Ecuador

It is at this time of the year we bring out the woollies we buy in Ecuador.
Some of my favourite tropical places are at high altitudes. Otavalo in Ecuador sure qualifies for that honour.It can get quite cold here so it is no wonder that they produce so many woollen goods, from hand knit and woven sweaters to wool felt hats.
The markets here are busy and a riot of colour. It is great fun to wander around them buying for our stores.
It all starts with the sheep.

 

Then comes the spinning of the wool on a spinning wheel similar to this. I just love the colours of the wool.

Some of the wool is sold in the markets. There are row and rows of skeins of wool to choose from.

 

Some of the wool gets woven into sweaters on looms like this one.

Some gets hand knit into sweaters,gloves,touques and sox.

 

 

In the markets you'll also find an array of felt hats, in many styles and colours.

 

During the processing of the felted wool a generic hat blank is made. The hat is then put on a wood form that dictates the style that will be produced, and the hat is steamed into shape. 

The final hat looking very stylin'

 

As well as woollen goods, there is a wide range of jewellery and handicrafts. Here are some colourful wood art works.

 

I love to capture some of the faces I see in the markets.

 

Doesn't her face have so much character.The market places are a great place to photograph the people.

 

One of the many small stores surrounding the market.