Namibian needlework

I still have not got pillows made for these pillowcases, my favorite purchase from my summer '06 travels. Bought in Windhoek, Namibia, these pillowcases represent the needle work for which Namibian women are well know. I purchased these items at Penduka, located in the township just outside Windhoek. There were many beautiful items for sale - curtains, oven mitts, you name it.

There were two aspects of these pillow cases that attracted me. First was the use of color. I love the combination and presence of orange, red and yellow. I also liked the folksy feeling the images provoked.

More about Penduka:

Penduka is a community-focused women’s project in Katutura district of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Women with disabilities and women living in the Katutura, Windhoek district, plagued by poverty work for Penduka. In addition to this women from the agricultural region around Windhoek are involved in embroidery projects in Penduka.

The project runs a handicraft shop, cloth printing workshop, embroidery and sewing activities, a restaurant and a cottage hostel for backpack travellers. About 400 women are working for Penduka. Some of the women are full-time workers while others participate in projects.

Almost all the woman in the embroidery projects is a single mother, making the earnings from the projects critical for the survival of the families. Together with other income sources and the food supplies from farming it is enough to make a living.

Besides income Penduka is offering other prospects for the women. It is considered positive to work together with other women and learn new skills. Sharing their skills with the women of the community is important.

Women can take care of the children while working at home. There is a gathering in Penduka once a week where the products are collected. In each three embroidery groups there is a quality controller and a leader.