Sharrow Weaving
on the
Midlands Meander
in
KwaZulu Natal
South Africa

The history of Sharrow Weaving is an inspirational story of commitment to black economic empowerment – decades before the term gained political currency. Sharrow Weaving was started in 1976 by Jean & Peter Bailie. It’s recently been bought by Angela Scotcher, who is continuing the tradition.

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Experience the Midlands Meander

In 1984 they became founder members of the Midlands Meander. Jean’s vision was to find a way to uplift the black labour force to the point of financial self-sufficiency, if not outright wealth.

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Using her extraordinary talents as a clothing designer she established a highly successful workshop weaving cloth from cotton and wool. The raw cotton is brought in from the Northern Cape and the wool is sourced locally.

Cream, brown and grey fleeces are spun in the studio on spinning wheels and looms designed and made by husband, Peter. Woven garments are shaped on the looms to avoid cutting the cloth, after which they are hand-stitched.

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Machines are not used at all in the process (this is the Midlands Meander). Woven cloth from cotton and wool can be hand fringed for bedspreads, tablecloths or curtains – to your specifications.

Aside from generating jobs, Jean encouraged and helped the KwaZulu Natal women working with her to hand knit her designs using complex fairisle techniques. Today, Sharrow Weaving's fairisle jerseys, but with indigenous African patterns and designs (a unique combination), are sold to customers from all over the world. Sharrow Weaving supplies the materials and the distribution outlet and an empowered group of Zulu women do the rest - and enjoy the rewards of sustainable financial security.

A warm welcome to Angela and family, and their commitment to maintaining the Midlands Meander tradition.

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Midlands Meander accommodation
in the Drakensberg foothills
for information, enquiries or reservations
phone Janette on +27 (0)33 263 2696

Sharrow Weavingon theMidlands MeanderinKwaZulu NatalSouth Africa

Sharrow Weaving
on the
Midlands Meander
in
KwaZulu Natal
South Africa