Threads of Peru Blog

We have just received a few select pieces from locally recognized Master Weavers to begin our new Master Weaver Collection, a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces of exquisite quality. Threads of Peru is interested in supporting and promoting the work of Master Weavers as they are important knowledge-bearers in the Quechua textile tradition. The dedication that these weavers have made to their craft has helped not only to keep it alive but also to strengthen and revitalize it. Through their example, others begin to appreciate this cultural tradition and decide to learn to weave or improve their skills. All of these individuals are very passionate about traditional back-strap loom weaving and take time to pass on their skills and knowledge to others. Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to these Master Weavers and their work, including a few pictures from a textile photo-shoot in the beautiful Sacred Valley location of Huaran. 

DANIEL SONQO

 

Daniel Sonqo (sonqo means “heart” in Quechua) is an experienced weaver from the community of Parobamba, high up in the mountains in an area referred to in Spanish as the “eyebrows of the jungle”.  He has been weaving since childhood and attributes his early interest in the art of weaving to his mother. Daniel began to sell his work in 1990 after the political climate in Peru became more stable. His works are highly regarded and well-known in the Cusco region. Daniel says that he tries to conduct all of his work with honour and is dedicated to sharing his knowledge to improve the weaving techniques in other communities. Daniel is extremely passionate about natural dyeing techniques and hopes to one day share his knowledge by writing a book.

Daniel shares his expert knowledge with Judy Svenson (left), TOP founder Ariana Svenson (front) and the women of the Chaullaqocha weaving association.

 Daniel has produced an intricate, multicoloured bedspread, an incredibly soft and warm baby alpaca poncho, and a striking table runner, as well as a traditional manta which features iconography from the region. View more of Daniel’s work here!   

 A traditional Peruvian poncho, handwoven by Daniel Sonqo from baby alpaca fiber.

Read more

Dana Blair joins the Threads of Peru team with years of experience studying and traveling throughout South America. Recently having graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in May 2012, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and History, disciplines that have allowed her to indulge and expand upon her interest in sustainable development and indigenous heritage in Latin America. Before taking up residence in Cusco, her travels included six months studying International Relations in São Paulo, Brazil, pioneering research on traditional ceramics making in the Bahian Recôncavo, Brazil and working as a field research assistant at the Chavín de Huantar archaeological site in the state of Ancash, Peru. 

Sarah Confer and Dana happily pose with a member of the Pitukiska weaving community and the latest TOP purchase - a colorful chullo. Soon to be available online for your purchasing pleasure!

Dana deeply shares the values embodied in the work done by Threads of Peru and is thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of this important project. For sustainable, and more importantly, equitable development to happen, it must begin with the infrastructure already in place. Her work in Peru taught her that the ingenuity and master craftsmanship of Peruvian artisans are the building blocks. All that was lacking were resources and a few bright minds. By providing and developing those resources, she is motivated by her strong belief that we can achieve sustainable growth in Peru without having to leave behind its vibrant cultural heritage.

Setting off on a four-day trek deep into the Mapacho River Valley to oversee natural dye workshops only two days after arriving in Cusco, Dana is confident in her ability to hit the ground running as the new TOP Project Coordinator. She sends her saludos to family and friends, especially in her hometown of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, from her new “home” in Peru!

Read more

Are you a retailer who is interested in high quality hand-made goods, traditional culture, natural materials and the principles of fair trade? Are you a business-person looking to invest in some traditional artwork for corporate headquarters, or a hotel owner looking for new, ethical and culturally-inspired decoration ideas?

If so, you might be interested to browse through our freshly minted wholesale catalogue! 

This catalogue features some of our finest and most highly sought items, a refined selection curated from the regular collection of textiles featured on our website and online shops. 

 Here at Threads of Peru, we aim to offer a more authentic and sustainable view of fashion, one that interconnects textiles, people, and the world, according to the principles of the worldwide Slow Fashion movement. [border] Slow Fashion is about providing a more sustainable future for the textile and clothing sector, linking fashion with awareness and responsibility, shifting value away from consumption to a conscious valuation of quality and durability in the products you buy and use.

 Each Threads of Peru textile is carefully woven one at a time according to centuries of tradition. Our products foster ecological and cultural integrity, as we focus on producing unique pieces from 100% natural materials.

Contact us today for your very own copy of Threads of Peru’s 2013 Wholesale Catalogue!

Read more