Tag Archives: for sale

Susie’s Regrets Sale: Three Fine Rebozos (Shawls)

Posted on Sunday, August 26, 2018 | Comments Off on Susie’s Regrets Sale: Three Fine Rebozos (Shawls)

Three fine rebozos at a glance: Tenancingo de Degollado and Oaxaca

Susie’s traveled with Oaxaca Cultural Navigator to Tenancingo de Degollado to explore the ikat weaving and rebozo making culture of Mexico. She has since returned with us to other parts of Mexico, including Chiapas and the Oaxaca Coast. Meanwhile, on that trip she picked up a few beautiful pieces she hasn’t yet worn and after seeing that I was helping Leslie sell her regrets, asked me if I could try to resell these for her. We know the provenance!

#1. The intricate fringe, all hand-knotted on the Rose Rebozo

#1. Rose Rebozo. This rebozo, or fringed shawl, is hand-woven on a flying shuttle, four harness loom in Tenancingo de Degollado, Estado de Mexico (State of Mexico) by one of the finest weavers in town, Jesus Zarate. What makes this textile most remarkable is the fringe. It is completely hand-knotted by Fitalina, considered to be the greatest puntadora or fringe-knotter in all of Mexico. It took her three months to make this luxurious fringe after the weaver sold her the fine cotton hand-woven cloth.  This is a large shawl, called a Chalina because it has no pattern in the cloth, is akin to what Frida Kahlo preferred, and is part of Mexican female identity. It measures 90″ long (including the fringe) and 29″ wide.  This exceptional piece is $335 USD. Price includes mailing via USPS Priority Mail to anywhere in 48 U.S. states.

#1. Full length view of pink rebozo

How to Buy

Send me an email: norma.schafer@icloud.com

  • Tell me which piece(s) you want by number.
  • Tell me your complete name, mailing address and email.
  • I will send you a PayPal invoice.
  • As soon as I receive payment, I will confirm and we will prepare for mailing. You should be receiving your order within 5-7 days.
  • This group will be mailed from a remote corner of Northern California in the Lake Shasta region.

#2. Double weave cotton rebozo from the Sierra Mixe, Oaxaca

#2. This rebozo was commissioned by the famed Remigio Mestas of Oaxaca, who works with the finest back-strap loom weavers in villages throughout the state. This is a double-faced weave, soft and cozy cotton, difficult to execute, woven by Maria Teodora from the Sierra Mixe Alta. One face shows indigo blue natural dye. The red-brown rust color on the second side is achieved with encino or red oak. The Sierra Mixe region of Oaxaca is about eight hours from Oaxaca city on the way to the Pacific coast, high in the mountains. Fringes are hand-twisted. It measures 102″ long (including fringe) and 29″ wide. $345 USD and includes USPS priority mailing to continental 48 U.S. states.

#2. Indigo blue dyed rebozo

#2. View of side dyed with encino (red oak)

#3. Cotton ikat hand-woven fabric, with fringes

#3. This Magenta Rebozo is from the Xoxopastli studio in Malinalco operated by designer Camilla Ramos, famous throughout Mexico for her intricate ikat rebozos and Colonial-style puntas or fringes. It is among the finest workmanship in the country. This one is woven on the four-harness flying shuttle loom. Ikat is achieved by dyeing the warp threads. Every one of the 6,000 threads of the warp must be exactly on register for the pattern to match up. This pattern is called Chispas and is created from brown, hot pink and white cotton threads. It measures 80″ long (including the fringe) and 29″ wide. Cost is $225 USD including mailing via USPS priority mail to anywhere in 48 US states.

#3. Full length view of Xoxopastli ikat rebozo

It’s not likely I will take another group to Tenancingo, so this may be your best chance to get as close to the source as possible!

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Mexico Bejeweled Mostly Silver Jewelry Sale

Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2018 | 16 comments

SOLD. #1 Oaxaca Gold Filigree vintage, Teotitlan del Valle

This will be my last “for sale” post of the season! I’m on my way back to Oaxaca on June 22 via Chicago for a stopover to visit friends. From there, it will be Aeromexico connecting through Mexico City to Oaxaca on June 28. It will be good to get back to my other home and those three campo dogs! Let’s see if they missed me.

It’s time to part with some treasures that have been in my collection for a while. Yes, I did wear them, so they aren’t brand new. A few pieces are vintage. A few pieces are not being made anymore. They all reflect the best quality silversmithing that Mexico has to offer.

