lightweight blanket

In lovely contrasting hues of chili and eggshell, fascinating rhombus patterns decorate this throw blanket from Guatemala. Daniela Murga exalts the traditional backstrap loom, weaving this throw entirely by hand from cotton. A dangling tassel decorates each corner of this throw.

The vibrant design of this throw celebrates India's millenary textile arts. From UMBVS Desert Weavers of India, the red cotton throw hosts myriad traditional patterns in shades of black, orange, green, lapis blue, and white.

Cozy cocoa and cream tones add spice to cool evenings in an acrylic and alpaca blend throw from Jorge Priori. Finished with fringe, the attractive textile showcases modern Andean style. Renowned for its thermal qualities, alpaca is lightweight yet it possesses an incredible capacity for heat retention.

Intricate wavy textures adorn the surface of this throw blanket from Peru, woven from an acrylic and alpaca blend for a warm, durable blanket. With fringes on the ends and a solid sand color, the blanket is presented by Nestor Yana, who carries on the weaving traditions of his Peruvian hometown.

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.

This scarf displays various shades of gray in a classic design by Peru's Felipe Berckholtz. The men's scarf is woven with the wool from the season's first shear, termed baby alpaca and much sought after for its soft, lightweight warmth. The ancient Inca discovered the attributes of this fiber, reserving it for the exclusive use of the aristocracy.

Cozy and classic, this alpaca blend throw is woven with bouclé textures. Felipe Berckholtz combines a rich palette of greys for his bold plaid textile. The soft, lightweight and warm design honors the alpaca tradition started by the ancient Inca.