The Ski Collection-Hand-Embroidered Pillows

Reminiscent of the funky souvenir pillows of the Forties and Fifties, these intricately embroidered designs by Catstudio are a big hit in today’s ski homes. They make great collector’s items or the perfect gift for those with an attachment to one of the featured resorts. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, a single pillow takes up to three days to embroider, using more than 20 colors of thread. They’re handmade in Jalisco, Mexico, where the art form has been passed on through generations. The owners of Catstudio, Terrell and Carmel Swan, were inspired during a visit to their friends in Guadalajara, Mexico. Recognizing the need to reinvigorate the dying art of embroidery and the potential behind the project, the Swans gave the ladies in Jalisco an appealing alternative to working in the factories. Terrell says, “Catstudio is partially the result of the desire to design and partially to promote the artistic talents of Mexican women.” And so the tradition continues.The pillows are highly detailed with such icons as the Union Pacific Railroad in Sun Valley, Idaho, a 10th Mt. Division soldier in Vail and the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colo. The line shown costs $98 per pillow. Half a dozen other resorts are offered in a less detailed postcard-like format, each of which costs $68.

Catstudios does not accept commissions, but it does collaborate with Gorsuch Ski Shops, for whom this Ski Collection is exclusively manufactured. If a strong enough demand arises for a particular resort, there’s a good chance the company will accommodate it.
To order The Ski Collection, call Gorsuch, Ltd., at 800-525-9808; or visit www.gorsuchltd.com. To view other Catstudio designs visit www.2catstudio.com.