Marleny Quijahuaman

Apparel and accessories in Andean alpaca in The Andes

"I mix different threads and yarns, and combine them with embroidery, for example. I really enjoy this — it's definitely my passion and I want to do this forever."

"I'm Teresa Marleny Quijahuaman Yana. I was born in 1969 in the beautiful city of Arequipa with its extraordinary colonial architecture that mixes European characteristics with ancient Peruvian art.

I'm an enterprising woman, constant and responsible. When I was a girl, I'd accompany my mother to her knitting classes, and this marked my life. That's when I discovered my own affinity for this lovely art.

"I was still quite young when I began working. I created children's clothing in small quantities. For this, I used fine yarn from the summer season.

"With perseverance, effort and dedication, my orders began to increase. People asked me for new designs every two weeks and I began adapting my work to the seasons.

"It isn't easy to keep up with the seasonal trends. It's been a challenge to achieve this but it's been worth it. I feel very proud because, when you really want to reach your goals, you can't rest until you do. Even now, I continue striving each day to create quality apparel to distinguish my work from all the rest.

"I firmly believe in the importance of constant innovation. This is what will make you stand out; if not, you'll be left by the wayside, unable to move forward and reach your goals. I also believe that innovation goes hand in hand with personal preparation and training.

"My fascination with textile art arose from its versatility, breadth, and the variety of techniques and materials. They challenge me but encourage me to develop my creativity. I experiment by hand with knitting needles and crochet hooks, and sometimes with a home knitting machine. I mix different threads and yarns, and combine them with embroidery, for example. I really enjoy this — it's definitely my passion and I want to do this forever.

"I usually work in 100% alpaca and baby alpaca, the soft, fine fleece from the season's first shearing.

"My inspiration comes from the beauty and fragility in the natural world that surrounds me. In this place where I grew up and have lived and experienced so much in my life.

"I also find inspiration in the highland communities where I give classes so the artisans there can increase the value of their textile work. At the same time, I learn techniques from them, techniques that are dying out.

"For the future, I hope to keep this workshop that is growing day by day with dedication and work. With the help of my family and children, I believe this will be possible. We do everything with passion and I really enjoy my work. My children are behind me in this. I also want to continue teaching others in small communities so that they can improve their art and also their quality of life."

22 items by Marleny Quijahuaman

Customer Reviews

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Mary Ingalls

Verified Reviewer

12/01/2020

"Beautiful color & craftsmanship"

This is a stunning sweater, with a lovely feel to it and beautifully crafted. The only thing Id change is to have a more fitted style -- having recently reclaimed my waistline, Im vain of it and would like to show it off! That said, this gorgeous blue makes up for it, and this is quickly becoming a staple!

Purchased Item:

Holiday Warmth in Blue, Knit Blue Baby Alpaca Turtleneck Sweater from Peru

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Shoshana

Verified Reviewer

07/05/2019

"Gorgeous sweater"

Thank you, Marleny Quijahuaman! This is a sleek, beautifully designed and well executed garment. The color is very rich, and the sweater is remarkably lightweight and bulk-free, given its warmth. (Ah, alpaca!) If you like your pullover sweaters on the large size, you might think about going one size up. As it is, the garment is true to size and nicely form-fitting.

Purchased Item:

Holiday Warmth in Red, Knit Red Baby Alpaca Turtleneck Sweater from Peru

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Kahryn

Verified Reviewer

02/09/2019

"Sweet Mystique in Ivory"

Beautifully knit and true to size. Love the knit covered buttons. Very soft with the 100% baby alpaca.

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Purchased Item:

Sweet Mystique in Ivory, Ivory Baby Alpaca Cardigan Sweater with Pointelle Designs

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Nicole

Verified Reviewer

10/19/2018

"Favorite go to sweater"

Beautiful and quite unusual. Have lots of compliments on it. With all the colors running down the side I can wear it with so many tops. It can look dressy and also looks great with jeans.

Purchased Item:

Morning Muse in Grey, Grey Alpaca Blend Sweater Jacket from Peru

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Paula

Verified Reviewer

05/26/2018

"Beautiful craftsmanship"

Beautiful craftsmanship and wonderfully soft and warm. I have never spent so much on single article of clothing before, but the quality, comfort, and warmth of this sweater make it well worth it!

Purchased Item:

Weekend Delight, Grey 100% Baby Alpaca Pullover Sweater from Peru

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Carla

Verified Reviewer

02/24/2018

"What a Fabulous Find"

I was so happy to find an alpaca sweater jacket with pockets and a lovely generous collar. It feels so soft and keeps me warm stylishly. Im happy to see it other colors too. I had a hard time choosing but Im very pleased with this salt and pepper grey.

Best Uses

Warmth with style

Purchased Item:

Saturday Morning in Grey, Grey Alpaca Blend Belted Sweater Jacket from Peru

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Marleny Quijahuaman

22 items by Marleny Quijahuaman

Customer Reviews

"Beautiful color & craftsmanship"

"Gorgeous sweater"

"Sweet Mystique in Ivory"

"Favorite go to sweater"

"Beautiful craftsmanship"

"What a Fabulous Find"

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