Tag Archives: textiles

Norma’s Shop Oaxaca Closet Sale: 4 Wearing + Gifting

Ends Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3 PM!

I’m at my casita in Teotitlan del Valle and will return to the USA at the end of the coming week. I’m looking at the handwoven blusas and huipilesin my closet here! A collection of naturally dyed and artisan made textiles that I have treasured because I know everyone who has created them. Many are pieces I purchased years ago, so they have collector value. Most have never been or rarely been worn. So, very much LIKE NEW.

I’m reposting this. Glitches on website yesterday! Thanks for understanding.

Please purchase before 3 PM on November 14. I will be packing them to take with me when I return to New Mexico for the winter holidays and mail them to you after November 20 — just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Perfect for wearing or gifting!

20 pieces. Scroll all the way down!

Pieces are priced FAR BELOW what was paid for them. Priced to SELL.

How to Buy: Send me an email to tell me which item(s) you want BY NUMBER and by name of item. Send me your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. Tell me if you want to purchase using a Zelle transfer or a credit card. If you use a credit card, we add a 4% service fee. There is no extra fee for using Zelle. If you want Zelle, please tell me how your Zelle account is registered. For mailing, I will add a $14 packing and mailing charge. I am NOT putting these items for sale in the SHOP — only here!

Thank you!

#1. Reindeer Smocked Blouse from Tijaltepec, Oaxaca. The animal figures are created by smocking the 100% cotton fabric. Green trim is embroidered. Note the amazing sleeves. A perfect outfit for the holidays and seasonal festivities. Measures 17″ wide x 26″ long. Size M-L. $135 USD.

#2. This is an amazing back strap loomed 100% cotton poncho colored with natural dyes. I bought it from Los Baules de Juana Cata, curated by Remigio Mestas, in the historic center of Oaxaca. It is likely from the Mixteca Alta and made with a great deal of care and detail. Notice the hand-twisted fringes and the soft drape! Measures 45″ wide x 43″ long. $295

#3. Completely created by hand on a back strap loom in Cancuc, Chiapas, this 100% cotton garment is embellished with hand-embroidered detailing using synthetic yarns in the traditional colors of the village. Belt it or wear it as a robe. Size L-XL. Measures 31″ wide x 45″ long. $145.

SOLD. #4. A finest quality manta (natural cotton) blusa (blouse) from Ejutla, Oaxaca, purchased some years ago from Los Baules de Juana Cata curated by Remigio Mestas. He works with only the finest weavers and embroiderers in remote villages. The bodice and sleeve edging are embroidered with the finest cotton threads. The color mix is a dark lavender-gray. The fabric drapes beautifully. The neck tie is strong and sturdy. I’m unable to wear this because it is now way too big on me. Size L-XL. Measures 28″ wide x 24″ long. $165 USD.

SOLD. #5. One of my favorite Oaxaca villages is San Juan Colorado. It is a remote village on the coast and we will visit there in 2026. (email me if you want to be notified about this tour) Huipiles and blusas are created on the backstrap loom. This huipil is made with 100% cotton and natural dyes. The green is raw indigo. The red is cochineal and the brown is nut shells and leaves. A stunning piece. Measures 25″ wide x 41″ long. Size M-L. $235 USD.

#6. From the southern Oaxaca coast village of San Mateo del Mar, this fine gauze blouse was woven on the back strap loom. It features sea creatures, wildlife, and plants from the region including ducks, palm trees, and roosters. It is a size S-M. Measures 23″ wide x 25″ long. $95

#7. In Pinotepa de Don Luis on the Oaxaca coast, the rare purple snail dye is used sparingly to decorate hand-woven textiles. The figures include the double headed eagle, rows of corn, and people holding hands in community. This huipil has more purple snail dye than is typically used, making it a special piece. The white cotton threads are hand-spun on the drop spindle malacate by Monica from the famed family of Don Habacuc Avedano. Size M. Measures 26″ wide x 35″ long. $285.

#8a. This is a super-sized fuschine-dyed huipil from Santiago Ixtlayutla on the coast of Oaxaca, and is considered rare! The back strap loom woven dress, embellished with flora and fauna designs, is cotton with the designs woven in silk. The silk, a protein based fiber, absorbs the dye. The bleeding of the color is an intentional part of the process. The garment is folded after weaving, soaked in water, then dipped in dye. The bleeding mirrors the woven design. I purchased this from the private collection of Oaxaca textile museum founder in 2007 and rarely worn. Notice the tight randa (joining embroidery stitch) — hard to find this quality these days. Dry clean only. Size L-XL. Measures 34″ wide x 46″ long. Priced to sell at $595.

