Simply Wool – Local wool empowering local women
In the heart of South Africa’s Free State, an inspiring initiative is empowering local Basotho women to transform their lives. Chantelle Hamilton founded Simply Wool to help mothers earn an income while caring for their families. What began with teaching a few women to wash, card, and spin wool has blossomed into a thriving collective of nearly 50 artisans creating beautiful handmade blankets. I hope you enjoy reading about their journey towards independence, creativity, and renewed hope for a brighter future.
Kate
In the Free State of South Africa, an incredible initiative aimed at helping impoverished women support their families is rapidly gaining momentum! Chantelle Hamilton recognized a pressing need for local Busuto women to earn their own income to help feed and clothe their families. Understanding the challenges they faced, she envisioned a solution that would allow them to work from home, enabling them to care for their young children without the need for childcare. With some wool from the few sheep on her farm, Chantelle took the first step by teaching four young mothers how to wash, card, and spin the wool, with the hope of selling the skeins to enthusiastic knitters. This initiative marked the humble beginnings of Simply Wool three years ago.
Today, Simply Wool has expanded significantly, preparing not only sheep wool but also alpaca wool, which the women spin and weave into stunning blankets using Ashford Rigid Heddle Looms. Chantelle has empowered nine women to become skilled weavers, and this number continues to grow. She has established a strong leadership structure with 14 team leaders, all local Busuto women, each managing a group of up to five others. Together, this collective of approximately 50 women collaborates to wash, card, and spin the wool, contributing to the creation of beautifully handmade blankets. Currently, two local businessmen supply the raw wool, purchasing the finished blankets to sell both locally and internationally.
Chantelle is continually amazed by how many women have embraced the craft and how successful the initiative has become. It has profoundly changed the lives of numerous women and their families, providing them not only with a source of income but also with hope and purpose. No longer do they have to rely on others for survival; they have gained a sense of independence and the ability to make meaningful choices in their lives.
As the movement grows each day, Chantelle dreams of a future where these women can either purchase or eventually produce the wool themselves, allowing them to sell their own unique blanket creations. However, her current challenge lies in securing a consistent supply of wool, rather than a lack of enthusiasm from these hardworking women who are eager to change their lives for themselves and their children.
You can support this iniative via their Go Fund Me account.
Follow on Instagram @simplywool4u