To make a purchase please send an email to norma.schafer@icloud.com

  1. Indicate what you want to buy by NUMBER.
  2. Tell me your mailing address.
  3. Prices do not include mailing. I will add $8 per package for mailing within the US. For Canada or international, I’ll send you mailing cost before I invoice you.
  4. Order and pay by Wednesday, June 20, 2018
  5. Note: The last day I will accept an order is June 20. That will give me time to invoice you, for you to pay with PayPal and for me to package and mail to you.
  6. Thank you very much for your consideration.

#1 detail, Oaxaca vintage 12 Kt. Gold Filigree

SOLD. #1 was bought to support my neighbor who needed to build a kitchen. She begged me to buy this pair of earrings so of course, I did, though I already had a similar pair! What’s to do? Sometimes, we call it the Gringa Tax. The price to live in an indigenous village. Okay, so I’m finally getting around to selling these. You put the hook in through the back of your lobe and connect it to the gold disk. Measures: 1-1/2″ in diameter. Very fine filigree work. $285 USD.

#2 Sterling Silver Filigree earrings

SOLD. #2 sterling silver filigree earrings are made by Oaxaca silversmith Mario Perez. He used to share a shop on the Alacala with Jacobo and Maria Angeles Ojeda. His studio is near Atzompa. Exceptional quality silver filigree.  These earrings hook from the front to the back and have a French closure. Measures 1-1/4″ diameter. $195 USD.

#3 Sterling Silver Filigree Baskets

SOLD. #3. I bought these some years ago from Teotitlan del Valle painter, designer and weaver Pantaleon Ruiz Martinez. He was working with a Oaxaca master to create one-of-a-kind filigree earrings. I admired them for their beauty and delicate workmanship. Since then, I’ve migrated to bolder, so these can be yours. Perfect condition, only worn a few times. French closure. Measures 1-3/4″ long. $145 USD.

#4 famous designer earrings

SOLD. #4 was handcrafted by Brigitte and Ivan, the French silversmiths who worked in Oaxaca for over 20 years. Their legacy is renown. These are made using the lost wax casting technique developed in pre-Hispanic Mexico. Measures 2″ long from were the hook hangs from the earlobe hole. $135 USD.

#5 sterling silver bracelet–a statement piece

SOLD. #5 is also designed and made by Brigitte Huet and her husband Ivan under their mark Kandart. It is a weighty sterling silver with a slide closure in the style of the grand masters of Taxco. I have priced this at $400 USD, less than its original cost. It is a work of art. Rarely worn. 7″ long.

#6 William Spratling earrings

SOLD. #6  — sterling silver cast earrings from the William Spratling workshop in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico from the original molds that Spratling used in Taxco’s silver heyday in the 40’s and 50’s.  They are on posts. Lightweight because the triangle shape is hollow. Patina. $125 USD.

#6 back detail

#7 Sterling and Alpaca Bangle Mix

#7 is a group of 11 bangle bracelets for a smaller wrist. The diameter opening is 2-1/2 inches. The alpaca is a metal that looks like silver, popular in the 50’s and 60’s and there are four of these with enamel work in white, black and turquoise. The remaining seven are sterling silver. $95 USD for the set.

#8 Cowgirl Beans Necklace

SOLD. #8 is from Cuetzalan Puebla where beans rule! They are strung on a sturdy woven twine and knotted. Pair with other necklace strands to add a fun look. Measures about 24 inches long. $27 USD.

#9 Chiapas Coin Necklace

SOLD. #9 is from Magdalenas Aldama where the ladies string glittery glass beads, use colorful braided ties, and sell them. A penny for your thoughts. These are embellished with five Mexican 50 centavo pieces to add interest to what is an already attention-getting neck adornment. Measures 36″ end-to-end. Tie it however long or short you want. $65 USD.

#10 Quetzalcoatl ring — Serpent God

SOLD. #10 is another fine piece by Brigitte Huet. Its Mayan symbol is Quetzalcoatl the serpent-god who could transform himself. Sterling silver made using the lost wax casting technique. I’m not sure of the ring size. I think it may be a 7.  $115 USD.

Inside #10 quetzalcoatl ring

#11 Silver and Coral Earrings from Patzcuaro, Michoacan

SOLD. #11 are made by Kutzi jewelers, one of the few jewelry studios still in existence in Patzcuaro, Michoacan. All hand-wrought. Measures 2-1/2″ long from where the hook hangs in your earlobe. $110 USD.

