population makes a living mainly through the production of wool artisan goods, an activity highly valued by the town’s visitors. San Miguel’s artisan culture has gained the small town national and international recognition.
Wool production began in the region as far back as 1870 when the local government ordered missionary families occupying the area to vacate. The region was subsequently populated by new inhabitants that introduced sheep raising to the region. The wool from this livestock production gave rise to the artisan community that makes San Miguel the “wool capital of Paraguay.”
Up to the present day, San Miguel artisans continue using the same techniques and traditional process for to make their artisan goods, with only a few innovations. San Miguel firmly maintains its customs and traditions, so that the goods produced in this small town are authentically artisan.
SAN MIGUEL PRODUCTS
HANDMADE CLOTHING
A woman´s "ponchillo," or triangular shawl. Made with pure handspun wool thread. A perfect complement to any outfit when colder weather calls for an extra layer. Make a statement by adding a unique artisan craft to your wardrobe.
Shawl made with wool/polyester blend. Available online at LatinoYes (www.latinoyes.com, Ponchos & Ruanas)
Open women´s poncho. Made with pure handspun wool thread.
A women´s "ruana," cape. Made with pure handspun wool thread. Comfortable, practical, and elegant. An original and fashionable addition to any
cold weather wardrobe.
Ruana made with wool/polyester blend, available online at LatinoYes (www.latinoyes.com, Ponchos & Ruanas)
The Paraguayan "vichu," a true work of handmade art. 100% wool, made completely by hand. A San Miguel tradition. Available online at LatinoYes (www.latinoyes.com, Ponchos & Ruanas)
A triangular "ponchillo" with collar with buttons.. Made with wool and polyester blend.
Triangular "ponchillo" with collar. Made with crochet stitching with wool and polyester thread.
100% Paraguayan cotton women´s blouse. Made completely by hand, stitched with two needles in openwork stitching. Elastic waistline.
100% Paraguayan cotton women´s long-sleeve sweater. Made completely by hand with two needles in openwork stitching. Button-up front.
Pure wool sweater.
Women´s vest. Made of pure wool. Made completely by hand in rice point crochet. With button-up front.
BLANKETS AND QUILTS
Pure Paraguayan cotton blanket. Woven with medium-thickness threads, light enough for summer use, but heavy enough to keep warm in the winter. Available in all colors by request. Available online at LatinoYes (www.latinoyes.com, Home Accessories)
Handmade wool quilt. Available in natural white with a decorative star.
HAMMOCKS
A hanging seat. 100% Paraguayan cotton. Seat is made with foam cushioning for extra comfort. Available in all colors by request. Includes a zipper to easily remove cushioning and wash the hammock. With varnished pole.
Seat hammocks made with recycled threads.
Full-size hammock with poles. 100% Paraguayan cotton. Reinforced with nine-fiber threads. Available in all colors by request. With varnished poles. Hammock without poles available online at LatinoYes (www.latinoyes.com, Home Accessories)
San Miguel artisans make a variety of other wool and cotton products, including rugs, purses, saddle blankets, scarves, and hats.
THE ARTISAN PROCESS
Artisan wool thread. San Miguel artisans convert raw wool into thread through a laborious process entailing washing the raw wool, carding the wool, and spinning the wool into thread by hand or with rustic traditional machines.
Dyeing wool thread.
Fine thread is inserted into the loom by the weavers.
Thick thread is loaded into spools.
The loom opens the fine thread while the spool of thick thread passes through, the weaver then switches the direction of the fine thread with the foot pedals to send the thick thread through different threads, thus weaving the article.
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The group “Jóvenes Artesanos de San Miguel” (Young Artisans of San Miguel) was formed to address the disconcerting absence of San Miguel products in national and international markets for artisan goods, and the lack of interest shown by San Miguel’s youth in the artisan craft so important to the community. The group’s objective is to innovate San Miguel’s production without losing the traditional essence of the artisan culture, so that this beautiful tradition is inherited by future generations, and so that San Miguel’s families can continue to make a living off of their art.
Artisan wool thread. San Miguel artisans convert raw wool into thread through a laborious process entailing washing the raw wool, carding the wool, and spinning the wool into thread by hand or with rustic traditional machines.
Dyeing wool thread.
Fine thread is inserted into the loom by the weavers.
The "comb" of the loom.
The fine thread forms the base of the article.
Thick thread is loaded into spools.
The loom opens the fine thread while the spool of thick thread passes through, the weaver then switches the direction of the fine thread with the foot pedals to send the thick thread through different threads, thus weaving the article.
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