Ouma Somaes sewing her way out of poverty
Self-taught seamstress creates magic
"I think it is a blessing from above that has now turned into my passion," - Christofina Somaes
In a shack in Henties Bay, a small woman sits behind an old sewing machine. She is creating magic with colourful material, making the most beautiful traditional Nama dresses.Christofina Somaes (65) was born in Outjo. Her mother died during childbirth, and she was sent to the farm.
“I was sent to a farm between Outjo and Kalkveld and looked after the people’s sheep and cattle there. I never had the opportunity to go to school. I just had to work in the veld and take care of animals. I only learnt to read and write very late in my life, but today I can read Khoekhoegowab and Afrikaans, and a little English.”
It was on this farm that her love for sewing began. Affectionately known as ‘Ouma’ [grandmother], Somaes collected old materials and taught herself to sew.
“I was never trained. I think it is a blessing from above that has turned into my passion. I make my own clothes and design clothes for other people and then make them myself."
Let’s Try
“My sewing machine is very old and I struggle with it, so most of the clothes, blankets and bedding are made by hand,” she said.
When she was 27, Somaes moved to Henties Bay. “I went there to look for work. In those years, Henties was a peaceful, quiet town with many opportunities.
“I got a job as a domestic worker, which I did for 30 years while making clothes to earn extra money. I called my business ‘Let’s Try’, although I never officially registered that name.”
When Somaes left her job due to health reasons, she began to concentrate on her sewing full-time.
Lowest moment
Somaes had seven children and 19 grandchildren. Sadly, two of her children died, which she describes as the most difficult time in her life.
“I have made peace, but the hurt remains. My son died suddenly shortly after his wedding and my daughter in a car accident. It was the lowest moment in my life and something I don’t ever want to experience again.”
With the money Somaes earns from her sewing, she pays for water, electricity and food. Currently, there is not much left for her to buy new fabric.
“If people have old pieces of material lying around that they no longer want to use or need, I would appreciate it. The clothes and blankets I make are made from rags, so I don’t need metres and metres of material. Any pieces will work and I will be very grateful.”