My name is Barbara Calabresi, I deal with the natural dye of fine yarns, handmade weaving and I make original garments, which are unique as well as eco-friendly.
It was my mother Elsbeth Gumpfer who started up the production of vegetable dyes in Panarea, the smallest of the Eolian Islands. Since the 1970s, we have been experimenting with all the plants available in the Mediterranean flora on the island to provide skeins with the most extraordinary nuances and shades. In 1978, through these alchemies, our first workshop “Vegetable dyes” was set up with the main purpose of producing and selling naturally dyed silk and wool yarns. |
In the meantime, I have enhanced my knowledge on the subject through an apprenticeship in hand weaving at Anne Backhaus’ atelier in Milan and kept feeding my passion by learning and exchanging different dye and weaving techniques in various countries around the world such as Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Morocco.
Throughout the years, my fascination for weaving and converting yarns into handcrafted fabrics has flown into the creation of small-scale lines of “exclusive garments” made of fabric as well as knitwear. I thus moved the whole production to a workspace in the centre of the island where, for years to come, it stood as the icon of authenticity and handicraft of Panarea, a certain landmark for the island-goers. |
Now the workshop has just moved back to its site of origin at Iditella in the north-eastern part of the island, where, back to its earliest location, it is now working as an in-house workshop and showroom, just like small trades used to back in the days. Away from the hustle and bustle of the port, inspiration is even greater for me here; besides, the ones who will come to see me at work, will also have a chance to visit and discover a stunning part of the island, off the beaten path, that might otherwise miss.
This is basically how Penelope workshop was born, whose name clearly recalls the Homerian weaver emblem of wisdom and obstinacy and whose loom stands as a symbol of the entire universe. As for my creations, I let the distinct mood of the island settings and its genuine natural colours be my inspirational drive. Panarea, besides being an entrancing oasis of peace, is first and foremost a boundless source of creativity to me. On that account, wearing some clothes I handcrafted, means being dressed in the hues and scents of the island, even though its charm might have just turned in a lovely, treasured memory by now. |