Celebrating Tradition and Creativity: Colcha Embroidery Workshop in San Luis

Last weekend, the San Luis Senior Citizens Center was abuzz with creativity as HEART of Saguache hosted a two-day free colcha embroidery workshop. The event brought together more than 20 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 90, from across the region—including some who traveled all the way from Denver—to dive into our rich regional tradition of embroidery. 

Thanks in part to the generous donation of premium yarn and needles by Colonial Needle, all participants were provided with the necessary materials to get started on creating their own artworks. The free workshop was led by artists Maria Eufemia Barela, Aurora Martinez, Donna Madrid Hernandez, Connie Mamich Morrell, and Julia Mondragon, each of whom brought their unique styles and expertise to the table. They shared examples of their work, offering inspiration and a tangible connection to the diverse approaches within the colcha embroidery tradition.

Colcha embroidery, a staple of San Luis Valley's artistic heritage, encompasses a variety of stitches and techniques. Whether it was through meticulously planned designs or spontaneous creativity, each piece reflected the unique voice of its creator, contributing to the ongoing dialogue between tradition and personal expression.

This workshop was not just an opportunity to learn a craft but a celebration of community, connection, and the enduring legacy of the San Luis Valley's artistic traditions. We are profoundly grateful to our sponsors, donors, instructors, and participants for making this event a resounding success.

The next colcha embroidery workshop is being planned for Antonito in late April and early May, in partnership with Antonito Together and the Antonito Senior Center. More details to come soon!

Saguache Senior Resource Fair: A Day of Care and Community

On February 14th, the Saguache Senior Resource and Health Fair, co-presented by SLV AHEC and HEART of Saguache, transformed the Saguache Community Building into a hub of support for local seniors. The event was well attended, signaling the community’s dedication to the well-being of its older residents. 

The event provided a range of services; from legal and veteran assistance to resource navigation and health essentials like blood pressure testing and vaccinations. Information on low-cost insurance options was readily available, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Free lunch, raffles, and giveaways added to the festive atmosphere. 

Exhibitors of the event include: Valley Wide Health Systems, Saguache Senior Center, Saguache Works Bebop Studio, Mountain Valley Medicare, Saguache County Public Health, Saguache Clinic Dental Services, Valley to Valley Senior Care Center, Saguache County Veterans Services, and the American Legion. 

We want to express our gratitude for our co-sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for making this event the success that it was. This event was made possible through the Saguache County sales tax grant.

A Heartfelt Thanks to Colonial Needle: Supporting the Art of Colcha Embroidery

We at HEART of Saguache want to express our gratitude for the generous donation of premium quality yarn and needles by the Colonial Needle Company to HEART’s San Luis Valley Colcha Embroidery Project. 

Since its establishment in 1925, the Colonial Needle Company has become a cornerstone in the needlecraft industry, offering a vast array of top-quality needles, notions, threads, and needlepoint products. Originating from the Brabant Needle Company founded in 1888, Colonial Needle has expanded its offerings to include a comprehensive range of needlecraft supplies and educational resources, cementing its commitment to quality, innovation, and fostering a community of needlework enthusiasts.

We are especially thankful to receive this shipment of yarn and needles just before our free colcha embroidery workshop in San Luis this week. Thank you to Donna Madrid Hernandez and Aurora Martinez for their help in preparing the yarn for the workshop. 

The San Luis Valley Colcha Embroidery Project, a collaboration between HEART of Saguache and The Range in Saguache, Colorado, fosters the traditional art of colcha embroidery through exhibitions, workshops, and support for artists, enhancing a cultural dialogue that spans Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico.

We also want to thank Florilegium online store—where you can purchase the Colonial 3-ply persian yarn for colcha embroidery—for working with us on bulk discount for materials. Special thanks to the AJL Foundation, the Rawlings Foundation, and the Saguache County Sales Tax Grant for supporting the San Luis Valley Colcha Embroidery Project.