Café 74 hosts ‘Sip and Weave’: A creative fusion of craft and community |21 March 2026

Café 74, the vibrant hub nestled in the heart of Anse Royale, hosted its first-ever ‘Sip and Weave’ workshop on Saturday, March 14, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026.

Organised in collaboration with Juliette Dine – creative entrepreneur and founder of ‘Blue Fire Lady’ – the event highlighted her mission to preserve and modernise the traditional art of weaving with dried vakwa leaves. The workshop invited women from the community to step away from their busy routines and immerse themselves in the meditative practice of weaving, all while enjoying Café 74’s signature refreshments and warm atmosphere.

Guided by Ms Dine, participants explored various weaving techniques and proudly crafted their own vakwa fans, which they decorated with fabrics and seeds.

But the event was more than just a craft session – it was designed as a creative escape, offering laughter, relaxation, and genuine connections. One attendee reflected: “The goal was to create a handheld fan from vakwa, but what we walked away with went beyond that. There was a shared sense of accomplishment, yes, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and for each other.”

Located in the Arc Royale building on Mont Plaisir Road, Café 74 has built a reputation as a café with a difference – blending local artwork, cozy vibes, and a diverse menu. The ‘Sip and Weave’ event continued this tradition, providing a social space where participants could learn a new skill, create something functional and beautiful, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Shermin Faure, founder of Café 74, shared her vision: “My dream was always to create a place where people can socialise and reflect over a great cup of coffee. The Sip & Weave event is the perfect embodiment of that – it’s about taking vakwa and spinning it into something beautiful while enjoying the company of others.”

With its success, Café 74 plans to host more ‘Sip and Weave’ sessions along with other creative events to celebrate art and community. Readers are encouraged to follow @cafeseventyfaure on Instagram and Facebook for updates. And don’t miss the upcoming High Tea event – watch this space!

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the ‘Sip & Weave’ event.

Text & photos: Contributed