Lifestyle: Heartfelt Products by Heartworks

Heartworks [Zimbabwe/Congo/South Africa]

Today is the first of December, and World AIDS Day. Marking this day, today’s offerings introduce you some gorgeous, cute and cuddly teddy bears courtesy of the talented ladies at Heartworks; an embroidery group based in Khayelitsha, South Africa started in 2004.

Founded by Margaret Woermann, Heartworks has brought together approximately 38 ladies and their children from Zimbabwe, the Congo and the Eastern Cape. Heartworks is an explosion of bright colour, texture, imagery and patchwork appliqué lovingly hand-embroidered onto items such as cushions, slippers, bags and teddy bears. Heartworks mission was to help these talented craftswomen to earn an income, rebuild and move their lives forward and is now an award-winning embroidery group, having won an award for Best Textile in Western Cape in May 2009. I see some heartwarming stories depicted in the embroidery artwork – notice the red Aids ribbon embroidered onto the teddy bear’s foot; I guess as a poignant reminder of the challenges that still have to be faced and how they are being overcome. These teddy bears make a wonderful gift for any age and as each is hand-embroidered and therefore a unique one-off piece, I’m sure they will become heirlooms to be passed down through the generations.

For me they have touched a spot and I dedicate this post to the memory of the family I have lost over the years to the disease.
Additional Details:
The Teddy Bears available on GiftLab and priced at: approx £162/€190/US$261 – £166/€194/US$267
For further information on Heartworks and stockists visit: www.heartworks.co.za
And the blog: www.heartworks.co.za
To find out more information on World AIDS Day visit: www.worldaidsday.org