See what quilters and sewers create when they work with fabric that has a story. From heirloom quilts to modern makes, these projects prove that great fabric finds its purpose in the hands of makers who care.
Our Story
During the Second World War, a brief stop in Cape Town inspired a young British soldier to dream of a new life in South Africa. After the war, his family emigrated, carrying little more than a suitcase, determination and a tailoring apprenticeship completed in London in 1945.
From those humble beginnings, a family legacy was built within the clothing and textile industries.
On one side of the family, David Mann brought British tailoring skills and craftsmanship to South Africa. On the other, Lorraine's family already had deep roots in the clothing industry. Her mother worked in garment factories and possessed exceptional needlework skills, passing on a tradition of creativity, practicality and making by hand.
Together, David and Lorraine combined British tailoring traditions with South African resilience, entrepreneurship and creativity
The Foundation
In 1962, David founded Mannettes (Pty) Ltd, a clothing manufacturing business that grew from a small workshop into a respected garment producer. The company became the foundation of our family's lifelong involvement in the clothing and textile industries and remains part of the family today.
The next generation built upon that foundation. Rees Mann joined the family business in 1983, learning every aspect of garment production, from pattern making and machine maintenance to manufacturing and production management.
Following the dramatic changes that reshaped the South African clothing industry in the early 1990s, new opportunities emerged. In 1994, Johannesburg Sewing Centre was founded to support independent makers, small businesses and sewing entrepreneurs. More than three decades later, Johannesburg Sewing Centre continues to serve the sewing and creative community.
The Return
Alongside these businesses came a commitment to education and empowerment. SewAfrica Fashion College provided opportunities for aspiring designers, makers and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. The vision grew significantly through the dedication of Tracy Mann, whose educational leadership helped expand the organisation's reach and impact.
Together with Rosemary Mann, who managed the financial and administrative foundations of the various businesses and educational initiatives, the family built an ecosystem that supported hundreds of students and countless creative entrepreneurs.
One fabric in particular captured our imagination: Three Cats. Originally created in the textile mills of Lancashire and embraced throughout Southern Africa, it represented everything we valued—quality, heritage, craftsmanship and cultural significance.
For many years, we proudly supplied the full collection and came to appreciate the remarkable stories woven into its history.
In 2020, our family returned to Britain, bringing our experience, heritage and passion for textiles back to where the journey began.
Over the following years, Fabric Story Studio was born.
The Promise
These are not just words. They shape every colourway we name, every community event we host, and every piece of fabric we carefully select. We measure ourselves not by transactions, but by what you make.
Quality workmanship has been at our heart since 1945.
Our family heritage began with a tailoring apprenticeship completed in London in 1945. Since then, quality workmanship, attention to detail and pride in making have remained at the heart of everything we do.
Fabric becomes something unique and personal in the right hands.
Creativity transforms fabric into something unique and personal. We celebrate the imagination, innovation and self-expression of designers, makers, sewists, quilters and creators everywhere.
Knowing where a fabric comes from adds meaning to its use.
We value genuine products, honest relationships and authentic stories. We believe that understanding the origins of a fabric adds depth and meaning to its use.
Textiles have always brought people together.
From the garment factories of Johannesburg to the sewing rooms, studios and homes of today, fabric creates connections between people, cultures and generations.
Skills and creativity can open doors and change lives.
Throughout our history, education and skills development have played a central role in our work. We believe that creativity and practical skills can open doors, create opportunities and change lives.
Our Culture
We respect traditional skills while embracing new ideas. We value people as much as products and recognise that every fabric passes through many hands before becoming part of someone's life.
We are inspired by the designers who create patterns, the manufacturers who produce fabrics, the makers who transform them into something beautiful and the people who ultimately use and cherish those creations.
Our culture is rooted in collaboration, storytelling and a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship.
Above all, we believe that fabric is more than a product.
Because every fabric, every designer, every maker and every wearer has a story worth sharing.
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