I am very much enjoying learning about Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez and her life’s work establishing the Center of Traditional Textiles of Cusco , and keeping part of the past alive. She has fought an important battle bringing back the straying generation which nearly put an end to the skilled weavers of the Cusco region, and result has established institution and industry in Cusco, while bringing next generations back into the nest of tradition. Nilda, you go girl!
I am deeply inspired by the imagery of the Andes mountains, and of industry in spinning, weaving, and knitting from the Cusco region. It is obvious that I romanticize their more provincial lifestyle, although I do consider myself very lucky that I can set my feet into a degree of provincialism while at the same time choosing what I like from convenience of the modern world. I know from my own that it is hard work refining a life in craft has nearly in itself become a novelty in the modern world. A work ethic in craft is to me all consuming, as I savor and enjoy growing the goodness of making.
Here are a few short interview films about Nilda and her work…
I have found and purchased out one of Nilda’s books and am looking forward to it arriving by mail, and of sharing it here forthcoming . I am fascinated in weaving, and the colors create from natural dyes (as well as natural un-dyed yarns) , but as I am committed to knitting, I hope the muse touches me and brings more ideas into the knit design that I do. More to come about my views of the richly exotic textile traditions in the nest of the Andes, so watch this space!
Read more about Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez…
Nilda’s Wikipedia
Nilda’s books on Amazon
Interview with Cloth & Clay
Interview with World Strides
Smithsonian Folk Life Festival
Jenjoyce Design 
Jenn: my yarn university. I love linear geometric designs in yarn, both woven and knit. Thanks for the references. When shall we go to Peru? I think I’m small enough to ride in a llama sidecar. (Can you just see that? Think fringe on every ear, border and corner.) I’d better get to work on my poncho…and my Spanish. (Will Spanish do?)
((((I accidentally did not post this reply to you , in a reply, but in a comment format… silly me)))) You are just SO funny! You really would do best to learn the native language of the region ~ Quechua! I am so happy you’re enjoying my posts 🙂 xx
You are just SO funny! You really would do best to learn the native language of the region ~ Quechua! I am so happy you’re enjoying my posts 🙂 xx
Hi, Jenn hope you remember me, your friend from Puerto Rico, Love reading your blog won’t mind helping with your spanish. Hope you are doing good. Thanks for sharing all of this. Take care
Iris! I am so glad you are happy to leave messages, if we can we’ll communicate here. I have not forgotten you, not in the least! I hope to be myself soon, but how are you? xxx!
And Iris , I would LOVE it if you would care to test-knit my forthcoming design? xx
Jen don’t worry about been your self yet, it takes time to heal so please take it easy and just take one day at a time. Yes I would love to test-knit for you, but I don’t consider my self a great knowledgeable knitter, Im self taught, if you don’t mind helping me if I have any doubts.
Iris, I will flag you down personally and ask, never expecting, always respecting your limits of what you’re comfortable with. I’m just so happy we met! xx
Thanks, me too. 😊
I hope your life is shaping back into it’s former way before Hurrican Maria?