Tapestry crochet in Peru? I found the hats seen below (made by the lady selling them), but very few people I encountered knew how to tapestry crochet. Knit hats with playful images of llamas and birds were easy to find, but crocheted ones with figurative motifs were scarce.
Acrylic tapestry crocheted hats made and sold in Peru, 2017.
What was I doing so far from home? Well, I have ALWAYS wanted to travel to South America. The opportunity finally presented itself last November. I was especially blessed to be able to join a textile tour and to attend the Tinkuy Conference in Cusco, Peru. As usual, I brought along tapestry crochet and some Bead & Felted Tapestry Crochet books to give away. Like Johnny Appleseed, I planted tapestry crochet seeds wherever there was interest – and there was a LOT of interest!
Known mostly for their beautiful backstrap woven fabric, many male and female weavers also knit and crochet in highland Peru. I brought an unfinished bag with me that I started during a trip to England (the colors were inspired by the English and US flags). Peruvians had seen hats like the ones pictured above, but few knew how they were made. So, after they showed us how to spin, dye, and weave alpaca yarn, some of us demonstrated our fiber techniques. The savvy Andeans were thrilled to learn tapestry crochet – and picked it up right away!
I demonstrated a few color changes before letting them give it a try in Pitumarca, Peru (photo by Judy Sprague).
Tapestry crochet was a hit in Pitumarca!
This young man in Pitumarca was especially adept at changing colors and maintaining a consistent gauge.
In Accha Alta the crocheters were also interested in the cotton and nylon I used because they were more familiar with alpaca and wool.
Tapestry crochet seeds were also planted in Chinchero.
Hermelinda Escalante and I immediately hit if off when we realized we both crocheted. Many of the crocheters I met there controlled yarn tension by wrapping it around their neck, as she did.
I met this woman at the conference. While most used regular crochet hooks, hers had a yellow handle – perfect for tapestry crochet.
It gives me great pleasure to see what talented people around the world are doing with tapestry crochet. I’m sure that many of the seeds planted in Peru will thrive, as they have elsewhere. Like so many others, Peruvians are looking for new ways to increase their income. Tapestry crochet requires little investment, the finished products are easy to transport, and product possibilities are endless. My regrets? I should have brought more books and crochet hooks. Next time.
I love the photos and how you were able to share your love of crocheting. I especially love to see men as well as women crafting. I love tapestry crochet. Now I know it has a name. A few years ago I made my son a cat Afghan with many cats. I had 16 balls of yarn in my lap sometimes. I am from New York but like in Italy now. I hope to meet inspirational crafters here.
[…] bag I crocheted in Peru in 2017 has been included in a wonderful hot-off-the press crochet book, Virkkaajan Vapaus (Freedom […]
If onky I could post a picture of my much loved crocheted bucket hat with flowers embroidered on it. I purchased it from a mother and daughter I had seen making it as we left the hotel f for a day trip near Cusco in 2015. When we returned in the afternoon the mother and daughter had completed the little hat and I just had to purchase such a personal item. Wherever I go people remark about my hat. Last year I was on a bus trip as part of the world Rose conference. Every time I walked up the aisle the bus someone would say I like your hat!
Is There anyway I can post you pictures of my little hat. Bonita from Toowoomba Queensland Australia
Lovely story! Did you try to include a photo of the hat in a comment?