SOLD. #8b. This is a traditional woven textile from Pinotepa de Don Luis on the Oaxaca coast. It is not natural dyes yet it is one of the most finely woven pieces of cloth I have seen in years. Size L-XL. Measures 28″ wide x 36″ long. Priced to sell at $135.

#9. Curated by Merry Elizabeth Foss who worked with seamstresses and embroiderers in the remote mountainous region of Puebla state, this Chakira (beaded) blouse is white on white. Not the fine embroidered trim around the adjustable neckline and sleeve. Merry sold these at Malouf on the Square in Santa Fe at over $400 USD. Size S-M. Measures 22″ wide x 23-1/2″ long. Priced to sell at $125.

SOLD. #10. Vintage Guatemala ikat heavier weight cotton fabric designed into a contemporary style dress with two huge front pockets from one of the finest Oaxaca shops. Machine washable or dry clean. Size L-XL. Measures 27″ wide x 41″ long with an 18″ long sleeve. Priced to sell at $135.

SOLD. #11. From the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, machine embroidered blouse on wine colored cotton fabric with frilly sleeve. All Oaxaca blouses embroidered on a machine are distinctive because the embroiderer hand-guides the needle — so we consider this made by hand. Size S. Measures 20″ wide x 24″ long. Priced to sell at $65.

#12. Oh My Goodness. Drop dead gorgeous. Try to find something like this in your quest for finest hand embroidery anywhere. This is punto de cruz — cross-stitch — along with incredible hand-smocking on bodice and sleeves. This is a vintage piece in very good condition, very wearable. From Michoacan. Size S-M. Embroidered bodice measures 11″ across; 27″ wide armpit-to-armpit; and 50″ long. Priced to sell at $165.

SOLD. #13. Ruana is a modified poncho, open in the front and on the sides. Wear it straight or sling one or both front panels over your shoulder for a superb fashion statement. Natural dyes. From curator collector Remigio Mestas at Los Baules de Juana Cata. Measures 34″ long. The two front panels are 19″ wide each. The back panel is 38″ wide. One size fits all. $145 USD.

SOLD. #14. From Pinotepa de Don Luis, Oaxaca. Coyuchi is native brown cotton that pre-dates the Spanish conquest. As a native grown plant, it is harvested, seeded by hand, then beaten and spun on a drop spindle malacate. Very labor intensive. This piece is embellis with figures dyed with purple snail dye — very rare. One size fits all. Measures 38″ wide x 28″ long. $195.

#15. From indigenous designer Alberto Lopez Gomez, who is featured in New York Fashion Week and winner of international awards, this huipil is woven on the back strap loom in Magdalena Aldama, Chiapas. Size S. Measures 22″ wide x 22″ long. $195.

#16. Albert Lopez Gomez designed this piece that was woven on the back strap loom in Magdalena Aldama, Chiapas where talented Maya women in his family create glorious cloth. The human figures at the bottom of the bodice represent the gods who hold the universe on their shoulders. Size S. Measures 20″ wide x 22-1/2″ long. Priced to sell at $170.

#17. Blue. Khadi Oaxaca is a workshop known for its lightweight garments made on the back strap or flying shuttle loom with all natural dyes. This tunic is dyed with indigo with wild marigold. Size S. 21″ wide x 28″ long, 11″ vents. Great over skirts or slacks. Layer over an insulated shirt for winter wearing! $95

#18. Teal. Khadi Oaxaca is a workshop known for its lightweight garments made on the back strap or flying shuttle loom with all natural dyes. This tunic is dyed with indigo with wild marigold. Size S. 21″ wide x 28″ long, 11″ vents. Great over skirts or slacks. Layer over an insulated shirt for winter wearing! $95

#19. Green. Khadi Oaxaca is a workshop known for its lightweight garments made on the back strap or flying shuttle loom with all natural dyes. This tunic is dyed with indigo with wild marigold. Size S. 21″ wide x 28″ long, 11″ vents. Great over skirts or slacks. Layer over an insulated shirt for winter wearing! $85.

