Sawubona!
Hi there! I’m Maria.Originally from Hamburg, Germany, I followed a spark of curiosity (and real dopamin hit, let's be honest) to South Africa in 2010 - and never truly left. For over a decade, Cape Town has been the backdrop to my life and the primary inspiration for my work.I’ve spent the last ten years building a career in Sales, but my hands are happiest when they’re holding a crochet hook or knitting needles.What began as a tiny hobby has grown into a deep-rooted passion for fiber art. For me, knitting and crocheting are the ultimate creative outlets; they keep my mind focused and calm while allowing me to trade the noise of a digital, fast-paced world for something tangible, slowly crafted & with lots of love & care.Welcome to my collection. I’m glad you’re here.
What is the Ubuntu project?
The ubuntu.beanies project began in April 2020, during the crazy & uncertain days of the first lockdown.What started as a way to find focus and grounding quickly turned into something much larger than a personal hobby and way to not lose my sanity.Knitting didn’t just offer me a sense of calm; it became a way to give back at a time when hope felt very, very fragile. After hand-knitting over 600 beanies, I learned to crochet. This opened up a new world of creativity, leading to the birth of a huge collection of handmade critters, each with their own character.The "grand plan" is simple but deeply rooted: to use the slow, intentional art of fiber craft to create a continuous flow of support for those who need it most. Ubuntu - I am because we are - is the heartbeat of this project. Every item is made with the purpose of supporting community projects that empower and uplift.From the very first stitch, I chose to partner with BRAVE, a project facilitated by Uthando South Africa, to ensure that this creative outlet creates a tangible, lasting impact.
The Heart of the Project: Brave & Uthando
The soul of Ubuntu is tied to the work of Uthando South Africa. Led by James Fernie, Uthando is a bridge between those who want to help and the incredible community projects thriving within Cape Town’s townships. They aren’t just a non-profit; they are storytellers who highlight the resilience, optimism, and deep potential of these neighborhoods through their guided tours and long-term partnerships.Through Uthando, I found the BRAVE (Rock Girls) project in Manenberg.BRAVE is a space dedicated to the safety, education, and empowerment of at-risk young girls and women in Manenberg. It’s a place where they are given the tools to lead and the space to grow.Every beanie knitted and every critter crocheted is a direct contribution to this mission. It’s not just about a donation; it’s about acknowledging that our lives are intertwined. When we support BRAVE, we are investing in the future leaders of the communities that make Cape Town what it is.
Bringing Ubuntu Home
Every beanie and critter is handmade by me, stitch by stitch.Because this is a creative outlet alongside my professional life, each piece is crafted with patience and care rather than speed.Pricing & Availability
To get a feel for my current collection and pricing, I invite you to browse my Yaga Shop.- Small Critters & Beanies: Usually range between R200 – R300 (€15 – €25).- Intricate & Larger Pieces: Start from R550 (€30+).Note: Euro prices are slightly higher to allow for a larger donation margin to our supported projects & currency fluctuations.Custom & Bulk Orders
While I don’t recreate specific photos or pets, I have a library of beautiful patterns and the skill to freestyle color schemes and styles.Whether you want a specific animal in your favorite colors or a set of beanies for a group, I’m happy to discuss what’s possible.
I have previously created small bulk orders for corporate gifts and weddings - if you have a special occasion in mind, let’s talk about how we can make it happen.Timing & Delivery
Lead Time: Please allow at least two weeks. As I balance this with my full-time job, I appreciate your patience with the handmade process.Shipping (SA): I offer nationwide shipping via CourierIt.International: For my German community, I often coordinate deliveries via friends, family, or personal trips to keep things simple. For the rest of the world - from the US to Australia - my critters have traveled far and wide! If you are outside SA or Germany, reach out and we will find a way to get a piece of Ubuntu to you.Payment
I accept EFT and SnapScan for local orders. For international requests, we can discuss the best platform, usually PayPal works well.Ready to order?
The best way to begin is by sending me a DM on Instagram OR filling out my Ordering Form. This helps me understand exactly what you’re looking for & get your contact details to confirm timeline, pricing and any missing final details.Let’s create something meaningful together, one stitch at a time.
