Over the past 20 years, I have had the great fortune of working throughout the African continent as a journalist, videographer and media educator.  In my travels I always steal a few moments to find the nearest market and absorb the beautiful colours and patterns that make up the local fashions.  I have also collected my favourites, and have been given many pagnes, or 6-meter fabric pieces, and I consider myself fabric abundant.  Just looking each piece brings me joy.  The bright colours, the simple - or intricate - patterns, the versatility. 

In over 30 countries, I have encountered hundreds of tailors and seamstresses.  And each of them seems to love what they do. 

In 2021, I went to Burundi with UNICEF to cover the impacts of climate change.  There I met Jeanette, a mother of five who evacuated her home in the middle of the night when the shores of Lake Tanganyika were flooded, and her home inundated.  Using her sewing machine and per steadfast attitude, Jeanette has started her own business in the displacement camp she lives in, and is able to provide food, school fees and a few extras for her family while they find a new home, and start over.

Sewing is one of those things so many of us wish we could do - it is useful all the time, everywhere!  And it can provide a great means of income.  

Pam and her students in Masakhane township, on the edge of Gansbaai, South Africa, are responsible for putting together the many fabulous items you see on this page.  Each one is unique - a combination of fabric, colour choices, and finishings.  Pam teaches with great passion and enthusiasm.  The women are stoked to learn to sew.  What they need are materials to practice on and mak their own creations to sell. So 10% of all of the sales of these items will go into an account for materials.  Cause how can you learn to sew without fabric!

So here I bring you some of my favourite fabrics, in the form of my favourite accessories.

I hope you have as much fun wearing and using
these creations as I do!

XXO Eva