Nomfuneko, Nomelikhaya and Ntsaphokazi (not pictured) were the genii who created the new design Mielie bags. Nomalizo has been one of the driving forces behind the new Mielie crochet project. She has been using Mielie strips to crochet our beautiful new SitIn crate seats (more here).
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
Because there is very little work at the moment, we've decided to save the weavers' transport money and send the Mielie-mountain to the mammas, instead of asking them to come to the Mielie mother-ship in Newlands. Everybody met at Zanele's and soaked up some rays of sunshine while waiting their turn to get their week's work. It was also great to see all the children and grandchildren.
Finally, you may notice that I've reactivated the comments field because this blog was just becoming a one-sided affair. So please leave me a comment, and please don't tell those spammers, ok?
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
After an absolute dearth of colour strips for our Mielie bags, we managed to obtain a whole ton - of just about every colour of the rainbow! The Mielie mama's whooped and squealed with delight when they arrived on sebenza day. It seems as if Manyawusa and Sentiwe decided to colour code their outfits to match their bags this week.
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
Weather-wise we have had a couple of real shtinkers over the past week or two. Some of us wilt into a sweaty, red-faced pile of misery, whereas others, like Zandile here, just take it in their stylish stride. You can cool down just by standing in her cool aura!
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
On Saturday Mielie hosted some German Journalists who were on a tour of South Africa as guests of SA Tourism. It was great to tell them the Mielie story and show them how we make our products - Zanele, Sheila and Mzo were on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. Unfortunately I was too busy talking to take photos, but afterwards Erick of SA Tourism invited us all out for lunch at Kwalapa organic restaurant, where I snapped these pics of the team just about to tuck in. Also pictured is Mawethu, who just happened to be in the right place at the right time!
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
Blog entries have been a bit scarce over the past month or two, so I thought I'd remedy things with a double feature. First up is the first sampling of our new Paisley design. It's been a long time since I've been so excited about a new design. Every single one of them is exquisite, and the weavers did a brilliant job - thanks, Manenikazi!
Zanele looked uber smart at work yesterday, in lacey black with a contrasting cream bag. The occasion? As a member of her son's school governing body, she's been invited to attend the Grade 1's graduation ceremony. "I love wearing black, it makes me feel confident." Doesn't she just?
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
Remember Phumla, Mielie's soccer playing tomboy? Well, she got married last week in her hometown of willowvale and came to Mielie dressed in her full Makoti regalia. For the next six months or so she will wear a black headscarf, traditional shweshwe fabric skirt and blanket tied around her hips, a special outfit that signifies that you are a new bride and that you respect your elders. Phumla has also been given a new name - Sinoxolo, which means "we have peace".
Congratulations, Phumla/Sinoxolo!
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
This week, Manyawusa made this special order orbit bag for a customer in the US - I would never have thought to put those colours together, but I have to admit it, they really zing together!
It was also Ntsaphokazi's first day back after she had her baby two months ago. Isn't he a cutie pie?
Finally, we've stocked the shop with a beautiful selection of 100% locally grown & made mohair socks - knee highs, thigh-highs with lace tops & silicone backing so that they stay up, special wellie socks that have extra ribbing so that they stay put and don't creep into your boots, dainty mohair and bamboo leg-warmers... all in time for the cold wet weather predicted for this weekend!
Happy Friday and Womens' Day long weekend, everyone!
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
Alison joined Mielie a couple of months ago as our marketing, branding and operations guru, but more importantly as a partner in the business. It's been fantastic to have her on board - she's organised, committed to making a difference in the world, and is bursting with great ideas for growing the Mielie brand. Nice bag, Ali!
| [ 0 trackbacks ] | related link
Back Next
Archives
