News & diary
As the drought took its toll, a Murraysburg farmer’s wife made a plan
What is a farmer’s wife to do in the midst of the crippling drought in the Karoo as she watches their flock of sheep becoming skinnier and their income drying up? She makes a plan, of course, and starts to create sheep – fat little sheep that can give farmers hope again – using nothing but wool and her crochet hook.
Chrisma van der Merwe from the farm Middelkop in the Murraysburg district calls these adorable soft toys Fat Sheep. And lately they have become as popular as the lamb chops the region is famous for. What started out last year as an attempt to supplement the income Chrisma and husband, Dirk, earn from their angora and merino farm – and to buy feed for their livestock – has turned into a community upliftment project. The team has grown to include 24 farmers’ wives and pensioners (one man) from Murraysburg, Elim, Beaufort West, Loxton, Kimberley, Victoria West and even Vanderbijlpark who are helping Chrisma keep up with all the orders.
The Fat Sheep collection of soft toys has since grown to include eight sheep in various sizes (prices range from R150 to R300 each) as well as four blankets of 54 cm x 54 cm (R230 each).
What do you think is the reason for the success of this project?
I believe it is because this is a matter of faith for me. The drought is a fact, but the Heavenly Father has given me skills and perseverance – and not only to fulfil the needs of our family, as had been the original plan. I have a larger responsibility, because everybody who crochets sheep now earn an income from it.
What do your husband and other farmers have to say about the ripple effect of your humble project?
Dirk says he is very proud because he knows what I started with: nothing. I’ve heard via him that the other farmers say they take their hats off to me for the way I support my husband. Some of the women say the project keeps their minds off the drought and helps them – and their husbands – remain positive.
How are the proceeds used or distributed?
The business is still in its infancy and there are no huge profits to speak of. Everybody who crochets is rewarded according to their output, and most of them need the income to survive. I supply the wool and cover the cost of getting the completed items or parts couriered to me. Because the
unemployment figure in our town is sky-high, I would really like to expand to help people put food on the table. I don’t see this a business that will make me rich, but rather an opportunity to support my fellow human beings.
Do you see a difference in your community?
Not only in the community but also in every woman who is involved in the project and is proud of her work. The best part is when people who have bought products send us photos or videos of their children with their sheep.
What is your advice to people who are in a hopeless situation and might be considering starting a similar project?
Start with something that is unique and suits the region or theme. Pray, be courageous, persevere, keep going… My husband always says you should just never run out of plans.
LEFT When Chrisma van der Merwe started to crochet soft toys to supplement her family’s income from farming during a time of severe drought, she couldn’t foresee how many lives these Fat Sheep would touch.
What is your top seller? And how many items more or less do you sell in a month?
Definitely our Vettie, the original sheep! We sell between 100 and 200 sheep per month. The orders were rather low during lockdown – I believe we have all had to tighten our belts.
Do you have stock available or do you crochet to order only? How long do buyers wait for their sheep?
I am very fortunate, because we have wonderful support from people who would like to help those battling because of the drought. We cannot keep up with demand, but we do plan to build up stock. My wish is that we could supply shops all over the country with our Fat Sheep.
During lockdown people often waited a long time for their sheep – either it would be a case of not being able to courier them or not getting hold of supplies like wool or the eyes. Normally, an order would take four to six weeks at the most, especially if it is a large order.
Any new plans for the future?
Many! It would be wonderful if more local shops would display our products on their shelves. I have also linked up with Hectic Promotions, a cycling organisation in Pretoria that plans to stage cycle races as part of their charity projects in the future. We need everybody’s help, because the project is no longer limited to Murraysburg.
Lastly, have you had rain yet?
We are grateful for the bit of rain we had in March and April, but follow-up rainfall is needed so the veld can recover fully. We love the Karoo, and we believe our prayers will be answered.