In 2014, Callan made his first trip to Peru to study indigenous Shipibo medicine.  This became one of many travels around the country to study with Shamans in the Amazon basin, and meeting with local artists and artisans who have since become dear friends. Ruben Escobar of Pisac, Peru taught Callan how to stitch and design with leather, Edith Valasquez of Chicuio, Lake Titikaka, Peru with alpaca and mama Maria Martinez Sanchez of Pucallpa with indigenous medicine.  

To encourage and honor the workmanship of these folks and many others, Callan began Patchwork Progress – importing with each trip various artisanal tapestries, hats, gloves, precious stones and leathers.  

All the items you see here today are made by Callan (leather goods) and the Velasquez and Sanchez families.  They are hand dyed and knit with with skilled craftmanship and care, either in wool or alpaca, and colored with organic dyes. Each design is unique and inspired by indigenous Peruvian motifs, especially of the Shipibo Tribe.  Each item has a story, each stitch an energy, and a loving person behind every design.  There is passion, joy, sometimes pain and hard days, many jokes and a spirit to create and inspire.  Ask Callan if you are interested to know more about the item that speaks to you.

We hope you wear or use these crafts with joy and comfort, and the love with which they were made.