Gabi's spindle (and a very special cotton)

Remember last September when, with the support of the TuYo Foundation, we welcomed Gabina Valentín, an Amuzga weaver from Xochistlahuaca, for an Open Class and memorable Mexican Waist Loom Masterclass?

That weekend was also a time for Gabi and Alice to exchange experiences and personal treasures. Gabi took things from here that are commonplace for us, such as linen and silk, but which are rare in Mexico.
He gave us rarities too, in the form of colored cotton, its seeds and a very special spindle, which we think deserve to be shared.

Naturally colored cotton varieties are now very rare, as white cotton has been pushed by the industry due to the ease with which it can be dyed into other colors.
The ones Gabi brought us have an incredible color palette (that green!) and are regional varieties, which gives them more importance. Our “seed bank” has become richer with the seeds of these three varieties.

As if colored cotton seeds weren't enough, Gabi also left us one of her personal spindles: a gift from one spinner to another.
This type of spindle, used for spinning cotton, is a “supported spindle”. As the name implies, this spindle is used with a support at the base, so that the spindle's own weight doesn't put too much strain on the fibers, making it suitable for spinning fine, short fibers such as cotton

Now, for those of you who have read all the way to the end, the good news:
In September, Gabi, once again with the support of the TuYo Foundation, will be returning to Saber Fazer for another Mexican Belt Loom Masterclass!
If you wanted to take part last time but couldn't, you can send us a message now and you'll be added to a list that will receive an alert as soon as the date is set!