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<strong>Top</strong> <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong><br />
<strong>Available</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>local</strong> <strong>spinner</strong><br />
Reflecting back on the fashion of the 1980s, I am convinced that nobody then would have been able<br />
to imagine an on-trend wardrobe without at least some luxurious <strong>mohair</strong> item – perhaps in the form of a<br />
suit or a gorgeous sweater.<br />
Mandy Wait<br />
The Revolution House<br />
Well, it is official now: Hand knitting items made <strong>from</strong> natural fibres<br />
are back in fashion and <strong>mohair</strong> is up front when it comes to popularity,<br />
as its spectacular lustre and look is something everybody desires!<br />
It is with this in mind that SAMIL/Cape Mohair Spinners have been<br />
working on their range of <strong>local</strong>ly manufactured hand knitting <strong>yarn</strong>,<br />
African Expressions, for the South African consumer.<br />
African Expressions aims to produce sustainable, high <strong>quality</strong>, <strong>local</strong>ly<br />
produced <strong>mohair</strong> and <strong>mohair</strong> and wool blended <strong>yarn</strong>s <strong>from</strong> recognised<br />
suppliers, in essence providing a high <strong>quality</strong> <strong>local</strong>ly produced range of<br />
<strong>yarn</strong>s for crafters and knitters, which is traceable <strong>from</strong> grassroots level<br />
through to the <strong>local</strong> haberdashery shops where the <strong>yarn</strong>s are sold. This<br />
creates end-users who are much more aware of the value of supporting<br />
their <strong>local</strong> farmers and manufacturers.<br />
African Expressions was created in response to a demand <strong>from</strong> hand<br />
knitters in South Africa who were searching for good <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong><br />
<strong>yarn</strong> and other natural fibre blends. Our unique <strong>yarn</strong>s are naturally soft<br />
to the touch, easy to knit with and luxuriously versatile, so we were<br />
ideally placed to meet this demand.<br />
In creating the African Expressions range SAMIL (the holding<br />
company) has added wholesaling to its original manufacturing<br />
business. As the demand for home-grown <strong>yarn</strong>s has increased, we<br />
have expanded to meet the demands of even the most discerning of<br />
crafters.<br />
At present four of our six different <strong>yarn</strong>s in the African Expressions<br />
range contain <strong>mohair</strong>. The other two are either 100% merino wool or<br />
a blend. By the end of March, we will have two new additions to our<br />
range of <strong>yarn</strong>s which will contain kid <strong>mohair</strong>. SAMIL has always sourced<br />
the very best of Cape <strong>mohair</strong>. Working very closely with reputable<br />
suppliers, farmers and <strong>spinner</strong>s in the Eastern Cape, we ensure that<br />
only the finest <strong>mohair</strong> tops are used to spin our <strong>yarn</strong>s and the <strong>mohair</strong><br />
used in the African Expressions range is no exception.<br />
We focus on <strong>mohair</strong> as it is versatile, has a lustrous sheen and is<br />
very durable, making it one of the world’s most luxurious natural fibres.<br />
SAMIL constantly researches the changing needs of the African<br />
Expressions market by maintaining a close relationship with all our<br />
retailers. Our substantial resources have allowed us to develop 8 <strong>yarn</strong>s<br />
and a variety of patterns which cater for the experienced knitter as<br />
well as the novice enthusiast. Our <strong>yarn</strong>s come in more than 36 shades<br />
and can be creatively combined to create breathtaking garments and<br />
accessories. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback on our<br />
initial three <strong>yarn</strong>s – Joy, Harmony and Love – in 2011, we expanded the<br />
range in 2012 to include another three <strong>yarn</strong>s called Comfort, Freedom<br />
and Hope, and we will have our two new <strong>yarn</strong>s, Soul and Adore, by<br />
March 2013. In addition, the selection of colours we offer is even more<br />
extensive now.<br />
We believe in trend-cycles, which is certainly the case with knitting.<br />
We have seen a younger generation exploring their creativity in various<br />