#12 Love Bird sterling silver, onyx and coral earrings, Estado de Mexico

#12 are made by the talented Mazahua people from the State of Mexico. I bought them in Mexico City from Victor Arte Popular. Pilar Fosado’s father worked with the artisans and collaborated on the designs. Not easy to find these any more. Put into your ear from the back to the front. $135 USD.

#13 Love Birds #2 w/ Garnets and Coral, hooks

#13 are another version of the Love Birds with garnets and coral drops. This version has a hook that you put through your ear from front to back. Measures 3″ long. $135 USD.

#14 Lady Bracelet, sterling silver

#14, Brigitte Huet called this bracelet Lady. The workmanship is spectacular with lots of intricate and detailed carving in the wax which was picked up in the silver during the casting technique that uses the sling. Easy to use toggle closure. Measures 7-1/2″ long. $350 USD.

#14 detail of Lady Bracelet

#15 Münecas (Dolls) Necklace

SOLD. #15 is a fun, hand-painted Folk Art doll necklace from the 70’s strung with glass beads. Measures 20″ long. $45 USD.

#16 Navajo Pearls, New Mexico

SOLD. #16. Since New Mexico was part of New Spain and then Mexico before it was appropriated by the USA, I don’t feel at all bad about including this pretty strand of Navajo sterling silver beads in this grouping. Adjustable length for longer or shorter look. Measures 18″ end-to-end. Bead diameter is about 4 mm. Good for hanging a pendant. $65 USD.

#18 Spratling Jaguar pendant, copper with lapis lazuli inlay

#18 is a contemporary Spratling piece made with the traditional Spratling mold in the Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico studio where he lived and worked. It is stamped Taller Spratling. Pendant measures 3-3/4″ wide x 3″ high and the necklace is 19″ long with copper findings. $85 USD.

#19 Spratling Pre-Hispanic Monkey Pendant

#19 is marked Taller Spratling and is a contemporary studio piece from the Spratling workshop in Taxco, but made from one of the original Spratling molds. I saw the original clay figure at the museum in Tututepec, Oaxaca. This piece  copper inlaid with green turquoise. Measures 1-3/4″ x 2-1/4″ long. Put it on a chain at whatever length you prefer! $95 USD.

#20 designer sterling silver bracelet

#20 is another beauty from designer Brigitte Huet using the lost wax cast technique for sterling silver. Measures 7-1/2″ long and 1-1/4″ wide, with cut-out and feather carved motifs. $395 USD.

#21, #22, #23 Earrings

Top #21: Vintage sterling silver and pearls from Puebla, Mexico. 2″ long. $125 USD.

Middle #22: Artemio Rodriguez Taxco designer, 1-1/2″ long. $125 USD.

Bottom #23: Artemio Rodriguez Taxco designer, 1-1/2″ long. $125 USD.

#24 filigree silver and pearl necklace

SOLD. #24 is a Mazahua piece I bought at Victor Arte Popular. Delicate and beautifully made. $85 USD.

#25 Fish from Lake Patzcuaro

#25 is a collector’s piece with handmade silver beads and hand carved and stamped fishes suspended from dried red beans — all perfect. Piece is from the 70’s or 80’s. Hand-made chain and clasp. 17″ long. $395 USD.

#26 Eagle Pendant

#26 Eagle Pendant back

SOLD. #26 is sterling silver made in the lost wax cast technique by Brigitte Huet. Measures 4″ long x 1-1/2″ wide. $195.

This is probably enough to keep you interested for a while!

Remember, please make your orders as soon as possible. I will need to send invoices and receive funds by Wednesday, June 20, 2018, to complete our transaction and get your pieces in the mail to you before I leave North Carolina.

Thank you very much for your support.

Norma

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Posted in Jewelry

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Mexico Summer Mixed Clothing–Last Sale of the Season

Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2018 | 5 comments

Thanks to alle who picked a Mexico textile treasure this week! My storage containers are lighter now! Still more to go. I missed a few dresses, wraps and blouses on the first pass — oops, another box found. So, I’m going to squeeze in one more textile sale. Then, perhaps, I’ll have time to post a few pieces of jewelry before I leave for Oaxaca.

