Randa Embroidery Class with Claribel / February 6, 3-4pm Guatemala time (2021)

A special one-hour embroidery class taught by our friend and master embroiderer Claribel. She has vast experience teaching different embroidery techniques in Guatemala, both to local communities and international visitors. We usually spend some time with her during our Textile Travels, too -- it's great fun to combine embroidery with her delicious cooking at her house (her family has a restaurant!).

"Randa" refers to a special embroidery technique that joins panels of handwoven textiles together decoratively. Guatemalan textiles are usually used to their fullest extent, meaning that weavings are not cut and are rather kept in the original woven panel shapes. Because backstrap weaving can only be as wide as the hips and physical strength allow, several panels must be combined to make one larger textile. This is when randa embroidery is used - for huipiles, cortes, tzutes, and other pieces of garments that require a larger piece of textile. 

This is the first time we are bringing Claribel's embroidery teaching online via Zoom. As always, we will keep the participant number low (max 10 pax) to ensure good internet connection and active participation opportunity.

The class will be held on Saturday, February 6th, 3-4pm Guatemala time (Central Time) with Claribel as the teacher and Mari as the moderator. Following the class, we will have some traditional textiles featuring randa embroidery for sale.

An email with more details will be sent a few days before the class, including the Zoom meeting invitation. The class will be recorded and shared privately, so participants will be able to go back and review the material at their leisure. We encourage participants to embroider along with us.