Presented by Spanish Colonial Arts Society Inc

April 16th New Mexico Stories with Rita Padilla Haufmann

Registration ends Thursday, 04/16/2026 2:30pm MDT

About This Event

Master Weaver Rita Padilla Haufmann
Historic Natural Dyes Used in Colonial New Mexico


We invite you to learn straight from a Master Weaver with this next NM Stories Presentation. The extraordinary Rita Padilla Haufmann is presenting a historical overview of materials and processes used in colonial times to create and produce dyes to color yarn. Imported dye stuffs from that time period include: Añil, Cochinilla, Palo de Campeche, Palo de Brazil.  (Indigo, Cochineal, Logwood and Brazilwood)  Among the local plants, Cota and Snakeweed were utilized. 

Textiles that incorporated the dyes of that era continue today in a similar the way.  Her personal collection of of dye stuffs and a myriad of rainbow-colored dyed yarn will be on display for attendees along with photographs of her process to help illustrate the many steps necessary to create the dyes.  Additionally, textile photos of final products, like the ones below, of pieces Rita has woven throughout the years  will show the use of yarn in her contemporary work.

Thursday, April 16th 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM.

About This Event

Master Weaver Rita Padilla Haufmann
Historic Natural Dyes Used in Colonial New Mexico


We invite you to learn straight from a Master Weaver with this next NM Stories Presentation. The extraordinary Rita Padilla Haufmann is presenting a historical overview of materials and processes used in colonial times to create and produce dyes to color yarn. Imported dye stuffs from that time period include: Añil, Cochinilla, Palo de Campeche, Palo de Brazil.  (Indigo, Cochineal, Logwood and Brazilwood)  Among the local plants, Cota and Snakeweed were utilized. 

Textiles that incorporated the dyes of that era continue today in a similar the way.  Her personal collection of of dye stuffs and a myriad of rainbow-colored dyed yarn will be on display for attendees along with photographs of her process to help illustrate the many steps necessary to create the dyes.  Additionally, textile photos of final products, like the ones below, of pieces Rita has woven throughout the years  will show the use of yarn in her contemporary work.

Thursday, April 16th 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM.

Getting There

SCAS | NMHA
750 Camino Lejo
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
United States