Molas!: Patterns, Techniques, Projects for Colorful Applique

A guide to making molas, the popular textile folk art of Panama, offers more than twenty-five projects demonstrating how to apply traditional mola techniques and designs to contemporary fabrics

Molas, the colorful applique panels stitched by Kuna women on the San Blas Islands, are avidly sought after by folk-art collectors. The craft began in the 19th century as clothing decoration and is now a mainstay of the economy of the island through overseas sales. Mola technique involves several layers of cloth stitched together so that the design shows through openings in the layers. Mathews (The Weekend Sewer's Guide to Dresses, Lark, 1998) gives instructions for basic technique along with 24 step-by-step projects by various artists. The projects, which include the use of paper as well as cloth, are mostly contemporary adaptations of mola style for notecards, clothing, and accessories. A very colorful addition to any crafts collection.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.