expolana

Expolana is a crafts fair to celebrate woolen goods and is sponsored by the Chilean version of Martha Stewart magazine. There were 40 vendors selling a variety of things from yarn to alpaca jewelry to gastronomic delicacies (although I´m not sure what that has to do with wool). I was surprised to see how unique the products of the Chol Chol Foundation were in comparison to those of other companies made with synthetically dyed yarn. The Mapuche weaving technique is something I have increasing admiration for. The customers (many of who weave and/or knit) who stopped by our booth told us how it would take them a year to learn how to weave in that style. Other customers (unaware of the complex process and/or the concept of fair trade) turned their nose up at the prices. Although the long hours sitting at the booth were delirium-invoking, it was worth it getting to know Marcela better, and learn more about the products and the clientele. I will also say that the one perk of the fair was the free shots of Bailey´s every evening. And of all three flavors: original, chocolate mint, and caramel.