I was in John Lewis checking floor tiles, a really boring way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon stuff. Seeing these online was not enough to get an impression. On the way out, a pop-up stall caught my eye and stopped me in my tracks, making my utilitarian visit to one of Newcastle’s main department stores more interesting… The woman running it, Nadine, came over to chat. She came to Newcastle from Rwanda as an asylum seeker. The pop up was running for one week and Sunday was her last day. Apart from this pop up, she has tried stalls at local fairs for interiors and design at Gosforth racecourse and near Durham.
Hand made wicker baskets and bags are very on trend right now. Leading the way on this are in particular the French brands like Rouje and Sezanne, usually featuring pieces in beige.
Nadine’s bags
Nadine’s bags were different with a vibrant pop of colour in bright red and sunny yellow. They could go with a variety of ensembles.
It can take a whole day or more to finish one of these bags. Each piece is unique. The basket part is woven with a crochet technique.
I visited her website, where she describes the creative process:
“Each hiru bag takes me a long time to make, but the rhythmic and precise, repetitive hand movements required, release serotonin and reduce anxiety. So when I craft a hiru bag I am taken to a happy and tranquil place where I pour my love into a piece of art that will last a lifetime.”
Nadine, who learned these crafts from her grandmother, dreams of expanding her business and in particular would love to engage with women back in Rwanda, who are experienced in these crafting techniques, who do not have a reliable source of income. They could work together and profit share. Basket weaving skills have branched out in the country from the traditional basket shapes, so important in their culture that they feature on Rwandan bank notes.
Craft workshops
Running craft workshops is another idea she would like to develop. That would be very interesting. In the AI heyday, where human creativity is under threat, how nice would it be to spend an afternoon with friends at a craft workshop and go home with a lovely handbag?
A local craftsperson would not be invited into John Lewis to run a pop up stall if the products were not up to scratch.
To all the Nigel Farages out there who scream ‘stop the boats’ at the top of their voices and see asylum seekers as a threat, put a sock in it. Business thrives on different cultures.
Interview with Nadine
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background
I was born in the heart of Rwanda, a country of extraordinary natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. My early years were filled with the vibrant colours, music, traditions and warmth of African culture, and that deep love for my heritage has stayed with me throughout my life.
My childhood was abruptly shattered by the Rwandan Genocide. As a teenage girl, I was forced to flee my homeland in search of safety, leaving behind my home, community and everything that was familiar to me. It was a painful and life-changing experience that shaped who I am today, but I carried with me the enduring spirit of my culture. The colours, sounds and rhythms of Rwanda became a source of comfort, strength and inspiration. Wherever life took me, I found ways to preserve and celebrate my heritage through art, music and storytelling, maintaining a connection to the country that will always be part of me.
Twenty years ago, I moved to Newcastle, a city that has become my home. I brought with me a lifetime of experiences and my enduring passion for African culture. Here in Newcastle, I discovered a way to express my memories, creativity and heritage through my work as a craft artist, and last week I had the honour of being commissioned by Newcastle University to make gifts to be presented to Radhika Merchant, wife of Indian multi-billionaire Anant Ambani.
I imagine that your designs are always developing. How much are your designs based on tradition and how much on new creative ideas?
As a young girl I was taught how to crochet by my grandmother and for the past two decades, I have dedicated myself to creating handmade products using beautiful African fabrics. Every piece I make is more than simply a handcrafted item; it is an expression of my identity, my creativity and my heritage. I enjoy blending traditional African textiles with contemporary designs to create unique pieces that celebrate both tradition and modern style.
What materials do you use for your bags?
I crotchet the HIRU bags using high-quality wool in combination with cloth bought in Rwanda and, depending on the bag and the commission, faux leather, Making the jabots is a very labour intense process using fine threads, but they are rare and striking and very beautiful and can transform any outfit.
Tell us about your ideas and plans for your business into the future
Through my work, I hope to share the joy, beauty and richness of African-inspired design with others. My wish is to bring a little of Africa’s vibrant colours, intricate patterns and warmth into people’s homes and lives.
I have another ambition, and that is to support traditional Rwandan craftswomen by introducing their products into my range. Their products are made with the leaves of the plantain plant and you will soon be able to see these products on my website.
Anything else you’d like to add?
There is growing evidence that crocheting contributes significantly to mental wellbeing. Research highlights that crocheting reduces stress, improves mood and fosters a senseof accomplishment. Each HIRU (“Hook Into the Real You”) bag takes me a long time to make, but the rhythmic, repetitive and precise hand movements required release serotonin and reduces anxiety, and when I craft the bag I am taken to a happy and tranquil place where I pour my love into a piece of art that will last a lifetime.
Crochet can play a role in social wellbeing by fostering a sense of community. Many engage in crochet as a communal activity which enhances belonging. It can have cognitive benefits, improving hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and memory, and best of all it’s fun! Try it.
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