Mielie's range of fabulous off-beat handbags and accessories are handmade from recycled materials. As little machinery as possible is used, thereby creating many more jobs.

Mielie handbags are already touted as the next big thing by costume designers and fashionistas thanks to their recycled, hand woven, off beat but eye popping looks.

Each one is handmade by women living in South African townships. Each of the bags are signed by the actual weaver on a detachable paper label.

Yes, this is the bag that Gabrielle (Vanessa Hudgens) was carrying in High School Musical 3!

Since starting in 2002, Mielie has grown to a group of approximately 30 people who work from their homes in the greater Cape Town area, South Africa, some of whom have epilepsy. Working from home means that mothers can be with their children and transport costs are kept to a minimum.

To make these unique products many age-old and time-consuming fibre-craft techniques are used, such as hooked rugging, crochet and knotting.

Why Mielie? Mielie is Afrikaans for corn, the staple diet of many Africans, and probably the first item on most of the weaver's shopping list. The hooked rug products also feel like kernels on a corn cob.


Bags & Purses
THE MIELIE BAG

Sturdy bags made from recycled cotton using the hooked rug technique. They measure 25x35 cm without the handles. Handles are leather and each bag is lined inside.
Africa Tortoise Pattern, brown leather handles                             
Stripey black & grey
black leather handles
                                  
Hot/hot Heart Pattern
Brown leather handles                                  
THE SHELLY BAG

The Shelly bag is perfect as as a shopper, funky as a baby bag or big enough as an overnight bag. They measure 50x33x13 cm without the handles. Each interior is lined with pockets. The bags are finished with a chunky zipper and leather handles.
every purchase makes a real difference
LAPTOP MIELIE BAGS

Brand new from the Mielie range are these funky laptop bags. Measuring 45cmx35cm they are the perfect fit for any size laptop. All are lined inside and are finished with a leather shoulder strap and clsoing straps with buckles.
NEW!
Hot/hot Diamond Pattern
Brights Tortoise Pattern       
Hot/hot Tortoise Pattern     
Black&Blue Dot Pattern
Africa Tortoise Pattern
Camo Tortoise Pattern        
Africa pattern
Brown leather handles
                               
Brights Tortoise pattern
Brown leather handles