Cristina Ortega is the granddaughter of Juan Melquiades Ortega, a master weaver of northern New Mexico's Chimayo Valley. Chimayo's roots are in early Spanish Colonial times and has long been famous for its unique weavings.

Juan M. Ortega was taught to weave by his father in the early days when weavers sheared their own sheep and spun and dyed the wool for their blankets. El Tejedor (The Weaver) continued weaving until he was one hundred years old, when his eyesight failed him.

In The Eyes of the Weaver, Cristina shares her memories of visits when she was ten years old...