Nieu Bethesda Woollen Crafts: Felting
Charlotte Malgas and six other women learnt to make felt balls out of woollen fleece, dye them and decorate them with beads and binding tape. These attractive décor items have featured on trade fairs and at Ubuntu Village at the World Summit. Now these women are seeking new product ideas to sustain a project that they say is important to Nieu Bethesda. “Money comes in which means more homes have food to eat,” they say. Find their felt items at their workshop alongside the Congregational Church and at craft shops in the village. Phone: 049 – 841 1400 or 841 1671.
Nieu Bethesda Woollen Crafts: Spinning & Knitting
Valerie Davidson and Julia Malgas are the spirits leading a project that produces garments of the softest, cuddliest wool spun from specially treated sheep fleece. Knitting patterns include Aran and fairisle, though customers are free to buy their own knitting wool. The spinners and knitters will even dye it to order. The four spinners and four knitters all agree: “We like to make something nice with our hands.” And, says Julia, the project helps keep the village youth off the street. Six more spinners are currently in training. “Most of us are young, and it’s good to have something worthwhile to do.” Find them at the Congregational Church Hall. Phone: 049 – 841 1400 or 841 1671.