My departure date is June 22, so please, if you want to make a purchase, let me know immediately, and I’ll mail to you as soon as I receive payment. Mail deadline is Wednesday, June 20. Eleven pieces offered below.

How to order:

  1. Send me an email: norma.schafer@icloud.com
  2. Tell me which piece(s) you want by Number.
  3. Send me your mailing address.
  4. I will send you a PayPal invoice that includes $8 USD postage (unless you are international and I’ll calculate cost and let you know).
  5. I’ll mail to you within 24 hours.

#1. San Miguel Soyaltepec, Oaxaca, hand-embroidered huipil/dress

#1 is SOLD an embroidered dress from the island of San Miguel Soyaltepec that sits in the middle of Miguel Aleman Dam in the Chinantla region of Oaxaca between the valley and the Caribbean. I visited there some years back. There was a small group of us, only eight travelers, and 40 women selling at least four huipiles each. Do the math! On top of that, only three of us were buyers. In my desire to support a very disappointed group, I bought several. I guess it’s what I do! This one and #2 were stand-outs. Never worn. Cotton embroidery floss on 100% natural manta cotton. Hand-wash. Hang to dry or dry clean. Measures 29″ wide x 49″ long. Size L-XL.  A steal at $195 USD.

#1 detail of Soyaltepec huipil, teeny, tiny stitches

SOLD. #2 is this Olive Green Huipil also from San Miguel Soyaltepec. This village is not easy to get to. First, it’s 12 hours from Oaxaca city. Then, one needs to take a boat launch to the island! Same story as above! Measures 27″ wide x 45″ long. Another steal at $195 USD.

#2 San Miguel Soyaltepec huipil

#2 detail, huipil from San Miguel Soyaltepec

#3 is a San Antonino blouse, embroidered with deshillado

#3. The Oaxaca village of San Antonino Castillo Velasco is known for its fine embroidery and pulled thread deshillado designs that show a little skin on the bodice!  This blouse is finely done, measures 24″ wide and 25″ long. I’m selling it for $65 USD.

#3 San Antonino bodice detail

#4 cotton embroidered blouse from Yalalag, Oaxaca

#4 is excellent embroidered doll figures on natural manta cotton made in the village of Yalalag, Oaxaca, about two hours from the city. Note the hand-tucking detail. Measures 22″wide x 27″ long. Priced to sell at $45 USD.

#4 bodice detail

#5 intricate embroidered blouse, San Bartolome Ayautla

#5 is a knock-out, densely embroidered with the finest stitches I’ve ever seen. Pale yellow birds and flowers are framed in black thread on excellent quality 100% cotton manta cloth. San Bartolome Ayautla is also in the Chinantla region of Oaxaca. Some say they started this embroidery tradition that has been copied by other villages. It can take 3-4 months to make this. Measures 23-1/4″ wide x 27″ long. $250 USD.

#5. See all those little invisible puckers on the inside? Those are stitches!

#6 Zinacantan machine-embroidered blouse

#6 is SOLD a contemporary blouse from the Chiapas village of Zinacantan. It is machine-stitched floral pattern on easy-to-care-for polyester. Full disclosure! Now, it’s what all the ladies wear. Measures 28″ wide x 29″ long. $65 USD.

#7 SOLD is from Amantenango, Chiapas, the ceramics village

SOLD #7 is a traditional blouse embroidered in Amantenango, Chiapas. This is the village “uniform.” When you see someone wearing this blouse you immediately know where they are from. I was mesmerized by the very graphic, contemporary pattern and thought it might make a great pillow cover. But, I never got around to it. Definitely wearable, too. Or, hang it on the wall like a painting. Poly thread on poly cloth. Measures 28″ wide x 28″ long. $65 USD.

#8 is an indigo and coyuchi blouse from San Pedro Amusgos

Come with us to San Pedro Amusgos in January 2019.

# 8 is all natural dyes, native, hand-spun organic cotton dyed with indigo and woven with coyuchi native cotton to offer the contrasting caramel color design. From the cooperative studio of Arte Amusgos and Odilon Morales who represents his cooperative at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. Threads are spun with the malacate drop spindle and woven on a back-strap loom. New. Measures 25″ wide x 30″ long. $250 USD.

#9 Cuetzalan, Puebla, blouse with embroidered bodice

SOLD. #9 is from the Puebla state mountains near the village of Cuetzalan. I was there for the fair a couple of years ago and bought directly from the maker. Bodice is embroidered with sheep, birds, ducks, swans, pigs and flowers, trimmed with embroidered edging. Sexy, off the shoulder look. This is traditional for the region. Note the hand-smocking. Measures 24″ wide x 26-1/2″ long. $85 USD.

