A ruana is a wonderful thing!  Sometimes known as a poncho, there are so many ways you can wear it and for so many occasions.  You can wear a belt across the front sections and leave the back loose.  You can place one front side up and over the opposite shoulder.  You can wrap each front side up over each opposite shoulder or leave both sides down to hang freely.  Even when you're not wearing it, you can fold it and use it as a lap robe.  I'm sure you will think of more uses for your ruana!

This particular ruana is handwoven using a variety of silk and silk/rayon yarns in stripes of brown, turquoise blue, purple, teal and pale blue for the warp (lengthwise threads).  The weft (crosswise threads) is actually two threads used together -- one light-blue cotton thread and one slate-blue silk/linen thread.  These yarns give the fabric a smooth surface without much texture.  After the weaving was done I carefully knotted the fringe and then gently washed the fabric to full it and remove any sizing from the yarns.  After drying and straightening the fringes I stitched a seam up the center back.  Usually I remove and hem a small tear-shaped section of fabric at the neckline so the ruana can lay nicely around your neck.  However, this one had a natural drape to it that inspired the turned-back front edges instead.  I have stitched these front edges along the diagonal and this gives a slimming effect to the piece.  You can still wear it in any of the ways described above.    

The jewel tones and rich earthy colors of this piece will go with almost any outfit.  The overall dimensions are 47" wide x 72" long (119cm x 183cm) plus 7" (18cm) of fringe.  From the center back of the neck down to the start of the fringe is 36" (91cm).  This size will fit most people (but feel free to contact me if you need something different).  For care I recommend hand washing gently, block dry with a towel, detangle the fringe and then lay flat or over a line to dry.  Then you can press it as needed.  Alternatively you can have it dry cleaned.