Filming the Vasquez family

In Teotitlan del Valle, we visited The Bug in the Rug studio, run by J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia and his family. J. Isaac’s daughters Estela and Guadalupe were there to show us how the wool is carded and spun into thread.

Bug in the Rug, Vasquez Family, J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America

J. Isaac uses natural dyes including cochineal to dye his wool. Cochineal is an insect found on the cactus, which is ground up and used in the dye pot. J. Isaac’s daughter-in-law, Lila, demonstrates how to grind up the cochineal. Cochineal produces a wide range of red/pink/orange depending on how much lime juice is added and how long the wool sits in the dye pot.

J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
Grinding Pigment Dye, Vasquez Family, J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
Grinding Pigment Dye
Dying Fabric, Textile, Vasquez Family, J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
Dying Fabric
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America

The Vasquez family has been weaving for over 4 generations. J. Isaac’s loom was built by his father and J. Isaac continues to weave on it today. His son, Jeronimo is a doctor but also weaves. Jeronimo’s son, Wilmer, is also continuing the family tradition.

J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vásquez García, master weaver and dyer, is featured in the Craft in America: Borders episode. Photo by Denise Kang
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
Loom, Vasquez Family, J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America

A selection of rugs by the Vasquez family. Notice J. Isaac’s signature in the first rug in the bottom corner.

J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
Vasquez Family, J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
Vasquez Family, J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America
Vasquez Family, J. Isaac Vasquez Garcia, Borders Neighbors, El Pueblo, Craft in America