Today without trying to be to "personal" there aren't those many "special" things I can say about the knitting arena in Mexico. Perhaps this may be a bit of a shock to many of you but what seems to be a fashionable and /or a popular activity in, let's say the US it is quite different down here. This makes me remember about a time (2006) when I was in Toronto, Canada in a very interesting store named Romni Wools. A place where they have stacks of yarn from floor to ceiling, a place pretty much like a warehouse but a total feast to the eyes of a knitter. While paying for some beautiful and very cheap skeins of yarn from France the owner noticed I was a tourist and the moment I mentioned I was from Mexico she immediately said "It must be yarn heaven down there!". I just nodded because I felt both sad about knowing the truth and also because I did not want to spoil her cheerful attitude. This does not mean that there is no knitting in my country, on the contrary but it is an activity of almost a 100% folk art. This is, you need to take a plane out of Mexico City to find handmade skeins of yarn that are also hand painted. The best place to go is the state of Oaxaca, on the Pacific Coast, a truly "heavenly" place for folk knitters. In another day I will speak more about Oaxaca. Today I will focus on life for a knitter like me in Mexico City.
I am fortunate to live close to an area of the city pretty much of what Greenich Village or Soho are in New York. A very lively place where many artists live. This past year it has grown a bit more and for my luck two new yarn stores have opened! You can imagine my enthusiasm. One is called "El Club de la Araña" (The Spider's Club) and the other one "Tala". Now, these are new places that are starting and so still need to work on their costumer service skills but I am hopeful. About the merchandise they carry, 95% of it is composed of imported skeins from Spain, Peru, France, Italy, etc. and only 5% represents the only mexican brand that has a certain quality to standout: "Omega" yarns.
Because of the huge market competition due to globalization unfortunately many mexican fiber and yarn producers closed their activities. Only "Omega" has been able to withstand the competition, they mainly produce 100% cotton yarns with very nice colors. Mexico is not a real wool producer.
Last year I bought my first stash of "Omega" yarns that I used to knit a lace project. I am happy with the results.
Here is a picture of such project, I hope you like it.
In the meantime I say farewell and promise to keep on writing about Mexico and also clear out some myths while I am at it.
All the best, Marie.
3 comentarios:
Hiya! I was really surprised by your post about knitting and yarn in Mexico. I had visions of stores selling stacks of luxurious yarn in beautiful colours. It is sad that a lot of producers have been forced to close down.
I've never been to Mexico (USA and Cuba are as close as I have been!)but I would love to visit one day so reading for blog is a real insight for me!! Take care, Charlie :)
Hi Charlie, Yes, it is a common missconception that we down here are swimming in yarn. Anyway, one of the great things about the local yarn industry are the handmade yarns made by indian women. Those definately you cannot find them anywhere else.
Take care! Marie
Hello! :) I am actually going to Mexico City for 6 weeks to study, and have gotten a lot of comments on how the yarn must be awesome down there. I must admit, that is not the first thing I thought of when I signed up to study. However, I would love to get my hands on some of the handmade yarns. Where would you find those other than Oaxaca? I know the group has a few trips to the pyramids, etc. Please excuse my lack of knowledge about mexico...I have never been there.
Maybe we can get together and knit while I am there! (Yes, I do plan on bringing a project or two...or five. lol)
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