About Me

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I am second generation Californian with Apache and Yaqui ancestors. Yes I was born in them there hills of Los Angeles. The Yaqui were hard workers and while working on the railroads in the southwest traveled and sometimes lived on the trains with their families. Refugio Savala the Yaqui Poet lived this lifestyle and called himself a "Hobo" with humor. My Greatgrandfather and many of his family worked on the railroad also which afforded them many opportunities. This Blog is in honor of my Great Grandfather Reyes Torres.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

My Style Inspiration for the week

I think in many contemporary societies we'd like to think of ourselves in ethnocentric terms thinking that our way is best when for hundreds or thousands of years many indigenous people have refined and simplified life. The Tarahumara/Raramuri have done so in their simplistic designs using a color palate that is based on bright colorful tones which go together regardless of the print which is usually floral taken from nature or their environment. Most can be made without sizzors or a sewing machine. I have tried the tear method and it works using strips of fabric torn.
Many of the Tarahumara simply wore seed bead necklaces and embellishments.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Turn old jeans into a jacket!


Found this clever jacket on V magazine free back issues for ipad apps. Can you see the old pant pockets and waistband? tap on photo for larger view