#9 bodice detail

#10, Shiny Quechquemitl from Chiapas

#10 is the traditional pre-Hispanic women’s cover-up called a quechquemitl. You pull it on over your head as a should and bodice covering. Adapt as a shawl or scarf. Very comfy to wear. This one is all synthetic fibers woven on a back strap loom with shiny, glitzy gold threads. A night out on the town, perhaps! Measures 28″ long from the neckline V to the front point, and 35″ wide across the triangle. $65 USD.

#10 detail

A few spaces open for the Chiapas Textile Study Tour 2019

#11 is a cotton blouse from San Andres Larrainzer, Chiapas

#11 a very warm caramel brown with hot pink accent design that is an integral part of the weaving on the back-strap loom.  This weaving technique is called supplementary weft and the women of San Andres are masters. The seam joinery is all done by hand. I love the color contrast and the ample amount of bodice design. Measures 26″ wide x 30″ long. $65 USD.

Thank you for looking and shopping. Buy today and I’ll mail tomorrow.

 

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Posted in Clothing Design, Cultural Commentary, Textiles, Tapestries & Weaving, Workshops and Retreats

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Summer Wraps from Mexico for Sale

Posted on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 | Comments Off on Summer Wraps from Mexico for Sale

In my getting ready to go back to Oaxaca from Durham, NC, I’m going through the boxes of my collection to decide what I’m ready to send off from my house to yours! My departure date is June 22, so please, if you are interested in making a purchase, let me know immediately, and I’ll mail to you as soon as I receive payment. Mail deadline is Wednesday, June 20. Eight pieces offered.

How to order:

  1. Send me an email: norma.schafer@icloud.com
  2. Tell me which piece(s) you want by Number.
  3. Send me your mailing address.
  4. I will send you a PayPal invoice that includes $8 USD postage.
  5. I’ll mail to you within 24 hours.

Also see my last post for Summer Frocks — big price reductions!

1. From Pinotepa de Don Luis on Oaxaca’s Costa Chica

#1. SOLD. This is a hand-spun native Oaxaca cotton gauze shawl embellished with local coastal figures like crabs and seahorses along with traditional symbols of fertility and wildlife. The brown is rare, native coyuchi cotton and is part of the woven cloth, called supplemental weft. Measure’s 22-1/2″ wide x 86″ long — long enough to serve as  shawl, rebozo or stole or a throw over a favorite chair or bed. $125 USD.

#1. Coyuchi and white cotton rebozo detail.

Is there a summer wedding or garden party in your future?

#2. Tlahuitoltepec, Oaxaca shawl woven on a fly-shuttle loom, indigo + cochineal

#2 SOLD is a fine quality jacquard rebozo, hand-woven on a fly-shuttle loom with the finest cotton hand-dyed with indigo and cochineal and banana bark. It comes from the Oaxaca village of Tlahuitoltepec where one weaving family creates all natural dye cotton textiles. Measures 25″ wide x 88″ long (including the macrame hand-knotted fringe called the punta). $145 USD.

#2, detail of Tlahuitoltepec rebozo

Will you be dining al fresco and want the perfect wrap?

#3 Chiapas shawl of many colors, from the Oxchuc people

#3 SOLD is a multi-colored shawl/rebozo that includes hand-twisted fringes. It will go with anything! The textile was hand-woven on the back-strap loom in a remote Oxchuc village by Catalina, a young mother who learned from her mother, who learned from her mother! To keep the tradition going it’s important to have buyers, so I chose to support them and bring their work to you. The village, where I visited, is about an hour and a half up the mountain from San Cristobal de Las Casas. Measures 23″ wide x 78″ long. $145 USD.

#3. Detail, Oxchuc rebozo, called a Chal in Chiapas.

What about that summer concert under the stars?

#4 is a lightweight gauze shawl from Venustiano Carranza, Chiapas

#4 is a beautiful white shawl hand-woven on the back-strap loom and embellished with red, rust, yellow and purple accents in designs unique to the village of Venustiano Carranza. The region is closer to the Pacific coast and gets pretty hot and steamy, so the fabrics woven there are lightweight cotton and comfortable. Drapes beautifully. Measures 26″ wide x 76″ long. $135 USD.

