The making of fibers, cloth and other textile goods has existed in the country since at least 1400 BC. Fibers used during the pre-Hispanic period included those from the yucca, palm and maguey plants as well as the use of cotton in the hot lowlands of the south.

Textiles is one of Mexico’s more important crafts as it represents the continuation of tradition as well as its fusion with modern designs and techniques. Both pre-Hispanic and colonial era style textiles are still made in Mexico. In addition, many of the textile factories use machines based on old foot pedal looms from the colonial period. There are basically four types of fibers used for fabric production:

• Vegetable products such as cotton
• Animal products such as wool and silk
• Minerals such as gold and silver thread
• Synthetics.

The technique used by Carmen Simón Zamara to make her wonderful pillows and wearable art is not a new technique. The Chinese used it centuries ago to make elegant clothing.

She uses cotton on which is drawn designs such as animals, the Mexican people and, of course, scenes from Michoacán's landscapes. The inspiration is endless and an important element in Carmen's work - she calls it the "soul of her work."

Carmen Simón coordinates a "team" of workers who have been together over 18 years in the design and manufacture of clothing and decorative hand-painted quilted art. Their goal is not to become a huge workshop, but rather to preserve the quality of work they produce.

After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, the production of cloth and the wearing of clothes in Mesoamerica changed drastically. Most pre-Hispanic forms of dress and body adornment were banned by the Spanish as “uncivilized.” Indigenous, European and Asian fabrics influenced Mexican cloth production by the mid colonial period. The Spanish did not favor the native cotton (manta), nor did they find the material produced on traditional backstrap looms wide enough. New techniques and materials were introduced.

While cotton cloth was not favored by the Europeans, it was still made and offered as tribute to Spanish overlords. Large cotton weaving workshops were not founded until the second half of the 17th century.

The most widely produced fabric was called “manta,” a natural cotton favored by many indigenous groups. In many parts of Mexico, including Oaxaca, a manta is a natural-colored cotton fabric used for making clothing and other diverse objects. Some artists paint this fabric, while others choose to embroider it. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to choose your favorite design, then paint it onto a fabric in your colors of choice.

Each garment, bag, box, backpack, pillow or dress produced by La Ventanita Morada is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Contact information:
Irepan #200, Col. Vasco de Quiroga
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
434 342 5044
la_ventanita_morada@yahoo.com.mx

Or contact Marianne Carlson at (from the US) 01152 376 765 7485 or email marianne carlson@gmail.com.