//Dates TBD This is a non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot for the Sumpango Embroidery Week. If you have any questions, please contact Mari at mari@kakawdesigns.com. Not applicable for store discounts (we will correct the discount in your second invoice)//
Come join us for a week-long embroidery experience in Antigua Guatemala together with master embroideress and friend Claribel Reyna, with assistance from Anita. During this week, participants will learn to embroider their own traditional two-panel huipil in the beautiful Sumpango style. You'll be able to choose from three color options for your backstrap-woven textile on which you will embroider (White, Magenta with lines, and White with lines). All materials will be provided, including a variety of naturally-dyed thread options, two handwoven panels ready to be embroidered, and snacks.
What's included?
5 days of instruction with Doña Claribel and potentially Anita as her helper, depending on the number of participants. The instructors speak Spanish.
Kakaw staff assistance with translation, facilitation, expert local input
All materials: backstrap-woven and pre-stenciled huipil base as well as threads traditionally used in Sumpango for embroidery (synthetic) and Kakaw's naturally-dyed cotton threads to choose from and take home to continue stitching.
A snack every day
2 lunches together with our instructor(s)
Private transport to and from Antigua and Sumpango for Monday
A printed Antigua Guide with our favorite restaurants and stores for you to explore on your own. If arriving into Antigua before the workshop, feel free to come pick it up early at our studio!
A PDF guide to review the stitches learned at home, with close-up videos. Helpful to refresh your memory!
This is a small-group offer for personalized attention. ( Min 3 pax / Max 6 pax ) $650 per person.
Accommodations and other arrangements like transport from the airport are not included. Here is our list of places to stay nearby. If you would like further assistance with recommendations on where to stay, etc. please book a call with Mari.
Optional add-on: Chichicastenango market visit on Sunday, March 9th. $150 per person with minimum 3 pax
Schedule for March 2025:
Arrive on your own before the start of the week. Antigua is a wonderful town to explore on your own!! We made a custom guide of our favorite spots in town, feel free to stop by the studio to pick it up.
Monday, March 3rd 9am - 3:30pm?: Meet at our studio in Antigua for introductions, and then head over in our private van to Claribel's town, Sumpango. We will learn about the traditional huipiles and cortes of Sumpango, how they relate to the town's famous barriletes (giant kites), and the variety of uses. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch and the basics stitches used in Sumpango on this first day. We should be back in Antigua around 3:30pm (approximate).
Tuesday, 4th 9:30am-12:30pm: Continue your embroidery journey in our central Antigua studio courtyard.
Wednesday, 5th 9:30am-12:30pm: Advance at your own pace! Continue your embroidery journey in our central Antigua studio courtyard.
Thursday, 6th 9:30am-12:30pm: Advance at your own pace! Continue your embroidery journey in our central Antigua studio courtyard.
Friday, 7th 9:30am-2:30pm?: The last session is dedicated to the randa stitch, which is an embroidery technique where panels of textiles are joined decoratively. With this, participants will have learned all 5-6 stitches to complete their huipil at home. We'll have lunch together to celebrate the week and say goodbye to our new friends.
Course Cancellation Policy
If course attendance is canceled by the participant:
Up to two months to the start date of the course: full amount in credit form for future travel with Kakaw Designs to be used within 365 days of the original trip dates, minus the non-refundable deposit.
Less than two months to the start of the course: 50% trip cost in credit form for future travel with Kakaw Designs to be used within 365 days of the original trip dates, minus the deposit.
Less than one month to the start of the course: no refund or credit.
Delay in joining the group for any reason: no refund or credit for missed time in Guatemala.
Early return home or disruption of travel with the group for any reason, including missed meals or group activities: no refund or credit and traveler is responsible for any extra expenses incurred (transportation, etc.).
