Helen

I had previously taken a course in natural dyeing using wool, and I was hoping to build on the first experience. But primarily I wanted to gain a deeper and more focused appreciation and understanding of the techniques of the many types of textiles produced in Guatemala. I wanted to be able to visit weavers and have their work explained to me. I had not wanted to spend a lot of time in a studio dyeing or weaving myself.

Although I enjoyed my time with Olga, the visits to weavers and the explanations of their techniques didn't happen. Perhaps I had unreal expectations that Olga could take time off her own work to do that. I spent 2 more weeks in Guatemala focusing on textiles independently and was able to achieve some of what I wanted myself.