four-year-old, said, "Thank you for coming to visit me - I know how busy you are."
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Thanks to The Times (of South Africa, not New York or London... yet) for this great article, and apologies to you for the poor quality. Now, has anyone seen my permanent marker?
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I collected the skirts made from the fabulous wax print fabric I got from Sylvia on July 1 - they are exquisite! Of course, the one with the playstation is my favourite.
Astrid (below) helped me to refine the pattern and also sews the skirts for me - no mean task with all the contrasting fabric, lining and pleating. At Mielie we like to support small enterprises like Astrid's. She is an expert knitter, sewer, pattern maker and baker of delicious German biscuits. You're a star, Astrid!
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