Gretel Underwood started working with handweaving shortly after moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico almost 40 years ago. Leaving the din of Los Angeles behind to start her family, in Santa Fe she was greeted by expansive skies, a distinct local culture and the beautiful light that can only be found in the American Southwest.

Gretel learned about natural plant dyes and techniques, which led to learning to weave.  She combined influences not only from the surrounding western landscape, but also from the traditional weaving styles of Peru, Guatemala, Bolivia and Mexico.