Customer Reviews
This is a long review but I have so much to share! My stepdaughter and I attended the Sumpango Embroidery Week class the week of March 3rd. We had a great time. We actually started our adventure with Kakaw on Sunday March 2nd; we took their day trip to Chichicastenango. We departed the studio early Sunday in a comfy van with fellow students and Evelyn from Kakaw. We stopped along the way for wonderful coffee and clean bathrooms at Chichoy, then on we went to the market. The market was as fun and amazing as I remembered from over a decade ago. We lunched at a local restaurant, which was very tasty. Then we went on the hunt for artwork/handicrafts/fruit/almost anything. Evelyn did a great job herding us because we wanted to see everything.
This is a long review but I have so much to share! My stepdaughter and I attended the Sumpango Embroidery Week class the week of March 3rd. We had a great time. We actually started our adventure with Kakaw on Sunday March 2nd; we took their day trip to Chichicastenango. We departed the studio early Sunday in a comfy van with fellow students and Evelyn from Kakaw. We stopped along the way for wonderful coffee and clean bathrooms at Chichoy, then on we went to the market. The market was as fun and amazing as I remembered from over a decade ago. We lunched at a local restaurant, which was very tasty. Then we went on the hunt for artwork/handicrafts/fruit/almost anything. Evelyn did a great job herding us because we wanted to see everything.
Our class began Monday morning at our teacher Claribel’s home in Sumpango, about 30 minutes from Antigua. We learned about the significance of the designs on the huipils. We were then given the opportunity to choose from 3 different colored huipils for our class project. We also selected our color palate from the bundles of threads Claribel had put together for us. Next step was teaching us the stitches. Both Claribel and Anita were helpful and patient with us. We had a very lovely lunch and then were whisked to Sumpango proper to see the town. The rest of the week was spent at Kakaw’s studio. There were 5 of us and our teachers were very attentive. I still can’t figure out how they were able to untangle some of my mistakes! Our Spanish was so-so but this did not matter. We had many laughs and learned a lot. Evelyn was also on hand for any needed translations.
The studio itself is a wonderful oasis. Class was held in its lovely courtyard. On one or two days that week, we were joined by a weaver who came for one-on-one instruction. There was so much creativity in this space. We loved the studio’s store as well. I bought a lovely indigo dyed jacket as well as a few leather purses (and other goodies). I hope to return in October to see what additional one of a kind items they have.
We stayed at Hotel y Arte, which was across the street and approximately 6 doors down from the studio. It was very convenient, clean, and had air conditioning, which was nice although really not needed. I would recommend this hotel because of its convenient location, plus the street had many bars, coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy.
We thank Mari for putting these classes together and for the details attended to. We received a welcome pamphlet prepared by Kakaw. The recommendations for restaurants and coffee shops were outstanding. Many thanks to Claribel, Anita and Evelyn as well. I would love to attend a future class to hone my skills and spend more time with these lovely ladies.
