Postcard from Ghana: Joanna’s Fabrics

Thursday, I visited some local seamstresses — creators of Global Mamas’ many batik clothing and accessories — to document their work.  A WiP staff member, George, served as my guide and interviewed the women about their 2009 progress.  Their general consensus is that each has increased revenue in 2009 and gained confidence in her skills and product quality as a result of training and support provided by Global Mamas. Yea!

Joanna (left), owner of Joanna’s Fabrics, has worked with Global Mamas for two years.  She works out of her home in Cape Coast, Ghana with two apprentices (on right) making, among other things, my favorite Global Mamas shoulder bag: the Urban Explorer.

Here, Joanna cuts the fabric for a new bag:

While her apprentice sews some trim:

All of the women we visited use the Butterfly sewing machine.  Beautiful, isn’t it?

Before we left, we grabbed a few quick portraits of Joanna for the Women in Progress website.  George had a great rapport with her and kept her laughing.  Good times!

Have a great weekend,

Kate Watson, Photographer
http://www.katewatsonphotography.com