Virginia Apaza Ticona "Working with alpaca wool is a family tradition that we lovingly share with you. I hope you like it." Born in the Puno region on November 15, 1972, Virginia Apaza Ticona is the second of six children. Her father raises alpacas and sells their wool. Her mother knits and crochets a variety of clothing articles, and Apaza learned at the age of 15. Aided by her aunts, the artisan sold her designs; in this way she was able to fund her university studies, where she specialized in social work. Today, Apaza works as a consultant for merchandising handicrafts. Over the years, she kept up her knitting hobby and in 2002 Apaza decided to dedicate all her time to textiles. Setting up a workshop in her home, she works with women's groups. She is fluent in the Aymara language. Being able to communicate with women and communities where this is the only language spoken permits her to aid them in selling their work. Apaza works mainly in sheep wool, alpaca wool and alpaca blends, crocheting and knitting by hand and also on knitting machines. "I am an artist who loves working with her hands - they make real the fanciful ideas that come to my mind! Having learned the textile arts from my mother long ago, I still immensely love to create and to knit - knitting is such a versatile, enjoyable art. "I have knitted traditional dolls for a long time. I love to recreate traditional costumes, though I specialize in Quechua and Aymara styles. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with orders, that I have to ask other people to come in and help me stuff the dolls and put them together. "Nowadays, my product range includes garments, dolls, handbags, and knitted toys shaped like the animals that live in the Andes. "Working with alpaca wool is a family tradition that we lovingly share with you," she says. "I hope you like it."

	Customer Reviews
		Querida Senora Virginia Apaza Ticona lequiero agradeser mucho por las gorras que nos iso estan muy bonitas y nos gustaron mucho. William Jackson - William J Today I received my order of the "Winter Dreams"poncho - and I love it! It's beautifully made and will be a joy to wear. Thank you! - Suzanne S, Bath, England The "Winter Dreams" cloak is magnificent! The design and style make it different from everything else I wear. Thank you for a quality product that I will wear for years to come! - Nancy C, Gaithersburg, MD, USA Ms. Apaza is offering some truly lovely items. The chullos I purchased are soft, warm, expertly knitted and always donned on chilly mornings! - Jeremiah T, Mount Vernon, Kentucky, USA My mother received her Starlight cloak and is very pleased with it and looking forward to wearing it to an upcoming special function. Thank you for this handsome piece of wearable art! - Sheryl H., Staten Island, NY I am very glad I bought these--I have 2 sets of finger puppets, the jungle set and the farm set. Thank you, for your creativity and care with these toys! R. Malone - R Malone, Salt Lake City, Utah USA My alpaca shawl made by Virginia Apaza Ticona in Peru is simply gorgeous! She has a sharp eye for color mixes and the fit is perfect. The Andean style and patterning makes it a unique and unusual item - a welcome addition to my wardrobe, and I'll enjoy it for many years to come. - Wendy W, Pacific Palisades, CA, USA I ordered the Winter Dreams poncho and cannot believe the beauty and quality! Especially for the price. It has been almost seven years since my last visit to Peru and I miss it everyday. Not only do I wear the poncho with pride, but I often look at it and I am transported back to the most beautiful place in the world. Thank you so very much. - Susan V, Surfside Beach, South Carolina, USA Thank you for the beautiful Winter Dreams poncho which is even lovelier than the photo! I can't believe how soft it is and will wear it with great enjoyment. - Shirley B, United Kingdom Estimada Sra. Virginia Apaza: Muchas gracias por la gorra tan linda que ha tejido, esta preciosa! La felicito por su trabajo tan hermoso. Un saludo de una admiradora, Atentamente, Elena Cabeza - Elena C, Austin, Texas Just want to say that I love my poncho - it's very soft and of good quality. I think I'm hooked on the site now! - anne h, Oxford, UK The My Novica pages are becoming my obsession because you and all the other Artists speak directly to my soul with your unique and most lovely designs and products. I wish I have discovered you sooner. Please, please keep up your inspirational Art, for that what it is: true honest to goodness ART. Thank you Virginia Apaza Ticona. Your great admirer, Krystyna. - Krystyna C, Canada I am very happy with my hooded alpaca poncho. The weave is flawless and soft, not a bit scratchy. I will wear it with pride and happily tell everyone where I got it. It arrived wrapped in special paper and adorned with a lovely handmade ornament. I am so glad I dicovered this website. Viya con Dios, Novica! - Sherry Innes, Kenai, Alaska, USA Today I received the Alpaca wool poncho with hood - Andean Classic, which I purchased for my daughter's gift. I am so incredibly impressed! What a beautiful piece of clothing. The quality and detail surpasses anything I have seen before. I am positive that my daughter will love and treasure this poncho for years to come. Thank you for such a beauty. - Patricia Mozzoni, Aston, PA, USA Thank you for such lovely work. I have especially enjoyed wearing the poncho during our exceptionally cold winter this year and have received many compliments on it and the fine workmanship it reflects. - Nancy Ei., USA