Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes
Why I Quite Selling 1T Thread Wayuu Bags
In my journey of selling Wayuu bags, each thread woven into the fabric tells a story of culture, craftsmanship, but most importantly, the woman who made the bag. As you know within the Wayuu category, there are two main types: single thread and double thread bags.
**The Difference Between Single Thread and Double Thread Wayuu Bags**
As much as I cherished the beauty and authenticity of single thread bags, there came a point where I had to make a difficult decision. Today, I want to share with you the reasons that led me to bid farewell to single thread Wayuu bags and embrace double thread Colombian mochila bags whole heartedly.
1. Communication Issues
Every single thread Wayuu bag is a testament to Wayuu culture and how they see the world through Kanaas. However, these artisans reside in the remotest corners of Colombia, where cell phone connection is scarce to non-existing, and the rhythm of life beats to a different tune. It was too hard for me to work on collections without knowing when I would hear back.
2. Navigating Risky Terrain
While the allure of single thread Wayuu bags is undeniable, the journey to their place of origin is fraught with challenges. Our on-site coordinators are unable to visit these remote places frequently and traveling poses significant safety risks. The lack of communication infrastructure means that once you embark on the journey, you're largely cut off from the outside world. As someone deeply invested in the well-being of both the artisans and our team, I couldn't ignore the inherent dangers of these expeditions.
3. Extended Production Times
Production of single thread Wayuu bags is a slow process. With only a single thread weaving through each intricate design, the time required to complete a single bag is doubled compared to double thread Wayuu bags. This prolonged production timeline pushed delivery dates far beyond the season we designed for and it's became a race against time that we more often than not found ourselves losing.
4. Exploring the possibilities
The decision to focus exclusively on double thread Colombian mochila bags became apparent. By shifting our focus to double thread bags, we could offer a wider range of designs and meet the demands of our growing customer base more efficiently. Beyond a business decision; it was a commitment to creating steady employment and creating lasting impact in the communities of the artisans we work with.
5. Versatility and Design
Double thread Colombian mochila bags represent a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Their enhanced durability and faster production turnaround time ensure that we can keep on creating designs you will love. From timeless classics to trendy pieces, our collection of double thread bags promises versatility, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
**Lombia's Wayuu Bag Creative Process**
While my journey of selling Wayuu bags has been filled with moments of awe and admiration for the artisans behind these treasures, it's essential to adapt and grow in response to changing circumstances. Together, let's continue to weave a tapestry of beauty and authenticity that celebrates the rich heritage of Colombian craftsmanship
A Little History On The Materials Used To Make Wayuu Bags
When you visit Colombia or go online, you’ll find Wayuu bags with all different types of bright and vivid colors. However, before colonial times, Wayuu fabrics were exclusively white, sometimes used in combination with another earthy color.
(VIDEO) Why No Wayuu Bag is Made of Cotton…EVER!
Today all Wayuu bags are made of acrylic from large thread manufacturers that provide thread in a wide range of colors.
Traditionally, wealthier Wayuus used wool for their dresses and sashes. Cotton and cucuiza (thin rope made from natural fibers were also commonly used). Many of the textiles were of a single color, either red or black as it was not common to combine colors.
(VIDEO) 7 Ingredients Of A Quality Wayuu Bag
The wealthy caciques wore white blankets with colored stripes on the edges. Pigments were limited to what was available in nature and typically included colors such as brick red, brown, black, and yellow. Fruit would be cooked in a pot to extract the dye and balls of yarn would be soaked in the liquid of the fruit. The threads would later be washed and left in the sun to dry.
After being colonized by several countries including the Dutch, Spanish and French, Wayuu textiles started gaining notoriety and began trading in large quantities.
Natural yarns were replaced by acrylic, providing faster production, better durability, a more vivid range of colors and a better hold of these colors.
It’s said that the color combinations of Wayuu fabrics are perhaps influenced by the teachings of the Mexican masters. Whether this is true or not, Wayuu textiles are a truly unique masterpiece that come in all colors of the rainbow.
(VIDEO) The Creative Process Behind Lombia’s Wayuu Bags
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