mediums and knitting is fast becoming a new form of expression with<br />
young designers discovering the benefits and flexibility of working<br />
with natural fibers. Mohair is particularly popular because of its innate<br />
elasticity that makes sure that the garment holds it shape. No wonder<br />
an increasing number of high-fashion <strong>mohair</strong> garments are being<br />
designed, inspiring a whole new generation of knitters!<br />
The desire to create Africa-inspired garments in natural fibres may<br />
also have something to do with the fact that people have grown tired<br />
of mass-produced garments and have become more environmentally<br />
responsible.<br />
The African Expressions range boasts 8 very different <strong>yarn</strong>s. All have<br />
carefully chosen names which express an emotion. Our palette consists<br />
of more than 36 colours, boasting the classic soft pantones best<br />
JOURNAL 2012<br />
1
<strong>Top</strong> <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong><br />
<strong>Available</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>local</strong> <strong>spinner</strong><br />
Reflecting back on the fashion of the 1980s, I am convinced that nobody then would have been able to<br />
imagine an on-trend wardrobe without at least some luxurious <strong>mohair</strong> item – perhaps in the form of a suit or a<br />
gorgeous sweater.<br />
Mandy Wait<br />
The Revolution House<br />
Well, it is official now: Hand knitting items made <strong>from</strong> natural fibres<br />
are back in fashion and <strong>mohair</strong> is up front when it comes to popularity,<br />
as its spectacular lustre and look is something everybody desires!<br />
It is with this in mind that SAMIL/Cape Mohair Spinners have been<br />
working on their range of <strong>local</strong>ly manufactured hand knitting <strong>yarn</strong>,<br />
African Expressions, for the South African consumer.<br />
African Expressions aims to produce sustainable, high <strong>quality</strong>, <strong>local</strong>ly<br />
produced <strong>mohair</strong> and <strong>mohair</strong> and wool blended <strong>yarn</strong>s <strong>from</strong> recognised<br />
suppliers, in essence providing a high <strong>quality</strong> <strong>local</strong>ly produced range of<br />
<strong>yarn</strong>s for crafters and knitters, which is traceable <strong>from</strong> grassroots level<br />
through to the <strong>local</strong> haberdashery shops where the <strong>yarn</strong>s are sold. This<br />
creates end-users who are much more aware of the value of supporting<br />
their <strong>local</strong> farmers and manufacturers.<br />
African Expressions was created in response to a demand <strong>from</strong> hand<br />
knitters in South Africa who were searching for good <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong><br />
<strong>yarn</strong> and other natural fibre blends. Our unique <strong>yarn</strong>s are naturally soft<br />
to the touch, easy to knit with and luxuriously versatile, so we were<br />
ideally placed to meet this demand.<br />
In creating the African Expressions range SAMIL (the holding<br />
company) has added wholesaling to its original manufacturing<br />
business. As the demand for home-grown <strong>yarn</strong>s has increased, we have<br />
expanded to meet the demands of even the most discerning of crafters.<br />
At present four of our six different <strong>yarn</strong>s in the African Expressions<br />
range contain <strong>mohair</strong>. The other two are either 100% merino wool or a<br />
blend. By the end of March, we will have two new additions to our range<br />
of <strong>yarn</strong>s which will contain kid <strong>mohair</strong>. SAMIL has always sourced the<br />
very best of Cape <strong>mohair</strong>. Working very closely with reputable suppliers,<br />
farmers and <strong>spinner</strong>s in the Eastern Cape, we ensure that only the finest<br />
<strong>mohair</strong> tops are used to spin our <strong>yarn</strong>s and the <strong>mohair</strong> used in the<br />
African Expressions range is no exception.<br />
We focus on <strong>mohair</strong> as it is versatile, has a lustrous sheen and is very<br />
durable, making it one of the world’s most luxurious natural fibres.<br />
SAMIL constantly researches the changing needs of the African<br />
Expressions market by maintaining a close relationship with all our<br />
retailers. Our substantial resources have allowed us to develop 8 <strong>yarn</strong>s<br />
