A visit to Teotitlan del Valle to the Federico Chavez family of rug weavers - Francisco Madero #28 - is a hidden treasure. You won't be disappointed. This family is one of only four in this famous rug weaving village that is still making and working with all natural dyes. Many rug makers will tell you they use natural dyes when they do not. At the Federico Chavez studio you will have an opportunity to see the weavers at work and to see dying process techniques and how the variation in color is achieved using plants and insects. The designs are unusual and based on Zapotec ancient designs. The work is of the finest quality you will encounter. The Federico Chavez family is becoming well known to museum goers and collectors in the United States. Museum shows in the US have included the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, the San Jose Quilt and Textile Museum and the Snite Museum, University of Notre Dame and others. The Federico Chavez studio is off the beaten track. Tour companies do not automatically take you there. A special trip or detour is well-worth the effort. . 

Also recommended Tejidos Zapoteco - The Hernandez family and the Vasquez family located at Avenida Juarez  #100. Jesus  Hernandez does wonderful work and will also demonstrate how thy prepare the dyes and wool. The hands-on will show you the work involved and they do not pressure you to make a purchase.