Each garment at PALLAY is the result of an artisanal process that combines tradition, creativity and collaboration.
We work hand in hand with master weavers from the High Andean Communities of Cusco in a co-creation process, where we jointly define the colors, the order in which they will appear and the measurements. From the selection of fibers to the finishes, each piece reflects the talent, patience and cultural legacy of the artisans.
1. Selection of fibers
It all starts with the choice of raw material: natural alpaca and sheep fibers, valued for their softness, strength and thermal capacity. These fibers have been used in the Andes for centuries and are the basis of each piece.
2. Dyeing with natural dyes
The threads are dyed by hand, achieving a unique color palette without polluting chemicals. Each color has a meaning and comes from the same nature that surrounds the weavers.
3. Co-creation of the design
Before we begin weaving, we meet with the weavers to define the details of each piece. Together, we choose the color combination, the order in which they will be arranged, and the dimensions. This step is key to ensuring that each creation maintains its artisanal essence, but also responds to a harmonious aesthetic vision.
4. Warping and preparation of the loom
The weavers begin their work by driving stakes into the ground and assembling the warp, the base of the fabric. Using the backstrap loom , an ancient technique, they build patterns full of history, following the previously co-created design.
5. Fabric: the soul of the process
Each loom is woven with precision and patience, reflecting the creativity and mood of the weaver. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, this stage can take weeks or even months.
6. Transformation of the loom into unique garments
Once finished, the loom is handed over to the hands of our artisans, who turn it into garments or home accessories. Using crochet techniques, sewing and hand finishing, each piece is transformed into a unique piece. ponchos, vests, capes, cushions, table runners, bed foots, coasters, etc., without losing their original essence.
7. A product with history and purpose
Each PALLAY garment is unique and unrepeatable, not only because of its design, but because it is the result of collaborative work that rescues Andean textile art. By purchasing a piece, you not only get a handcrafted textile, but you also support women weavers and contribute to the preservation of an ancestral tradition.