and a variety of patterns which cater for the experienced knitter as<br />
well as the novice enthusiast. Our <strong>yarn</strong>s come in more than 36 shades<br />
and can be creatively combined to create breathtaking garments and<br />
accessories. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback on our<br />
initial three <strong>yarn</strong>s – Joy, Harmony and Love – in 2011, we expanded the<br />
range in 2012 to include another three <strong>yarn</strong>s called Comfort, Freedom<br />
and Hope, and we will have our two new <strong>yarn</strong>s, Soul and Adore, by<br />
March 2013. In addition, the selection of colours we offer is even more<br />
extensive now.<br />
We believe in trend-cycles, which is certainly the case with knitting.<br />
We have seen a younger generation exploring their creativity in various<br />
mediums and knitting is fast becoming a new form of expression with<br />
young designers discovering the benefits and flexibility of working<br />
with natural fibers. Mohair is particularly popular because of its innate<br />
elasticity that makes sure that the garment holds it shape. No wonder<br />
an increasing number of high-fashion <strong>mohair</strong> garments are being<br />
designed, inspiring a whole new generation of knitters!<br />
The desire to create Africa-inspired garments in natural fibres may<br />
also have something to do with the fact that people have grown tired<br />
of mass-produced garments and have become more environmentally<br />
responsible.<br />
The African Expressions range boasts 8 very different <strong>yarn</strong>s. All<br />
have carefully chosen names which express an emotion. Our palette<br />
consists of more than 36 colours, boasting the classic soft pantones<br />
best described as Sage, Sand, Lilac and Rose, as well as the more vibrant<br />
2 JOURNAL 2012
<strong>Top</strong> <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong><br />
<strong>Available</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>local</strong> <strong>spinner</strong><br />
Reflecting back on the fashion of the 1980s, I am convinced that nobody then would have been able to<br />
imagine an on-trend wardrobe without at least some luxurious <strong>mohair</strong> item – perhaps in the form of a suit or a<br />
gorgeous sweater.<br />
Mandy Wait<br />
The Revolution House<br />
Well, it is official now: Hand knitting items made <strong>from</strong> natural fibres<br />
are back in fashion and <strong>mohair</strong> is up front when it comes to popularity,<br />
as its spectacular lustre and look is something everybody desires!<br />
It is with this in mind that SAMIL/Cape Mohair Spinners have been<br />
working on their range of <strong>local</strong>ly manufactured hand knitting <strong>yarn</strong>,<br />
African Expressions, for the South African consumer.<br />
African Expressions aims to produce sustainable, high <strong>quality</strong>,<br />
<strong>local</strong>ly produced <strong>mohair</strong> and <strong>mohair</strong> and wool blended <strong>yarn</strong>s <strong>from</strong><br />
recognised suppliers, in essence providing a high <strong>quality</strong> <strong>local</strong>ly<br />
produced range of <strong>yarn</strong>s for crafters and knitters, which is traceable<br />
<strong>from</strong> grassroots level through to the <strong>local</strong> haberdashery shops where<br />
the <strong>yarn</strong>s are sold. This creates end-users who are much more aware of<br />
the value of supporting their <strong>local</strong> farmers and manufacturers.<br />
African Expressions was created in response to a demand <strong>from</strong> hand<br />
knitters in South Africa who were searching for good <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong><br />
<strong>yarn</strong> and other natural fibre blends. Our unique <strong>yarn</strong>s are naturally soft<br />
to the touch, easy to knit with and luxuriously versatile, so we were<br />
ideally placed to meet this demand.<br />
In creating the African Expressions range SAMIL (the holding<br />
company) has added wholesaling to its original manufacturing<br />
business. As the demand for home-grown <strong>yarn</strong>s has increased, we<br />
have expanded to meet the demands of even the most discerning of<br />
crafters.<br />
At present four of our six different <strong>yarn</strong>s in the African Expressions<br />
range contain <strong>mohair</strong>. The other two are either 100% merino wool or a<br />
