South Africa, Frances V.H, 'Pick-Up Sticks' Mohair Rug

Product name: Pick-Up Sticks 

Type of product: Hand-woven Mohair Rugs 

Description (story of the item): Abstracted afternoon shadows 

Materials: Raw Mohair 

Measurements / size: 1.2 X 1.8m 

Availability / stock level: Made to order, 3 months lead time

Our rug collection are made from a combination of carded and raw mohair. The  raw mohair holds much of its natural texture and stains, not having gone  through any mechanized process. Carded mohair (machine washed and  combed) gives the carpets a smoother, more luxurious feel. 

Colours range from light and crisp naturals to deep saturated earth tones  celebrating mohair's ability to bring colour to life. 

Using the finest natural fibre and traditional hand-weaving processes, plain rugs  are transformed into objects of refined beauty. 

The Karoo & Mohair Story 

Having grown up on a family farm in the Karoo that owns one of the oldest mohair  studs, Frances has always had a deep affinity with this natural fibre and the origins  of the threads. 

South Africa, and more specifically the Karoo, is home to most of the world’s mohair  farming. Mohair, one of the world’s most ancient, exclusive and sustainable natural  fibres is one of the few, uniquely local luxury products. 

Frances vH Mohair focus on the strengths and over-looked skills that are unique to  the socio-economic make-up of South Africa’s textile industry. With a completely  local supply chain, they help to create livelihoods and empower women artisans in  remote areas whilst preserving culture, indigenous knowledge and traditional  craftsmanship. 

The Process 

Every step of the process; from spinning the yarn to carefully trimming the finished  rug is carried out by hand by women in rural communities whose skilled  workmanship give the rugs their unique quality. 

The quality and scarcity of the raw material, its unique African heritage and exquisite  handcrafted workmanship, combine to create the most beautiful rugs which reflect  their Karoo origin and the unique character of both maker and designer.

We feel strongly that a sustainable, circular economy does not start in factories; The  process starts with rain, the delicate eco system of the land, the role of herdsmen,  the importance of healthy animals to produce quality mohair. From raw fibre we  move into the process of washing, cleaning, dyeing and spinning until finally the yarn  ends up on the loom. In many ways weaving and finishing is the last few steps on an  intricate supply chain. 

Once you become attuned to the elements, actors and skill needed to get from farm  to fabric you make differently, you think differently, you do not need more and more,  you are selective and respectful of the timelessness of that piece. It turns a simple  rug into an invaluable homemaker, passed down to the next generation who too will  build homes and weave their own memories into it. 

The past few months have affected every one of us, it has made us all stop and sit  with constantly shifting new world. We believe the concept of luxury may evolve into  a more abstract world view – clean air, open spaces, health, an appreciation for  nature, lengthy, unrushed meals around a table with friends and family, and building  homes which make you feel safe, calm, functional and a reflection of your world. We  hope that this collection embodies this shift. 

We believe that sought after items are going to pieces that are unique in their rarity,  once-off works, sustainable, trend-free, timeless, unique to the individuals taste, and  hand-made. In the age of heightened technology and doing most of our life through  

screens, we have seen a reactive pull towards hand-crafted, artisanal pieces with  tactility, texture, imperfection, and character. There is a certain comfort and soul that  hand-made objects have that is felt by users and cannot be replicated in mechanized  mass made objects.