Yesterday, Dana and I, along with a short-term volunteer from Australia, Gabrielle, spent the day up in Chaullaqocha for an “entrega,” or pickup, from the weavers in this community cooperative. We got to see how the new products turned out and the color palettes that we designed during our “pedido” one month ago. We are very happy with the results!
Gregoria Puclla Sullkapuma smiling proudly with her beautifully woven scarf!
We set up a table in a communal area and called up the women in pairs to turn in their products. Dana and Daniel measured the length and width of each piece to make sure it matched the order dimensions, then inspected it for quality. Gabrielle recorded each detail of the finished product for our records and website. Then Dana would pay each woman, thank her, and send her to me to be photographed with her creation.
TOP Project Coordinator, Dana, and master weaver, Daniel Sonqo, discussing dimensions and designs of our new stock of Alejandro ponchos.
It was fantastic to see the beautiful ponchos, cushion covers, and scarves that have been created from the piles of dyed fiber that we picked out last time we were in Chaullaqocha just one month ago. I was especially thrilled with the results of the color palettes that I spent so much time researching and designing. The colors of the new scarf go together beautifully; a rich cranberry contrasted with the natural alpaca hues of warm grey and chocolate brown.
It also includes thin, subtle pinstripes of purple and white that really make the pallay design pop. I also loved how the patterned material for the cushion covers came out. We used a rich earth tone brown for the background, and two wide design stripes of a mustard yellow on white, flanked on each side by a gorgeous mossy pastel green. The products are perfect for fall; subdued palettes with vibrant bursts of rich, natural colors.
Santusa Cjuro Castille (left) and Demesia Sinchi Echami (right) worked together to create this stunning Alejandro poncho! Because of the size and time involved in weaving ponchos, the women work in pairs with friends and relatives of their communities.
We will be adding the new products to the website soon - keep an eye out for some lovely fall pieces in the near future!
Written by Megan Malley