More Molas from Panama

Most of the molas I purchase in Panama are on blouses (Mola is actually the Kuna word for blouse) and I have been spending the last few days taking them apart. There are two molas on a blouse. This beautiful mola is a peacock.

Notice the very tiny little embroidery stitches, the rick rack type edge and the small colored appliques surrounding the bird. All signs of excellent work. $37

This mola is more of a traditional style although i am not sure of its meaning.

Note the rick rack type trim again and those orange strips are applique if you can imagine making them that small. If you click on the image you may be able to see the tiny applique stitches. $37 (SOLD JULY 1)

This exquisite mola reminds me of Southwestern Folk Art. In addition to the usual fabulous applique it is filled with exquisite tiny embroidery stitches. Most of the ones on the dog are round which is unusual.

You can see some of the tiny chain and circle embroidery stitches. $54. (SOLD JULY 2)

This is one of the most exquisite molas I have ever purchased. It was obviously made by a master mola maker. The butterflies begin as one piece and then are cut out and turned under. The tiny holes are punched in the fabric and then all the edges are turned under and stitched with all but invisible stitches.

The big black dots are made in the same way but here they are TWO layers. Incredible.

The green dots are single punch holes which are all painsakingly turned under and stitched. $54.