Related Keywords: churro sheep, Colcha embroidery, Española’s Bond House Museum, hand dyed wool, handspun, Loretta Atencio, New Mexico Spanish Colonial, Sabanilla
Colcha, a unique style of embroidery evolved in colonial New Mexico that is done in handspun, hand-dyed wool on a plain-woven wool ground cloth called sabanilla. Sometimes the entire ground is covered with embroidery. The subject matter included ornate and fanciful flowers or birds. Colcha is used for decorative wall pieces and altar cloths as well as household items.
Colcha nearly disappeared as recently as 10 years ago. Its revival can be traced to Spanish Market award winners, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and classes and workshops.
