alpaca blue

Masterfully woven by hand, intricate diamonds motifs flow in bands across an expanse of blue. Artisans from the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco revive ancient techniques and designs for this handloomed cushion cover. Working on a backstrap loom, they utilize patterns that derive from Inca art and seek to keep the old textile traditions alive.

The community raises and cares for its own alpacas. The fleece is washed, carded and spun by hand using a pushka, or drop spindle. The dyes come from plants, nuts and tree bark. The next step is one of the most important, as the artisan prepares the warp, or vertical threads for the backstrap loom. This determines the size of the textile, the color combinations, and the patterns that will be woven.

The intensity of color can vary depending on the hardness of the water, the altitude and the local dye sources, making each cushion cover a unique piece of handcrafted art. The reverse side is solid espresso brown.

Evoking the optimistic beauty of morning, this charming throw is decorated with striped patterns in bright, earth, and blue tones inspired by the ancient Inca. Peruvian artisan W. Rojas Yuri designs this throw, which is handwoven on the traditional floor loom from a luxurious alpaca blend.

The memory of his beloved grandfather inspires Edwin Choquecahua to create stunning accessories that carry the Andes' essence. Being part of a Peruvian artisan family, Edwin uses acrylic and alpaca blend yarns to adorn this cushion cover with floral and leafy details, embroidered at the front. The piece also boasts an enchanting sky blue base hue and has a convenient zipper closure.

This boldly striped throw blanket will keep you warm on those chilly winter days. Made by artisan W. Rojas Yuri of Peru, this sublime piece of Andean textiles features a traditional pattern that combines a turquoise base hue with vibrant colors, all made from a combination of alpaca, acrylic and wool yarns that allows for a cozy sensation.