Scarf making and scenes from Mexico

Each Christa Louise creation is its own world of color and texture. Every piece is a unique fusion of pure silk and ultra fine merino wool.

All of our designs are our own originals and have been meticulously hand crafted by village women in Mexico who have been taught the fine art of nuno felting.

Nuno, or fabric felting is an art of fusion. The process is all natural, incorporating only soap, water and a specific hand technique. Because this is a wet process, the pieces can be hand washed with a delicate cleanser, line dried and ironed as necessary.

The beauty of nuno felting is its weightlessness. Because we apply a light layering of wool, the result is airy and immanently wearable, while still retaining significant warmth.

Through a labor-intensive process of hand massage, the individual wool fibers are worked into the silk, forcing them through the fabric until they permeate and interlock on the reverse side of the scarf. As the wool fibers fuse to one another, the fabric is drawn together. This results in the puckered effect visible on the opposite side, creating unique reversible designs.

Due to the distinct touch of each woman's hands, every piece is an original, one-of-a-kind creation. By purchasing a Christa Louise design you help enable us to teach this art form, and subsequently create employment for these women in Mexico.

About Christa Louise:

Having grown up in a family of artists, I started exploring various forms of artistic expression from a very young age. When I first discovered nuno felting, it was like a revelation for me. I fell in love with the freedom of design and the virtually limitless color palette. There is a magical component to this process, which is the reward for the physical exertion that goes into making each piece. It truly encompasses the idea of craft as art.

I wanted to work with women in developing countries to help provide them with opportunities for economic independence. Mexico was an obvious choice due to its proximity to the US, as well as the fact that my parents retired to a small village called Ajijic and oversee daily operations. I taught groups of women the process of nuno felting and chose those whom I considered to be best suited for the job. We have been working together
since the end of 2009 and they have grown into highly accomplished artisans.

Ultimately, I would like to have small pockets of production in various countries all over the world. I consider it a win-win scenario to be able
to teach women a skill that allows me to employ them, which hopefully, provides sustainability and empowerment for their own individual futures.
Christa Louise