AlterNatives is winterizing and getting you ready for the holiday season. We have handwoven naturally dyed scarves that feature 11 unique “ikat” designs.
WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE
The scarves are woven on backstrap looms by Highland Maya women who collect indigenous plants and craft their own dyes. The cooperative was organized by Guadalupe Ramirez, the social entrepreneur behind AlterNatives, to assist rural women in a region suffering malnutrition.
NATURAL QUALITIES
The natural tints are not only safe for the women and their environment but when fixed to Bamboo fiber threads create amazingly soft fabric akin to silk with a distinctive feel you will love.
The Eco-friendly dyes are obtained from native plants like periócon, aloe, and hibiscus. A fantastic earth tone is derived from fresh coffee cuttings. Natural dyes are a renewable resource for communities whose production is biodegradable. A significant issue for agricultural families with many kids underfoot.
ANCIENT WEAVING TECHNIQUES
The scarves are woven on a backstrap loom utilizing an ancient technique called Jaspe. This produces a unique “painterly” quality that is fresh and contemporary.