Mielie Bags - African design at its most inspiring and innovative.

Mielie bags (pronounced "meelee") are made using an age-old time consuming hooked rug technique, using recycled cotton. Each Mielie bag is a work of art and makes a unique statement. Each purse is lovingly handmade and signed by the sewer. This original style Mielie bag has the now famous tortoise design in bright colours with black leather handles. A strong zipper opens up the purse to reveal a lined inside pouch with their trademark red Polka dot fabric. African design at its most inspiring and innovative.

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. Their mission is to design and produce innovative, quality hand-crafted products using reclaimed materials - with the aim of creating employment and restoring dignity and financial independence to South Africans. The employment created at Mielie is sustainable, and allows people to work from home. The majority of the products are created off site in the homes of their capable artists, in townships around the city of Cape Town. Constantly aware of the needs of the communities into which Mielie has an influence, they are committed to making a difference.