SOLD. #20. Very rare and sought after native green Oaxaca cotton, hand-spun, woven on a back-strap loom, and embellished with figures dyed in rare purple snail dye. A one-of-a-kind. The green cotton is pre-Hispanic and used by indigenous weavers long before the Spanish conquest. It is amazing that it still survives today, although in very small quantities. Woven in Pinotepa de Don Luis, Oaxaca on the coast. Size M. Measures 25″ wide x 28″ long. $195.

Norma’s Oaxaca Closet Sale: 4 Wearing + Gifting

Ends Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3 PM!

I’m at my casita in Teotitlan del Valle and will return to the USA at the end of the coming week. I’m looking at the handwoven blusas and huipilesin my closet here! A collection of naturally dyed and artisan made textiles that I have treasured because I know everyone who has created them. Many are pieces I purchased years ago, so they have collector value. Most have never been or rarely been worn. So, very much LIKE NEW.

I’m reposting this. Glitches on website yesterday! Thanks for understanding.

Please purchase before 3 PM on November 14. I will be packing them to take with me when I return to New Mexico for the winter holidays and mail them to you after November 20 — just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Perfect for wearing or gifting!

20 pieces. Scroll all the way down!

Pieces are priced FAR BELOW what was paid for them. Priced to SELL.

How to Buy: Send me an email to tell me which item(s) you want BY NUMBER and by name of item. Send me your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. Tell me if you want to purchase using a Zelle transfer or a credit card. If you use a credit card, we add a 4% service fee. There is no extra fee for using Zelle. If you want Zelle, please tell me how your Zelle account is registered. For mailing, I will add a $14 packing and mailing charge. I am NOT putting these items for sale in the SHOP — only here!

Thank you!

#1. Reindeer Smocked Blouse from Tijaltepec, Oaxaca. The animal figures are created by smocking the 100% cotton fabric. Green trim is embroidered. Note the amazing sleeves. A perfect outfit for the holidays and seasonal festivities. Measures 17″ wide x 26″ long. Size M-L. $135 USD.

#2. This is an amazing back strap loomed 100% cotton poncho colored with natural dyes. I bought it from Los Baules de Juana Cata, curated by Remigio Mestas, in the historic center of Oaxaca. It is likely from the Mixteca Alta and made with a great deal of care and detail. Notice the hand-twisted fringes and the soft drape! Measures 45″ wide x 43″ long. $295

#3. Completely created by hand on a back strap loom in Cancuc, Chiapas, this 100% cotton garment is embellished with hand-embroidered detailing using synthetic yarns in the traditional colors of the village. Belt it or wear it as a robe. Size L-XL. Measures 31″ wide x 45″ long. $145.

#4. A finest quality manta (natural cotton) blusa (blouse) from Ejutla, Oaxaca, purchased some years ago from Los Baules de Juana Cata curated by Remigio Mestas. He works with only the finest weavers and embroiderers in remote villages. The bodice and sleeve edging are embroidered with the finest cotton threads. The color mix is a dark lavender-gray. The fabric drapes beautifully. The neck tie is strong and sturdy. I’m unable to wear this because it is now way too big on me. Size L-XL. Measures 28″ wide x 24″ long. $165 USD.

SOLD #5. One of my favorite Oaxaca villages is San Juan Colorado. It is a remote village on the coast and we will visit there in 2026. (email me if you want to be notified about this tour) Huipiles and blusas are created on the backstrap loom. This huipil is made with 100% cotton and natural dyes. The green is raw indigo. The red is cochineal and the brown is nut shells and leaves. A stunning piece. Measures 25″ wide x 41″ long. Size M-L. $235 USD.

#6. From the southern Oaxaca coast village of San Mateo del Mar, this fine gauze blouse was woven on the back strap loom. It features sea creatures, wildlife, and plants from the region including ducks, palm trees, and roosters. It is a size S-M. Measures 23″ wide x 25″ long. $95

#7. In Pinotepa de Don Luis on the Oaxaca coast, the rare purple snail dye is used sparingly to decorate hand-woven textiles. The figures include the double headed eagle, rows of corn, and people holding hands in community. This huipil has more purple snail dye than is typically used, making it a special piece. The white cotton threads are hand-spun on the drop spindle malacate by Monica from the famed family of Don Habacuc Avedano. Size M. Measures 26″ wide x 35″ long. $285.

