IKAT WEAVERS TRIP

One of the things I like about Cuenca, is that the Chamber of Commerce recognizes the tiny community of extrajernos and is making an effort to help us become aquainted with our new home. The way they do this is to offer field trips to businesses around the Cuenca area that we might enjoy learning about. The Ikat Weavers is a prime example.  This is the Entrance to the Macana Weavers just between Paute and Gualeceo.

Tiny threads waiting for dye and weaving

Explaining how they separate the threads, wrap groups in a wide plastic tie, and then dye the threads..

These ladies were very busily tying the threads per a pattern

This is a very very old loom that the Spanish brought with them.. it is still used

This is all wool he is weaving. We were told that this material was used as diapers at one time.

He has foot pedals on this loom as well and the shifting on on the top.

In each pot is a different medium to create the colors, bugs, plants and volcanic rock!

Telling about the plants they use for colors

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 Thread all dyed, waiting to be woven

 

 

 

Original looms passed down through the family

He is strapped in and sitting on a leather "saddle" type seat.

 This is the dress of his Grandmother, she did all this on the loom. No knitting or crocheting to make the open work design

 

These shawls take approx. 2 weeks to weave, scarves 2 days.

It was a great time, I would like to return again.