blend. By the end of March, we will have two new additions to our range<br />
of <strong>yarn</strong>s which will contain kid <strong>mohair</strong>. SAMIL has always sourced<br />
the very best of Cape <strong>mohair</strong>. Working very closely with reputable<br />
suppliers, farmers and <strong>spinner</strong>s in the Eastern Cape, we ensure that<br />
only the finest <strong>mohair</strong> tops are used to spin our <strong>yarn</strong>s and the <strong>mohair</strong><br />
used in the African Expressions range is no exception.<br />
We focus on <strong>mohair</strong> as it is versatile, has a lustrous sheen and is<br />
very durable, making it one of the world’s most luxurious natural fibres.<br />
SAMIL constantly researches the changing needs of the African<br />
Expressions market by maintaining a close relationship with all our<br />
retailers. Our substantial resources have allowed us to develop 8 <strong>yarn</strong>s<br />
and a variety of patterns which cater for the experienced knitter as well<br />
as the novice enthusiast. Our <strong>yarn</strong>s come in more than 36 shades<br />
and can be creatively combined to create breathtaking garments and<br />
accessories. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback on our<br />
initial three <strong>yarn</strong>s – Joy, Harmony and Love – in 2011, we expanded the<br />
range in 2012 to include another three <strong>yarn</strong>s called Comfort, Freedom<br />
and Hope, and we will have our two new <strong>yarn</strong>s, Soul and Adore, by<br />
March 2013. In addition, the selection of colours we offer is even more<br />
extensive now.<br />
We believe in trend-cycles, which is certainly the case with knitting.<br />
We have seen a younger generation exploring their creativity in various<br />
mediums and knitting is fast becoming a new form of expression with<br />
young designers discovering the benefits and flexibility of working<br />
with natural fibers. Mohair is particularly popular because of its innate<br />
elasticity that makes sure that the garment holds it shape. No wonder<br />
an increasing number of high-fashion <strong>mohair</strong> garments are being<br />
designed, inspiring a whole new generation of knitters!<br />
The desire to create Africa-inspired garments in natural fibres may<br />
also have something to do with the fact that people have grown tired<br />
of mass-produced garments and have become more environmentally<br />
responsible.<br />
The African Expressions range boasts 8 very different <strong>yarn</strong>s. All<br />
have carefully chosen names which express an emotion. Our palette<br />
consists of more than 36 colours, boasting the classic soft pantones<br />
best described as Sage, Sand, Lilac and Rose, as well as the more<br />
JOURNAL 2012<br />
3
<strong>Top</strong> <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong><br />
<strong>Available</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>local</strong> <strong>spinner</strong><br />
Reflecting back on the fashion of the 1980s, I am convinced that nobody then would have been able to<br />
imagine an on-trend wardrobe without at least some luxurious <strong>mohair</strong> item – perhaps in the form of a suit or a<br />
gorgeous sweater.<br />
Mandy Wait<br />
The Revolution House<br />
Well, it is official now: Hand knitting items made <strong>from</strong> natural<br />
fibres are back in fashion and <strong>mohair</strong> is up front when it comes to<br />
popularity, as its spectacular lustre and look is something everybody<br />
desires!<br />
It is with this in mind that SAMIL/Cape Mohair Spinners have<br />
been working on their range of <strong>local</strong>ly manufactured hand knitting<br />
<strong>yarn</strong>, African Expressions, for the South African consumer.<br />
African Expressions aims to produce sustainable, high <strong>quality</strong>,<br />
<strong>local</strong>ly produced <strong>mohair</strong> and <strong>mohair</strong> and wool blended <strong>yarn</strong>s <strong>from</strong><br />
recognised suppliers, in essence providing a high <strong>quality</strong> <strong>local</strong>ly<br />
produced range of <strong>yarn</strong>s for crafters and knitters, which is traceable<br />
<strong>from</strong> grassroots level through to the <strong>local</strong> haberdashery shops<br />
where the <strong>yarn</strong>s are sold. This creates end-users who are much<br />
more aware of the value of supporting their <strong>local</strong> farmers and<br />
