colorful blankets

Pastel colors in mint green, blue, eggshell, and dark taupe are woven together in beautiful harmony in this comfortable throw blanket from India. Pursuing her passion for textiles, Seema designs this blanket, adding knotted fringes to the ends.

Miriam and Debora find their main inspiration in geometry, designing a marvelous throw in red and white hues. Handloomed by Guatemalan artisans, this cotton accessory is a soft addition perfect for those winter days, with little fringes adding a sophisticated accent.

Members of the Women United for Artisan Development group in Guatemala hand-weave this striped throw blanket from 100% cotton in shades of ivory, red and blue. Interspersed with the stripes are geometric, animal, floral and leaf patterns reminiscent of traditional Mayan motifs that make up a unique decorative accent.

Working on an artisanal floor loom, Peru's W. Rojas Yuri hand-weaves this throw from a sumptuously soft alpaca blend. Bold stripes of espresso are interspersed with colorful striped patterns that are carefully incorporated by hand.

Intricate geometric motifs come to life in radiant colors derived from natural dyes. Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco work with ancestral techniques to create fashion for today and always. This elegant ruana cape is woven by hand of fine alpaca wool, prized by the ancient Inca for its lightweight warmth. The cloak of many colors includes red, goldenrod yellow, fuchsia and orange, among others.

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 textile a unique piece of handcrafted art.

Miriam and Debora find their main inspiration in geometry, designing a gorgeous throw in indigo and beige shades. Handloomed by Guatemalan artisans, this cotton accessory is a soft addition perfect for those winter days, with little fringes adding a refined accent.

Miriam and Debora find their main inspiration in geometry, designing a lovely throw in grey and black colors. Handloomed by Guatemalan artisans, this rayon accessory is a soft addition perfect for those winter days, with little fringes adding an elegant accent.