Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Rayon Tassel Shawls

These silky rayon shawls from Guatemala are posh! Hand-dyed and hand-loomed, these shawls (or wraps) measure 26" (66cm) x 72" (183cm) and are finished-out with either pom-poms or tassel fringe. A variety of rich colors and ikat patterning to choose from. Perfect for the patio on a cool mountain evening, or to wrap up with after a swim in the river..

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Vintage Backstrap-Loomed Runners

Common Thread has received a collection of vintage Maya backstrap woven runners, featuring intricate weft-faced ikat designs in precise compositions not often seen today. Many of these pieces are from the Totonicapan area. These textile panels average about 20" (50cm) wide by around 70" (178cm) long, and are fringed on either end. They can alternatively be worn--as a wrap, a scarf, or a shawl..

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Open Weave Hand Loomed Cotton Scarves at Common Thread

Light and breathable, these open weave 100% cotton scarves are handwoven in Guatemala. The pieces measure 14"x72", and can also serve as table runners. As is the case with many artisan-made textiles, these weavings are simply beautiful to look at. The mostly undyed warp threads yield a natural fringe, and provide for cool muted colors. 

Monday, July 18, 2011

huipil (tunic)

Witness cultural design at it's best in the form of these lovingly handwoven and embroidered, functional works of art. Huipil are tops worn by traditional women of the Central America highlands. We have recieved a limited number of previously worn huipil. Discover these and other extraordinary one-of-a-kind textiles from the Western Hemisphere, at Common Thread!

A huipil (from the Nahuatal uipilli, meaning "blouse"`- "dress") is a form of Maya textile and tunic or blouse worn by indigenous Mayan, Zapotec, and other women in central to southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Elsalvador, and western Honduras, in the northern part of Central America. The elaborate design and patterns of a traditional woman's huipil may convey the wearer's village, marital status, and personal beliefs. They are usually made from two or three woven panels joined with decorative stitching, then doubled over and a hole cut in the center panel for the neck (unless woven in during the weaving) and decorated with stitchery. The sides are joined together with more decorative stitching, allowing openings for the arms and in the more ceremonial pieces, ribbons run down the length of the sides of the middle panel, sometimes with the ribbon forming a serrated collar ornament with two loose lengths of ribbons in the front, often in two colors. The length of the huipil varies from a simple sleeveless top extending to the waist or slightly below to a knee- or calf-length tunic forming draping scapular sleeves because of the width.