This Isipethu hanging is hand embroidered and hand appliquéd. It's 13" x16" and has a small hanging sleeve on the back. It's made by Sheila Mbaso. Each Isipethu hanging has a handwritten story translated from Zulu. This story reads as follows:

 "This boy was lazy and doesn't want to wake up early like the others. He spends the whole day playing at home. His father is looking after the livestock while the boy plays at home"

 I have close contact with the Isipethu Sewing Group and visited them when I was last in South Africa. You can find out more under the "Makers" link above. Various textile artists have collected work by this group, and their work has appeared in publications. They are known for their unique design sensibility and their honest story telling through cloth and stitches.

Here is a quote from one of the women in this group:

Margaret Mntambo : “I am looking after 5 orphans whose mothers died. Money from the embroidery assists me in paying for their transport costs to school. I like doing the embroidery because it keeps me busy and my mind active in making choices. I also like to mix with other people and get ideas.