clearing space

As part of the spaceclearing this week, I uncovered a box of stuff I was 'keeping good' for a future house - where I felt we would have more space to give it justice. My cousin had mentioned a South-West corner, and I liked the sound of that!

... these are very cherished things I brought back from my trip to New Mexico...in 2004! Just when was I thinking it would ever be the time for them to come out? So decided here and now is good enough.. or maybe this is the time I've been saving them for!

The rug and cushion come from Ortega's weaving shop in Chimayo, New Mexico. The Ortegas are a family of weavers going back 8 generations. Entering the shop you can see through to the looms in the back where they still work. Every item is woven slightly differently and the colours are gorgeous. There are piles of rugs, blankets and mats in all sizes and colourways, cushions and a large display of Navaho style turquoise and silver jewellery. You really feel this is the real, special thing!

...there's that Thunderbird again, from the painted adobe walls outside the shop.

I love the old stripey Pendleton blankets you often see in these colourways, tucked under a western saddle in old photos - and aspire to owning some/one! of these! Beautiful.

The enamel cup, saucer and a matching bowl came from Serendipity in the town of Angelfire - how's that for a name - for a pioneering coffee swilling pre-hike out to the studio type breakfast. Kind of Cath Kidston - but not.

So after wondering why I've had them hidden away all this time, and what that has to say about me... they now have place in my home... the blanket actually fits snugly over the 'workbasket' I salvaged a few weeks ago, (keeping the wool warm) and covers the mess of projects going on in there... like the colourful lid on a cauldron! And the cowboy enamelware? ...looks like beans for breakfast...

Comments

[Sally Anne]

Wow, what treaures. I would so much like to weave a navaho inspired rug one day. I visited a friend the other day whose whole house has many treasures from Mexico.She is a weaver and has woven some beautiful navaho tabestries and rugs, very inspiring indeed.