#4, full view of soft, white shawl from Venustiano Carranza

#5 is a Venustiano Carranza wrap in luscious pale peach

#5 shawl from Venustiano Carranza is a beautiful, subtle luscious peach color cotton woven on the back-strap loom. Imagine this draped over your shoulders. The design that is woven into the textile is also a contrasting peach color using thread that has a sheen. This gives a lovely matte-shiny finish to this piece. Measures 26-1/2″ wide x 80″ long. $135 USD.

#5 Peach rebozo detail

#6 is an ikat scarf hand-woven by Luis Rodriguez from Tenancingo de Degollado

SOLD. This #6 ikat scarf features warp threads dyed with indigo and wild marigold. The pattern created on the loom looks like a Matisse painting. The blue and yellow together offer a range of shades from yellow to chartreuse, a great compliment to the indigo blue. The punta, or fringes, are hand-knotted. Measures 16-1/2″ wide x 72″ long. $75 USD.

#6 ikat scarf detail

#7 Coyuchi cotton quechquemitl from Khadi Oaxaca

#7 is a luxuriously soft native brown coyuchi cotton hand-spun on the charkha — Ghandi spinning wheel — in the Oaxaca mountain village of San Sebastian Rio Hondo. The intricate needlework trim and joinery is forest green. The quechquemitl is a pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican garment favored by women as an over-the-head short poncho. I call it a pull-over scarf. It is perfect to wear of an evening or to cover the bodice or shoulders of a sun dress. Measures 21″ long from the V-neck to the point and 31″ wide across the front. Rotate it to get a different look. Wear it like a scarf, too. $95 USD.

#7 detail of coyuchi cotton quechquemitl

#8 Indigo and Wild Marigold Quechquemitl from Khadi Oaxaca

#8 SOLD Quechquemitl combines cotton dyed with Oaxaca-grown indigo and native wild marigold flowers. The iridescent color combination sometimes tricks you into thinking there might be some green in there. Because the cotton is hand-spun, it offers beautiful texture and slubs. Similar measurements as #7. $85 USD.

#8 Detail of indigo blue and wild marigold quechquemitl

 

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Posted in Clothing Design, Textiles, Tapestries & Weaving, Workshops and Retreats

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Summer Frocks From Mexico For Sale

Posted on Sunday, June 10, 2018 | 4 comments

It’s getting steamy hot here in North Carolina. It reminds me of growing up in Southern California pre-air conditioning, when my mom would shut windows and shades tight as soon as the sun came up trying to keep the chill desert night contained for another day. We learned to hunker down in summer heat. Now, I like going to a matinee movie to keep cool and can walk to one easily from my downtown condo.

CHECK OUT THE SALE. PRICES REDUCED BELOW. 

I’m leaving here on June 22 to begin my return to Oaxaca for the summer, where afternoon rains serve as nature’s air conditioning. This means, if you are interested in shopping and ordering, you need to do this before June 20.

How to Order:  Send me an email. Send me your address. Tell me which item(s) you want by number. I’ll send you a PayPal invoice to complete your payment (I’ll be adding $8 mailing cost to the total.)

Okay, now for the goodies.

1A. San Antonino dress, embroidery, crochet, gathered bodice

1A. This San Antonino dress has been part of my collection, new and never worn. Notice the dense embroidered flowers and birds, the tiny dolls on the bodice that serve to hold the gathers, the fine crochet work around the neckline, sleeve edges and skirt. Bodice is 24″ wide across the front, armpit to armpit. Dress measures 40″ long. Hard to find one like this now. WAS $275 USD. BUY IT NOW $225 USD.

1B. Bodice detail with fine muñecas (dolls) that hold the gathers

1C. An abundance of flowers!

2A. Chiapas, Mexico, fine embroidered blouse from Sna Jolobil Cooperative

2. Sna Jolobil is the premiere cooperative in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, founded by Chip Morris and Pedro Meza. This pull-over is the finest 100% cotton and the embroidery hand-work is exquisite. It is a soft yellow green and the threads are so fine and dense you can’t see any of the base cloth.  Measures 26″ wide by 28″ long. $125 USD.  You can see their work at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market this summer, too. SALE. BUY IT NOW FOR $89.