manufacturers.<br />
African Expressions was created in response to a demand <strong>from</strong><br />
hand knitters in South Africa who were searching for good <strong>quality</strong><br />
<strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong> and other natural fibre blends. Our unique <strong>yarn</strong>s are<br />
naturally soft to the touch, easy to knit with and luxuriously versatile,<br />
so we were ideally placed to meet this demand.<br />
In creating the African Expressions range SAMIL (the holding<br />
company) has added wholesaling to its original manufacturing<br />
business. As the demand for home-grown <strong>yarn</strong>s has increased, we<br />
have expanded to meet the demands of even the most discerning<br />
of crafters.<br />
At present four of our six different <strong>yarn</strong>s in the African<br />
Expressions range contain <strong>mohair</strong>. The other two are either 100%<br />
merino wool or a blend. By the end of March, we will have two<br />
new additions to our range of <strong>yarn</strong>s which will contain kid <strong>mohair</strong>.<br />
SAMIL has always sourced the very best of Cape <strong>mohair</strong>. Working<br />
very closely with reputable suppliers, farmers and <strong>spinner</strong>s in the<br />
Eastern Cape, we ensure that only the finest <strong>mohair</strong> tops are used<br />
to spin our <strong>yarn</strong>s and the <strong>mohair</strong> used in the African Expressions<br />
range is no exception.<br />
We focus on <strong>mohair</strong> as it is versatile, has a lustrous sheen and<br />
is very durable, making it one of the world’s most luxurious natural<br />
fibres.<br />
SAMIL constantly researches the changing needs of the<br />
African Expressions market by maintaining a close relationship<br />
with all our retailers. Our substantial resources have allowed us<br />
to develop 8 <strong>yarn</strong>s and a variety of patterns which cater for the<br />
experienced knitter as well as the novice enthusiast. Our <strong>yarn</strong>s<br />
come in more than 36 shades and can be creatively combined to<br />
create breathtaking garments and accessories. As a result of the<br />
overwhelmingly positive feedback on our initial three <strong>yarn</strong>s – Joy,<br />
Harmony and Love – in 2011, we expanded the range in 2012 to<br />
include another three <strong>yarn</strong>s called Comfort, Freedom and Hope,<br />
and we will have our two new <strong>yarn</strong>s, Soul and Adore, by March<br />
2013. In addition, the selection of colours we offer is even more<br />
extensive now.<br />
We believe in trend-cycles, which is certainly the case with<br />
knitting. We have seen a younger generation exploring their<br />
creativity in various mediums and knitting is fast becoming a new<br />
form of expression with young designers discovering the benefits<br />
and flexibility of working with natural fibers. Mohair is particularly<br />
popular because of its innate elasticity that makes sure that the<br />
garment holds it shape. No wonder an increasing number of highfashion<br />
<strong>mohair</strong> garments are being designed, inspiring a whole new<br />
generation of knitters!<br />
4 JOURNAL 2012
<strong>Top</strong> <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong><br />
<strong>Available</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>local</strong> <strong>spinner</strong><br />
Reflecting back on the fashion of the 1980s, I am convinced that nobody then would have been able to<br />
imagine an on-trend wardrobe without at least some luxurious <strong>mohair</strong> item – perhaps in the form of a suit or a<br />
gorgeous sweater.<br />
Mandy Wait<br />
The Revolution House<br />
Well, it is official now: Hand knitting items made <strong>from</strong> natural fibres<br />
are back in fashion and <strong>mohair</strong> is up front when it comes to popularity, as<br />
its spectacular lustre and look is something everybody desires!<br />
It is with this in mind that SAMIL/Cape Mohair Spinners have been<br />
working on their range of <strong>local</strong>ly manufactured hand knitting <strong>yarn</strong>,<br />
African Expressions, for the South African consumer.<br />
African Expressions aims to produce sustainable, high <strong>quality</strong>, <strong>local</strong>ly<br />
produced <strong>mohair</strong> and <strong>mohair</strong> and wool blended <strong>yarn</strong>s <strong>from</strong> recognised<br />
