During Leslie's October 2009 visit to East Africa, she stopped in to work up some new items with the ladies of Marvelous Batik in Tanzania. This unique workshop, which provides a positive employment alternative for young women in Dar es Salaam, produces quality textile creations for export around the world.

This bright pillow is handcrafted from bright pieces of kanga textile, a wardrobe staple of East African women. The ladies stitch on puff appliques and add needlework outlines for interest and texture.