2B. Detail of Sna Jolobil blusa

3. Black gauze Aguacatenango, Chiapas, blouse made by Francisca

3.  SOLD. This lightweight, comfortable all cotton blouse with long sleeves is totally made by hand. Even the finished French seams and hem are stitched by hand. All hand-embroidered bodice and sleeve accents. Perfect for casual wear or a dressy hot summer evening. Measures 22″ wide across bodice from armpit to armpit and 30″ long. Size M-L. $85 USD.

We go to Francisca’s house in this village on our 2019 Chiapas Textile Study Tour There are a few places left. Come with us.

4. Olive green cotton gauze blouse with brilliant collar embroidery

4. SOLD. Another beauty from Francesca, this lightweight cotton blouse is trimmed in multi-colored cotton embroidery floss at neckline and cuff reflecting how Mexican women are not afraid of color. Measures 22″ wide at bust and 30″ long. Size M-L. $75 USD.

5. Wine red blouse hand-woven on a back-strap loom, Chiapas

5. SOLD. This cotton blouse is woven on a back-strap loom in the village of Aldama Magdalenas. I bought it from a small family cooperative there. It is excellent quality and the design is woven right into the cloth — a process called supplementary weft. Measures 24-1/2″ wide and 28″ long. WAS $75 USD.BUY IT NOW FOR $59 USD. 

6. Aldama blouse, hand-woven on back-strap loom

6. From the same cooperative in Aldama Magdalenas, this easy-to-care-for cotton blouse is woven on the back-strap loom in two pieces and stitched together by hand. The pattern across the chest is woven into the cloth. The trim around the neck and sleeve is embroidered by hand. SALE. WAS $65. USD. BUY IT NOW FOR $49 USD. 

7. Zinacantan flowers come to life with cross-stitching, vintage blouse

7.  SOLD. Too beautiful to pass up! It is getting more difficult to find any hand-work in Zinacantan, Chiapas these days. This is done with punto de cruz or cross-stitch. The entire bodice is filled with flowers. The base cloth is polyester (full disclosure). The ladies there don’t care, since it washes up and will dry immediately without shrinkage. They wear the blouse tucked into their fanciful skirts, so the solid fabric doesn’t show. Measures 26″ wide x 28″ long. $125 USD.

What can you use this for? Wear it! Hang it! Make a pillow out of it!

8. Zinacantan cross-stitch blouse, vintage

8. SOLD. Here is another cross-stitch blouse with fine needlework. The seams are closed with hand-stitching, too. Base cloth is polyester and there are some stains on the cloth. So, I will sell this for much less than the other. Measures 30″ wide x 27″ long. $65 USD.

What can you make from this one? A handbag? A pillow cover? Repurpose the embroidered part and sew it into the bodice of a new dress?

9. Juchitan Tehuantepec Frida Kahlo Style Blouse

9. Slinky black fabric (I think it’s polyester or rayon) is lined with cotton, and then top-stitched by machine in contrasting navy blue and white. A stunning blouse to wear with pants or a flouncy Frida Kahlo-style skirt. Perfect for cocktails (think mango mezcal margarita) on the deck or terrace. SALE. WAS $75 USD. BUY IT NOW $59 USD. 

10. Zinacantan, Chiapas Chal (shawl)

10.  SOLD. Zinacantan is the flower capital of Chiapas, exporting as far away as the Yucatan and Mexico City. Their love of flowers translates to all things clothing, ceremonial and daily wear, for men and women and children. The Chal is the necessary accessory and reflects a woman’s status (the more flowers, the more expensive) and aesthetics. Color and design popularity change each year. Sometimes we can find an outstanding barely worn chal like this one in the Sunday market. Fabric is cotton/poly blend with machine stitched embroidery. Measures 21-3/4″ wide x 46″ long. $125 USD.

Wear it. Drape it over the back of a chair. Use it as a bed throw. Make it into a pillow. Hang it. Add sparkle and a lasting bouquet to your living area.

I am constantly acquiring the hand-work of Mexican artisans. Mostly because I love and appreciate their talent, because I enjoy showing that appreciation when I visit their homes and workshops by buying something despite the fact that I don’t need it! I rarely bargain, paying what they ask. I know that hours of work goes into making a garment or a piece of jewelry.

Sometimes I overdo it! Hah. That’s when I take to the blog and offer these to you.

Of course, you can come with me to

Chiapas in February 2019 and do your own shopping!

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Posted in Clothing Design, Textiles, Tapestries & Weaving, Workshops and Retreats

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