Mohair does our province proud

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MOHAIR South Africa has ramped up the fashion stakes with two shows in the United States this year so far.

This saw Mohair South Africa (MSA) representatives showcasing the versatility of this Eastern Cape product at the recent Vogue Knitting Live in Seattle, as well as the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet show earlier this year.

The Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet show was the 10th annual festival but a first for MSA, and now stretches over three days.

Workshops with Steven Be, the brainchild behind Glitter Knitter, were "a great success", MSA marketing co-ordinator Anle Marais said. She said the designer sold out of mohair yarn on the second day of the show. Gift bags, including yarn, patterns and knitting needles, were handed out, ensuring each visitor took a piece of South Africa home with them.

"It's always such a pleasure showcasing our quality home-grown brand to the rest of the world," Marais said.

"We have a first-class product on our shores that really speaks for itself, no matter where we go. The fact that it's versatile, durable and luxurious makes it a brand we should all be proud of."

Designs by former NMMU fashion design graduates were among the ramp favourites, with the work of award-winning knitwear designers Kelly Dillon (formerly Esterhuyse) featuring alongside that of fellow former student Caleigh Noades.

Other designers who used mohair yarn included Wilma Peers, Carolyn Noyes and Shirley Paden, who contrasted metallics in shades of bronze and gold with the matte texture of the wild yet luxurious fibre.

Vogue Knitting Live is billed as "the ultimate knitting event" as it brings together thousands of knitting enthusiasts for a weekend show filled with fashion, wool and other fibres.