Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Thread Painted Cotton Coin Purse

Andres first learned hand embroidery, then taught himself how to do thread painting on a sewing machine. He uses photos of birds and butterflies that we have chosen from books or online as models for his embroidery. The fabric is hand-woven on backstrap looms, then placed in an embroidery hoop to stretch it during the embroidery process. He then “thread paints” the design using his sewing machine, moving the fabric in various ways to get the desired texture and effect. Quickly “painting” then changing the thread color and “painting” again, it is amazing how expertly he produces the embroidery. He then tailors the coin purse, adding zippers and linings. We have watched his work improve over the years, and nowadays he has reached the peak!

He usually is found wearing traditional men’s pants of Santiago Atitlan, mid-calf and embroidered with birds.

5.25” W and 4.25” H
Zipper closure
Extra zippered pocket on back 3.25” high and 5.25” wide
Cotton fabric handwoven on a backstrap loom.
Many colors of cotton thread and acrylic “brilliante” threads.

Lined.