about AYLA
Born in Somerset West, my life's journey unfolds like a rich tapestry, woven with diverse experiences. Settling in Malelane after marriage, I embarked on a short career as a goldsmith, later transitioning into corporate realms. For two decades, I navigated myriad challenges until a pivotal moment in 2019 when I faced retrenchment.
Returning to my roots in search of solace, I stumbled upon a newfound passion: leather crafting. With humble beginnings, I embarked on crafting small treasures, each stitch symbolizing my renewed sense of purpose. In October 2019, this journey bore fruit as Ayla emerged, embodying enlightenment and resilience.
Ayla stands as a testament to the transformative force of passion and perseverance. Every piece crafted not only brings me joy but also fulfils a lifelong quest for significance.
The name "Ayla," borrowed from Turkish, evokes the image of a "halo around the moon," representing rare beauty. In Scottish, it conveys the essence of "coming from a place of strength and resilience," mirroring the survivor within.
Within each of us lies a shard of Ayla. None are immune to life's relentless trials, yet we possess the innate capacity to endure, to redefine ourselves, and to embrace authenticity while shedding societal expectations. Imperfect, yet beautifully so.
Ayla Originals are meticulously crafted with authenticity, care, and a touch of individuality, embodying the essence of their creator's journey.
about LEATHER
Hand Crafted Leather
Handcrafted leather at Ayla embodies the essence of tradition and artistry. Each piece reflects the passion and respect for the material and the process. We blend age-old techniques with contemporary design, resulting in timeless and durable leather goods.
Every item is meticulously crafted from start to finish, ensuring superior quality and strength. Hand-sewn leather offers not only aesthetic beauty but also unmatched durability. In a fast-paced world, crafting leather by hand becomes a meditative practice, celebrating simplicity and dedication.
Full Grain Leather
At Ayla, we exclusively craft our products with full grain leather. Full grain denotes the toughest and most resilient section of the hide, situated just beneath the hair. Unlike other processes that sand or buff away imperfections for a uniform appearance, full grain leather proudly showcases the natural characteristics of the animal it came from. Each piece displays the authentic markings and blemishes, contributing to its unique beauty.
Upon closer inspection, one can even observe the pores and tiny hair follicles, indicative of its superior quality. Fat wrinkles, growth lines, and natural variations in texture further underscore the authenticity of our leather. Every hide tells a story, bearing distinct markings and blemishes that reflect the life journey of the animal.
This inherent individuality is what makes full grain leather truly exceptional, embodying the essence of authenticity and character in each piece.
Hand Stitching
As an artisan deeply passionate about preserving age-old traditions and the meticulous artistry inherent in crafting, I am devoted to hand-stitching. Embracing heritage techniques and cherished tools, I find unparalleled beauty and resilience in the art of hand stitching. Each stitch is meticulously formed using a single thread, threaded through needles on either end. With precision and care, I guide the needles through hand-punched holes in the leather, weaving them back and forth to create a timeless "running stitch" or saddle stitch. This method ensures not only aesthetic appeal but also unmatched durability.
Technically, hand-stitched products surpass their machine-stitched counterparts in strength and longevity. Unlike machine stitching, which relies on a locking stitch involving two threads, hand stitching maintains a single thread that passes seamlessly through both sides of the material. This means that even if a thread were to break, the integrity of the entire stitch remains intact, preventing unravelling and ensuring the longevity of the piece.
Undoubtedly, hand stitching demands patience and time, but the outcome speaks volumes. Each creation is imbued with the dedication and craftsmanship of a skilled artisan, resulting in a product of exceptional quality and enduring charm.
Thread
Ayla prides itself in using the best quality materials to ensure longevity of our products. Waxed cotton thread is used for hand-sewing leather. The thread has a corded continuous polyester filament that runs through the centre of the thread and is encapsulated by pure cotton that is then waxed.
The wax prevents the thread from fraying when stitching and the composition is not only going to securely fasten the leather, but also going to withstand long-term wear and tear, such as water exposure and seam tension. It’s a pleasure working with this thread and a great array of rich colours are available.
