I have had the privilege of working with Blankets From Africa on two of our collaboration projects! The first time was for Hunter’s Nursery where we showed you just how gorgeous these blankets are and how they can be used to style a babies nursery. Not only are they trendy and perfect for any Nursery taste and style, they are ridiculously soft and cozy, especially for the cold winter months! Hunter was born in the middle of winter and we were able to experience it’s luxury and warmth first-hand. In fact, we loved it so much that we are well on our way to using it again as the winter weather has descending on us!

And what’s great to know is that they now do a bigger size for those who feel that beautiful blankets such as these, shouldn’t be limited to baby rooms! They now offer the Throw heart blanket for R1.995.00 – Dimensions: 150 x 120 cm Handmade with 100% pure Merino Wool from the heart of the Karoo. Perfect for the couch or at the end of your bed! ♥

 

What I haven’t shared with you, is the behind the scenes of this brand and what makes them so special. It really is such an incredible story that deserves to be shared and one that will hopefully inspire you to support this business and give back to a deserving cause. Ros Bechet, founder of Blankets From Africa says :

 

“I started this project to enable women in rural areas as well as cities throughout South Africa to earn an income knitting blankets, using South African 100% pure natural karoo merino wool.” 

‘Blankets from Africa’ was born out of a road-trip through the Karoo, part of the heartland of South Africa, where the level of unemployment, especially among the women, had reached alarming levels, with little apparent prospect of improvement.

The heart featured on every ‘Blanket from Africa’ is the embodiment of all that lies behind this community project

  • The heart of rural South Africa.
  • The heart of the communities who carve out a daily existence for themselves and their families.
  • The warmth to the hearts of children which every ‘Blanket from Africa’ will provide.

The heart of these rural communities is the network of women who, with dignity of their own, strive each day to provide support and warmth for their families.

 

 

‘Blankets from Africa’ provides these women with the means to create a product out of natural wool sheared from the very sheep which surround them. The provision of a simple pattern, needles and pure wool is the catalyst for them to generate an income, enjoy a community spirit of working in a group and experience feelings of achievement and of being valued.

 

They then package the blankets and are presently seeking distribution channels both locally and potentially in foreign markets.
I love that the beautiful packaging and labelling all stress the local content and manufacturer. It’s such a true representation of the beautiful hand-knitted craftsmanship that the brand encompasses. What I love even more is that you can have your blanket personalised with your child’s name!
 
I just love this story and feel good knowing that this initiative is changing lives and making such a difference! Please remember this amazing company if you are looking for a meaningful gift for a friend (It’s such a nice baby shower gift whereby a few girls can contribute to something that’s a keepsake rather that sometime that isn’t going to last!), for a grandchild or to mark a special milestone. I for one know that we are going to keep Hunter’s for may years to come and will carry with it so many memories of her life as she grows up! ♥
Visit their website and Instagram page for more info and to order yours today!
Hi I’m Leigh! Did you enjoy reading this post? I really hope so and would love you to stick around a little longer! Please feel free to browse my blog for other articles or to keep up with all the latest news and to be the first to hear about some great competitions, come and find me me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also email me directly at leeloobaggins@hotmail.com or simply subscribe below and never worry about missing out!