Buenos Aires, the capitol of Argentina is a hive of activity for anyone creative! The old tango rooms are still intact and offer classes for tourists who fancy a go, there are street performers on every corner, the San Telmo district has a thriving antiques market and residents have taken it upon themselves to decorate their town in bright colours!

The most colourful district by far is Boca. Several famous streets are painted in an array of colours – apparently a cost-cutting measure by immigrants many years ago, who used old ship paint to decorate their homes. It was a delight to walk through this area, I particularly loved the tree which, thanks to a community knitting effort, was bathed in rainbow colours, and all the artists displaying their work.

What could you do to decorate the world around you? It could be your home, your garden, or even somewhere in the wider community. One thing is for certain, when something hand-made with love catches your eye, it is sure to bring a smile and make you feel at home.

Knitted tree

Every wall is a mural

Boca artist sells her wares

Traditionally in Peru, the ladies are in charge of the knitting. However, on the tiny island of Taquile in Lake Titicaca, it is the men who have mastered this art. Textiles from Taquile are regarded as some of the finest quality in the country. The detailing is so intricate, and the designs are exclusive to the island. Every family designs and makes their own products, and there is a co-operative store where visitors can buy pieces. Each item, be it a belt, hat, scarf, or something more elaborate, is labelled so that you know exactly which family it has come from. A simple but efficient initiative which brings an income to what is otherwise a rather remote and cut-off community.

I bought a wonderful ear warmer with a unique pattern and playful tassels. Here are some more fine examples, and a glimpse of the peaceful surroundings:

Knitting on a wall

A selection of hats

In June last year, I visited the Women’s Weaving Co-Operative in the Sacred Valley, Peru. The Co-Op was set up by and is supported by Planeterra. Donations help to fund purchases of Alpacas (for the wool), a dental clinic, the building of a community centre and weaving equipment.

Peru is famed for is beautiful weaving and knitting, and it was wonderful to meet the talented makers and learn how much work is put into the textile craft. I saw how natural dyes were selected to create vivid colours, had a go at hand-spinning the wool (which was harder than it looked!) and watched the ladies who demonstrated their weaving techniques. Of course, I also bought some items to take home with me.

Weaving in progress

Sophie hand-spinning

Freshly dyed colourful yarns