suppliers, in essence providing a high <strong>quality</strong> <strong>local</strong>ly produced range of<br />
<strong>yarn</strong>s for crafters and knitters, which is traceable <strong>from</strong> grassroots level<br />
through to the <strong>local</strong> haberdashery shops where the <strong>yarn</strong>s are sold. This<br />
creates end-users who are much more aware of the value of supporting<br />
their <strong>local</strong> farmers and manufacturers.<br />
African Expressions was created in response to a demand <strong>from</strong> hand<br />
knitters in South Africa who were searching for good <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong><br />
and other natural fibre blends. Our unique <strong>yarn</strong>s are naturally soft to<br />
the touch, easy to knit with and luxuriously versatile, so we were ideally<br />
placed to meet this demand.<br />
In creating the African Expressions range SAMIL (the holding<br />
company) has added wholesaling to its original manufacturing business.<br />
As the demand for home-grown <strong>yarn</strong>s has increased, we have expanded<br />
to meet the demands of even the most discerning of crafters.<br />
At present four of our six different <strong>yarn</strong>s in the African Expressions<br />
range contain <strong>mohair</strong>. The other two are either 100% merino wool or<br />
a blend. By the end of March, we will have two new additions to our<br />
range of <strong>yarn</strong>s which will contain kid <strong>mohair</strong>. SAMIL has always sourced<br />
the very best of Cape <strong>mohair</strong>. Working very closely with reputable<br />
suppliers, farmers and <strong>spinner</strong>s in the Eastern Cape, we ensure that only<br />
the finest <strong>mohair</strong> tops are used to spin our <strong>yarn</strong>s and the <strong>mohair</strong> used in<br />
the African Expressions range is no exception.<br />
We focus on <strong>mohair</strong> as it is versatile, has a lustrous sheen and is very<br />
durable, making it one of the world’s most luxurious natural fibres.<br />
SAMIL constantly researches the changing needs of the African<br />
Expressions market by maintaining a close relationship with all our<br />
retailers. Our substantial resources have allowed us to develop 8 <strong>yarn</strong>s<br />
and a variety of patterns which cater for the experienced knitter as<br />
well as the novice enthusiast. Our <strong>yarn</strong>s come in more than 36 shades<br />
and can be creatively combined to create breathtaking garments and<br />
accessories. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback on our<br />
initial three <strong>yarn</strong>s – Joy, Harmony and Love – in 2011, we expanded the<br />
range in 2012 to include another three <strong>yarn</strong>s called Comfort, Freedom<br />
and Hope, and we will have our two new <strong>yarn</strong>s, Soul and Adore, by<br />
March 2013. In addition, the selection of colours we offer is even more<br />
extensive now.<br />
We believe in trend-cycles, which is certainly the case with knitting.<br />
We have seen a younger generation exploring their creativity in various<br />
mediums and knitting is fast becoming a new form of expression with<br />
young designers discovering the benefits and flexibility of working<br />
with natural fibers. Mohair is particularly popular because of its innate<br />
elasticity that makes sure that the garment holds it shape. No wonder an<br />
increasing number of high-fashion <strong>mohair</strong> garments are being designed,<br />
inspiring a whole new generation of knitters!<br />
The desire to create Africa-inspired garments in natural fibres may<br />
also have something to do with the fact that people have grown tired<br />
of mass-produced garments and have become more environmentally<br />
responsible.<br />
The African Expressions range boasts 8 very different <strong>yarn</strong>s. All<br />
have carefully chosen names which express an emotion. Our palette<br />
consists of more than 36 colours, boasting the classic soft pantones best<br />
described as Sage, Sand, Lilac and Rose, as well as the more vibrant<br />
JOURNAL 2012<br />
5
<strong>Top</strong> <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong><br />
<strong>Available</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>local</strong> <strong>spinner</strong><br />
Reflecting back on the fashion of the 1980s, I am convinced that nobody then would have been able to<br />
