patchwork

Leonor Quispe gives an Andean setting to the very first Christmas. While the Wise Men wend their way to the stable, an angel hovers above the manger to watch over the Holy Family. In the sky, the Christmas star illuminates whitewashed homes that cluster amid cactus. Quispe works in the traditional art of arpillera (patchwork) to create this extraordinary wall hanging. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered by hand. A display rod (not included) can be slipped through two loops at the top.

A mixed-print patchwork and kantha embroidery lend a wonderfully bohemian attitude to this kimono-style jacket. Crafted of all cotton, the jacket features a front tie and flared sleeves. Designer Jay Kumar Maheshwari presents the jacket, which is crafted by local artisans in Jaipur, India.

Make heads turn with this treasure from afar. Inspired by the ancient textiles of the Silk Road, Uzbek artisan Dinara expertly crafts gorgeous ikat textiles into a stylish and sturdy patchwork bag. With a main zipper closure, the lined interior features two handy pockets with a zippered compartment at the back for keeping essentials close at hand.

Using recycled scraps of cotton batik, Alaya Cholprasertsuk creates a magnificent one-of-a-kind wall hanging. Patchwork flowers in pink, yellow and lavender grace a background of natural cotton. Piping and hand embroidery accent the designs. The wall art comes with two wood rods for hanging.

Farmers and itinerant merchants come together in an open air street market. Shoppers choose from heaps of squash and bananas, potatoes, cabbages and citrus fruits. Sacks of grains round out food offerings, and textiles tempt the home seamstress. Leonor Quispe explores Andean life and customs, working in the traditional art of arpillera (patchwork) to create this wall hanging. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered.

A display rod can be slipped through an opening at the top.