The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) unites us. From Gateway Community residents to thru-travelers, and everyone in between, our diverse community is connected by our mission to protect the CDT. We are showcasing stories of the people and places that make up our community with our series, Voices of the CDT. Each month, look out for new stories that highlight these diverse experiences, histories, and faces, against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Continental Divide.
INTERESTED IN SHARING YOUR CONNECTION TO THESE LANDSCAPES? SEND US YOUR STORY AT [email protected] FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED!
Traditional weaving processes and modern community.
Tierra Wools has a deep connection to the greater Chama Valley Community
Nestled below the San Juan Mountains, in a valley first inhabited by the Tewa Puebloans around 1,000 years ago, Tierra Wools is a business trying to link the past and present. Its location, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition Gateway Community of Chama, is now a thriving outdoor recreation hub in Northern New Mexico, but Tierra Wools is adapting a traditional industry to modern markets.
Tierra Wools is a business and community that is connected with the sheepherding history in the area. Tierra Wools’ history began even before the company officially opened as a workshop and retail outlet in July of 1983. The company really began in the “wool committee” of Ganados del Valle (“Flocks of the Valley,” in English), a community non-profit organization which wanted to “empower rural people to create sustainable economies by building on cultural and agricultural resources.” Ganados del Valle members then helped Tierra Wools to get off the ground, especially in the early years of the organization, by providing financial and community support as well as fostering the development of the weavers management skills . Another crucial aspect of Granados del Valle’s assistance in Tierra Wools’ beginning was the hiring of Rachel Brown, the renowned weaver and author from Taos who traveled to Chama to teach Tierra Wools’ weavers the weaving process every week for 3 years.
Tierra Wools also taps into the historical processes of sheep-raising, which have a rich history in the Chama Valley. Sheep-raising was an important industry of early settlers, and they produced “Rio Grande Blankets,” with weaving styles influenced by Spanish, Mexican, and Native American designs. Tierra Wools now uses wool from local sheep raised in the high mountain meadows. These sheep flocks are made up of the both Rambouillet and Navajo-Churro breeds. The Navajo-Churro sheep are a threatened breed, but have been restored thanks to members of the Ganados del Valle and Dr Lyle Mcneal of Utah State University. The wool from the sheep is then skirted (a process where the desirable parts of the wool are separated for use), scoured (raw wool is taken through a wash rinse and spin process) and finally spun into yarn. Tierra Wools now spins and dyes their own yarn made from the wool of these local sheep and produces beautifully colorful handmade pieces that are inspired by these “Rio Grande Blankets.”
The adherence to a traditional “Rio Grande” style of weaving can also be seen in the looms they use. Tierra Wools creates weavings and teaches classes on the Rio Grande Style Walking Loom which has roots in Spain in the 1500s, but was redesigned over the years in Mexico and the Southwestern United States to become what it is today.
Since its founding, Tierra Wools has expanded from a workshop and retail outlet with a weaving school and Guest House, and has restarted the more traditional process of naturally dyeing local and organic wool yarns. They also give classes in spinning, weaving, and dying the wool.
Tierra Wools has helped to train numerous people in weaving over the years, which has provided weavers with both professional skills and a connection to the Chama Valley’s history. Tierra Wools has a deep connection with the greater Chama Valley community as well. They are involved in the local chamber of commerce, the local arts festivals, as well as Latino Conservation Week events.
