PROCESS
In the Andes of Peru weaving is important to every Incan family. Every village has its own weaving patterns and traditions. There are thousands of techniques, layouts, styles, and practices associated with Peruvian weaving.
CLEANING THE WOOL
A natural detergent is used from a plant called Saqta which comes from the rural regions of the Andes. This substance is used to organically clean the wool. It is shredded into water and the Saqta creates detergent-like suds. The animal fibers come out naturally clean and white. They also use it as natural shampoo and it helps to prevent grey hair!
SPINNING
The spinning process can be done whilst multi-tasking; walking through the village, sitting, talking, or watching over the children. Thread is spun as though it were second nature. With all hands skillfully spinning, it is a daily activity in Andean life.
DYEING
All colours come from local flora and fauna; indigenous plants, minerals, flowers, and insects. Some of the most common are: Cochinilla, which produces a red colour, Purple corn produces purple, Chilca and Indigo leaves create blue. Maras salt is used to set the colours! Colours can be changed drastically – simply by adding ingredients like lemon or salt into the mix.
WEAVING
The process of weaving a frazada (rug/blanket) can take up to one month (approximately six hours a day), or more depending on the difficulty of design. It can be a highly spiritual and personal journey of creation in which a weaver will draw from their experience of the natural world, their history and memory. That is why every frazada is unique in the world.
FINAL PRODUCT
WE FEEL PROUD AT WHAT WE DO
Luxury Products Designed to Last a Lifetime.
BEHIND INKA FABRIC
WHO WE ARE?
Inka Fabric: Where Two Cultures Weave Timeless Design
This is the essence of Inka Fabric, our UK-based company founded by a passionate duo: Adolfo Martinez, a native Peruvian, and Liz Crump, with British roots. Our lives have been beautifully intertwined for nearly 15 years, a journey that led us to create Inka Fabric in 2012.
This venture blossomed from the success of our very first Christmas market in Kingston. Since then, a constant thread has guided our vision: a dedication to crafting elegant, timeless, and functional products that resonate across cultures
TOGETHER, WE CAN CREATE A REVOLUTION, BUY LESS,CHOOSE WELL, MAKE IT LAST.
#1
In terms of our alpaca products we work directly with reputable manufacturers in Arequipa, the Alpaca heartland of Peru, that have national accreditations, a longstanding reputation and support various national associations. This enables us to know the direct source of the alpaca fibre used in each and every one of our products, ensure its sustainable and ethical process and guarantee the highest of qualities.
#2. A Journey of Sustainable Luxury