What is it about Mexican Needlework Artistry (also called punto de cruz or cross stitch) which is the traditional needlecraft in the state of Michoacan Mexico that make it such a sought after Mexican Artistry? One reason could be filament through the fabric surrounded by needlepoint, such as a flower with shades of violet, magenta and lavender with an aqua and maroon background signifying the shades of the seasons and perhaps the seasons of life of the person behind the needlework artistry.

Artisans purchase “guanego”-a white cotton blouse- and adorn them with flowers in needlepoint also called “punto de cruz” – cross stitch- around the neckline. They nudge flowers into existence as though leading a blank breadth of nothingness to the edge of a sheer cliff where it dives deliciously into high-spirited colors.

Cocucho, Michoacan, Mexico is well known for its elegant clay pots but has also earned a reputation for its Mexican needlework artistry.  The greatest challenge of the craft presents itself when the borders are made for the different panels of color. They have to count how many lines and then start making the cross stitch. They make blouses, dresses, men’s shirts, aprons, napkins, and rebozos. Most artisans prefer not to use the same design twice. They finish one design and start with another one.

The hands of many artisans defy the pestilence of time, and awaken yet another piece of fabric from its slumber. One of the most popular items of the Mexican Needlework Artistry is the “Guanengos.” Guanengos are blouses which require three to four months to complete.

While abundant flourishes of violet, magenta, orange, mauve, ocean blue and opulent green rush in torrents across the guanengos of today, they haven’t always commanded such visual importance. The more colorful designs began on the scene in the 1980’s.

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