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.

Symmetrical patterns in azure, turquoise, green and steel blue bring a playful accent to this navy blue pullover sweater from Peru. Fernando Cano's design features a soft crew neck and a slightly opened curved waist for a deliciously comfortable fit. The sweater is knit of alpaca - coveted since the days of the Inca Empire because it is soft, lightweight and warm.

This enchanting long tunic sweater combines a multitude of fall colors and patterns ready for dressing up or a casual day out. An open knit panel at the mid-sleeve andbodice allows for the soft bell shape at the sleeveand hem. Benita Cutipa works in a luscious blend including baby alpaca - the fine fleece from the season’s first shearing.

This vibrant wrap will work both as a shawl and a beautiful oversized scarf for cold winter days. Raquel and Gregor weave it in a soft baby alpaca and Peruvian pima cotton blend, and decorate it with a jacquard pattern in violet, light grey, turquoise, and hot pink. The couple aims to preserve their homeland's rich textile and weaving traditions through their work using local materials and techniques.

This vibrant wrap will work both as a shawl and a beautiful oversized scarf for cold winter days. Raquel and Gregor hand-weave it in a butter-soft baby alpaca blend and decorate it with a luxurious jacquard pattern in a warm combination of burnt orange, amber, and ochre tones.

Raquel and Gregor aim to preserve their homeland's rich textile and weaving traditions through their work.