#8a. This is a super-sized fuschine-dyed huipil from Santiago Ixtlayutla on the coast of Oaxaca, and is considered rare! The back strap loom woven dress, embellished with flora and fauna designs, is cotton with the designs woven in silk. The silk, a protein based fiber, absorbs the dye. The bleeding of the color is an intentional part of the process. The garment is folded after weaving, soaked in water, then dipped in dye. The bleeding mirrors the woven design. I purchased this from the private collection of Oaxaca textile museum founder in 2007 and rarely worn. Notice the tight randa (joining embroidery stitch) — hard to find this quality these days. Dry clean only. Size L-XL. Measures 34″ wide x 46″ long. Priced to sell at $595.

SOLD. #8b. This is a traditional woven textile from Pinotepa de Don Luis on the Oaxaca coast. It is not natural dyes yet it is one of the most finely woven pieces of cloth I have seen in years. Size L-XL. Measures 28″ wide x 36″ long. Priced to sell at $135.

#9. Curated by Merry Elizabeth Foss who worked with seamstresses and embroiderers in the remote mountainous region of Puebla state, this Chakira (beaded) blouse is white on white. Not the fine embroidered trim around the adjustable neckline and sleeve. Merry sold these at Malouf on the Square in Santa Fe at over $400 USD. Size S-M. Measures 22″ wide x 23-1/2″ long. Priced to sell at $125.

SOLD. #10. Vintage Guatemala ikat heavier weight cotton fabric designed into a contemporary style dress with two huge front pockets from one of the finest Oaxaca shops. Machine washable or dry clean. Size L-XL. Measures 27″ wide x 41″ long with an 18″ long sleeve. Priced to sell at $135.

SOLD #11. From the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, machine embroidered blouse on wine colored cotton fabric with frilly sleeve. All Oaxaca blouses embroidered on a machine are distinctive because the embroiderer hand-guides the needle — so we consider this made by hand. Size S. Measures 20″ wide x 24″ long. Priced to sell at $65.

#12. Oh My Goodness. Drop dead gorgeous. Try to find something like this in your quest for finest hand embroidery anywhere. This is punto de cruz — cross-stitch — along with incredible hand-smocking on bodice and sleeves. This is a vintage piece in very good condition, very wearable. From Michoacan. Size S-M. Embroidered bodice measures 11″ across; 27″ wide armpit-to-armpit; and 50″ long. Priced to sell at $165.

Sold. #13. Ruana is a modified poncho, open in the front and on the sides. Wear it straight or sling one or both front panels over your shoulder for a superb fashion statement. Natural dyes. From curator collector Remigio Mestas at Los Baules de Juana Cata. Measures 34″ long. The two front panels are 19″ wide each. The back panel is 38″ wide. One size fits all. $145 USD.

SOLD 14. From Pinotepa de Don Luis, Oaxaca. Coyuchi is native brown cotton that pre-dates the Spanish conquest. As a native grown plant, it is harvested, seeded by hand, then beaten and spun on a drop spindle malacate. Very labor intensive. This piece is embellis with figures dyed with purple snail dye — very rare. One size fits all. Measures 38″ wide x 28″ long. $195.

SOLD. #15. From indigenous designer Alberto Lopez Gomez, who is featured in New York Fashion Week and winner of international awards, this huipil is woven on the back strap loom in Magdalena Aldama, Chiapas. Size S. Measures 22″ wide x 22″ long. $195.

#16. Albert Lopez Gomez designed this piece that was woven on the back strap loom in Magdalena Aldama, Chiapas where talented Maya women in his family create glorious cloth. The human figures at the bottom of the bodice represent the gods who hold the universe on their shoulders. Size S. Measures 20″ wide x 22-1/2″ long. Priced to sell at $170.

#17. Blue. Khadi Oaxaca is a workshop known for its lightweight garments made on the back strap or flying shuttle loom with all natural dyes. This tunic is dyed with indigo with wild marigold. Size S. 21″ wide x 28″ long, 11″ vents. Great over skirts or slacks. Layer over an insulated shirt for winter wearing! $95

#18. Teal. Khadi Oaxaca is a workshop known for its lightweight garments made on the back strap or flying shuttle loom with all natural dyes. This tunic is dyed with indigo with wild marigold. Size S. 21″ wide x 28″ long, 11″ vents. Great over skirts or slacks. Layer over an insulated shirt for winter wearing! $95

#19. Green. Khadi Oaxaca is a workshop known for its lightweight garments made on the back strap or flying shuttle loom with all natural dyes. This tunic is dyed with indigo with wild marigold. Size S. 21″ wide x 28″ long, 11″ vents. Great over skirts or slacks. Layer over an insulated shirt for winter wearing! $85.

