Sanae | Artisans | Francis VH Mohair

FRANCES VAN HASSELT

inspired by the land
and people of the Karoo

FRANCES VH MOHAIR

Frances van Hasselt has a deep affinity to mohair, having grown up on a family farm in the Karoo that owns one of the oldest mohair studs in the world.

Mohair, the fleece of an Angora goat, is one of the world’s most ancient, exclusive and sustainable natural fibres. Mohair is soft, durable and has a beautiful lustre that adds a rich intensity and dimension to colour. Mohair is a uniquely African fibre and South Africa is the top mohair producing country in the world.

Woman in plaid clothing standing in a textile shop with rugs and woven fabrics, some rolled and displayed on the wall, and a basket with yarn or fiber on the floor.

THE PROCESS

Frances focuses 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, she collaborates qwith a team of woman artisans who create pieces that speak to the origins of their textiles while simultaneously allowing for the natural environment to inform every aspect of their making process.

Every step, from spinning to carefully trimming the finished piece, is carried out by hand. Mohair is either bought carded (washed and combed) or uncarded (raw mohair locks). The latter is then hand washed and spun.

Mohair is hand-dyed; due to it’s natural tactility, style and lustre it absorbs dye brilliantly allowing colour to come to life. The quality and scarcity of the raw material, its unique African heritage and the exquisite handcrafted workmanship combine to make beautiful bespoke mohair textiles.

Interior of a craft studio with woven textiles on the wall, looms, and a person weaving on a large circular loom.
A person with dark skin holding a yellowish branch with leaves, standing in front of a large tree with yellow leaves. They are wearing a textured, multicolored garment.
Person spinning raw wool into yarn using a spinning wheel.
Abstract modern art rug with neutral tones, geometric shapes, and minimal lines hanging outdoors against a mountain background.
A flock of sheep walking on a dirt path in a dry, open landscape with a windmill in the background under a bright sky.
Three dried plant stems tied to a piece of gray wire mesh, arranged vertically against a white background.
A vast desert landscape with layered hills and sparse vegetation under a clear sky.
Mixed media textile art piece featuring overlapping woven fabrics in black, beige, gray, and blue, hanging on a wooden dowel against a white wall.

DISCOVER

Discover Frances VH Mohair's handcrafted creations at our online shop, where each piece reflects exceptional skill and artistry. Explore our unique collection today and support the timeless tradition of craftsmanship.

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An elderly woman with white hair, wearing a multicolored skirt and sandals, stands against a white, cracked wall with her hand on her forehead, casting a shadow on the wall.