Introducing Our New Crossbody Messenger Bags in Brown Stripes

We are very pleased to present our new crossbody messenger bags. Really, they have been the most complicated bag we have learned to make, with inside zippered pocket, a magnetic snap closure, a separating zipper to close off the interior, and a gusset! We struggled a bit in the beginning, but are proud of our results – and hope that our clients like them as well.

The fabric stripes were inspired by one of the traditional Cajolá stripes made into “servilletas” that we use for wrapping tortillas or tamales, or for carrying gifts of food to neighbors. Of course the pattern doesn’t look exactly the same because we are using less yarn in the warp and the weft.

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The embroidery motif represents the woman’s womb and her unborn children, an important part of the cycle of life.

Although we designed the bags for the United States, we have been selling them here in Cajola, too.

Backstrap Loomed Belts in New Colors

We have been weaving our belts in new colors for fall. This is the first time we have tried colors other than black or white as the background. We are happy with the results! We will be putting them in our Etsy store as soon as we can.

P.S. In case you have seen something about the horrendous rains we have been experiencing in Guatemala and Central America, we are grateful to say that we have been spared any serious damages up until now.

Chatting with the Backstrap Weavers

As you may remember, our group of backstrap weavers grew out of the need for their work. We had begun the group with women who learned to weave on the foot loom, and other women who learned to sew on manual sewing machines. But, we had requests for products that we couldn’t make on the foot loom. Since many of us learned to weave on the back strap loom when we were children we formed a third working group, the backstrap weavers.

The other day we were reflecting on how we feel about being in MayaMam Weavers. Cleta said “I am so proud to be working in this group and to know these other women. I really like this kind of work, and we are learning things little by little. And to earn money to live on, of course that is excellent.”

Elicia mentioned the ergonomic benches and how much they have helped their weaving by eliminating their pain. And she also mentioned that earning money was definitely a positive thing.

Anciona commented that there weren’t any opportunities to earn money before the group formed. And “a big thank you to Juana Ramos, who trained us in how to use the ergonomic benches.”

Sandra and Delmi are the newest members of the back strap weavers. Sandra said she is very happy here, and Delmi is also happy because she didn´t have any work before.

We also talked a bit about their embroidery designs. Although their designs come from their own culture and town, they aren’t really sure about what they all mean, even though they use them in their work. We are going to invite a Maya spiritual guide to help interpret the symbols in the near future.

Shawls in Fall Colors

We have been weaving our shawls in new colors. This one, in a rich pumpkin and jade color, is great for fall. Is hand loomed in the pattern we call “Delfina’s Design.” To finish it we have braided the fringe in double knots. The shawls are 100% cotton and amazingly warm – perfect for a chilly fall day. It looks great as a scarf we think – don’t you?

To share a bit of “behind the scenes” with you -- we take turns weaving on each loom. That way we can balance challenging days with easy days. If you are a weaver you know that weaving using the four pedals requires a bit more concentration than weaving with two pedals. And, because sometimes our backs get tired, we take a break from weaving and hand embroider one of our other products. The seamstresses set aside enough embroidery work for us to be able to take breaks each day.

Have a good day!