imagine an on-trend wardrobe without at least some luxurious <strong>mohair</strong> item – perhaps in the form of a suit or a<br />
gorgeous sweater.<br />
Mandy Wait<br />
The Revolution House<br />
Well, it is official now: Hand knitting items made <strong>from</strong><br />
natural fibres are back in fashion and <strong>mohair</strong> is up front when<br />
it comes to popularity, as its spectacular lustre and look is<br />
something everybody desires!<br />
It is with this in mind that SAMIL/Cape Mohair Spinners<br />
have been working on their range of <strong>local</strong>ly manufactured<br />
hand knitting <strong>yarn</strong>, African Expressions, for the South African<br />
consumer.<br />
African Expressions aims to produce sustainable, high<br />
<strong>quality</strong>, <strong>local</strong>ly produced <strong>mohair</strong> and <strong>mohair</strong> and wool blended<br />
<strong>yarn</strong>s <strong>from</strong> recognised suppliers, in essence providing a high<br />
<strong>quality</strong> <strong>local</strong>ly produced range of <strong>yarn</strong>s for crafters and knitters,<br />
which is traceable <strong>from</strong> grassroots level through to the <strong>local</strong><br />
haberdashery shops where the <strong>yarn</strong>s are sold. This creates endusers<br />
who are much more aware of the value of supporting<br />
their <strong>local</strong> farmers and manufacturers.<br />
African Expressions was created in response to a demand<br />
<strong>from</strong> hand knitters in South Africa who were searching for<br />
good <strong>quality</strong> <strong>mohair</strong> <strong>yarn</strong> and other natural fibre blends. Our<br />
unique <strong>yarn</strong>s are naturally soft to the touch, easy to knit with<br />
and luxuriously versatile, so we were ideally placed to meet this<br />
demand.<br />
In creating the African Expressions range SAMIL (the holding<br />
company) has added wholesaling to its original manufacturing<br />
business. As the demand for home-grown <strong>yarn</strong>s has increased,<br />
we have expanded to meet the demands of even the most<br />
discerning of crafters.<br />
At present four of our six different <strong>yarn</strong>s in the African<br />
Expressions range contain <strong>mohair</strong>. The other two are either<br />
100% merino wool or a blend. By the end of March, we will have<br />
two new additions to our range of <strong>yarn</strong>s which will contain<br />
kid <strong>mohair</strong>. SAMIL has always sourced the very best of Cape<br />
<strong>mohair</strong>. Working very closely with reputable suppliers, farmers<br />
and <strong>spinner</strong>s in the Eastern Cape, we ensure that only the finest<br />
<strong>mohair</strong> tops are used to spin our <strong>yarn</strong>s and the <strong>mohair</strong> used in<br />
the African Expressions range is no exception.<br />
We focus on <strong>mohair</strong> as it is versatile, has a lustrous sheen<br />
and is very durable, making it one of the world’s most luxurious<br />
natural fibres.<br />
SAMIL constantly researches the changing needs of the<br />
African Expressions market by maintaining a close relationship<br />
with all our retailers. Our substantial resources have allowed us<br />
to develop 8 <strong>yarn</strong>s and a variety of patterns which cater for the<br />
experienced knitter as well as the novice enthusiast. Our <strong>yarn</strong>s<br />
come in more than 36 shades and can be creatively combined<br />
to create breathtaking garments and accessories. As a result<br />
of the overwhelmingly positive feedback on our initial three<br />
<strong>yarn</strong>s – Joy, Harmony and Love – in 2011, we expanded the<br />
range in 2012 to include another three <strong>yarn</strong>s called Comfort,<br />
Freedom and Hope, and we will have our two new <strong>yarn</strong>s, Soul<br />
and Adore, by March 2013. In addition, the selection of colours<br />
we offer is even more extensive now.<br />
We believe in trend-cycles, which is certainly the case with<br />
knitting. We have seen a younger generation exploring their<br />
creativity in various mediums and knitting is fast becoming a<br />
new form of expression with young designers discovering the<br />
benefits and flexibility of working with natural fibers. Mohair is<br />
particularly popular because of its innate elasticity that makes<br />
sure that the garment holds it shape. No wonder an increasing<br />
6 JOURNAL 2012
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