Sold. #20. Very rare and sought after native green Oaxaca cotton, hand-spun, woven on a back-strap loom, and embellished with figures dyed in rare purple snail dye. A one-of-a-kind. The green cotton is pre-Hispanic and used by indigenous weavers long before the Spanish conquest. It is amazing that it still survives today, although in very small quantities. Woven in Pinotepa de Don Luis, Oaxaca on the coast. Size M. Measures 25″ wide x 28″ long. $195.

Sashiko in Takayama

I spent the morning with Keiko-San at her home gallery twenty steps away from the Red Bridge. There is a green bridge, white bridge, and red bridge here. Landmarks to navigate location. Japanese are very organized and clean. Hisa, a local translator, met me at the red bridge along with Keiko-San to take me to her house. As we entered i was asked to take off my shoes before climbing the steep stairs to where she lives.

Keiko-San is a master Sashiko embroiderer. She does not have a shop. One must know about her and arrange a meeting through her son who lives in the US. I was grateful to have Hisa with me to make the communication easier.

Upon arriving upstairs, I was surrounded by this Japanese artwork of making little embroidery stitches on hand dyed indigo cloth. I was there for two hours. We even worked together to make two beautiful berets a bit smaller to fit. Fun is not enough to describe the experience.

Of course I bought something and if I never bought another piece of clothing in my life, this would be enough. My friend Svetlana Suggested I visit Keiko and also referred me to Hisa. Going into an artisan’s home is what I treasure most. I hope to return someday. Perhaps in 2025!

if you want to go to Japan with us in late 2025, please send me an email to get on the interested list.

Oaxaca + Comings and Goings

Summer is winding down. It will be Labor Day weekend in ten days. I’m recovering well from spinal fusion surgery, though I’m far from perfect, and need to walk with two REI hiking poles to keep my balance, but I’m managing between 5,000 and 7,000 steps at least four times a week. Yesterday, I almost reached 8,000! This is the summer of repair and recovery. This is good, because I’m planning to return to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead sometime in mid- to later October.

Consider joining us:

Day of the Dead Photograph Workshop in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca

Day of the Dead Tour with Hands-On Experiences — October 30

On September 6, I fly to Japan for a two-week immersion into folk art and textiles, joining friends in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Takayama. I’m meeting a sashiko embroiderer, taking a pottery tour with Robert Yellin in Kyoto, a textile tour, indigo dye workshop, and traditional Japanese pottery repair using gold and lacquer to fill in the broken seams called kintsugi — in the true nothing is perfect Wabi-Sabi tradition. My daughter-in-law is celebrating her 50th birthday in Tokyo, and I’ll meet up with her and my son for a celebratory dinner.

All this to say, that we are considering organizing a Japan Folk Art and Textile Tour for late October 2025, if all things align. Since Eric and I are not Japanese speakers, we are working with our friend Nancy Craft, a Conde-Nast Japan travel expert to help us with the logistics and a guide who will do translation.

If you are interested in receiving more information about a two-week (more or less) Japan experience, please send me an email. The tour cost will be in the range of $8,000-$10,000 (not including air travel, insurance, incidentals).

LAST DAY TODAY! 20% OFF the Shop Sale

Don’t miss out! Sale ends TODAY, Tuesday, August 20 at 9 p.m. Mountain Time. Use Code AUG20 on Shop Oaxaca Culture our online store for all things Oaxaca and Mexico — through Tuesday, August 20. It’s still summer and we have some beautiful, lightweight clothing for sale in the Shop that will carry you through the dog days of August and into September. And, as we transition into autumn and then winter, check out some mid-to heavier weight blouses (blusas) and huipiles and ponchos. All are handwoven. Many are made with natural dyes. They come from Oaxaca and Chiapas. All personally curated by Norma and Eric. Plus, there are some great pieces for home decor and organizing, including handwoven baskets from Oaxaca’s Mixteca Alta.

The sale goes until 9 P.M. tonight, Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Some examples of what’s in the Shop! Use your credit card or PayPal for no added fees. We pay the fee!

Shop the Shop: shop.oaxacaculture.com