CRAFTS

WEAVING

The weaving skills are rapidly disappearing and young people need encouragement and training if they are to see this as a future source of income. Understanding what the market wants in terms of design and quality will be combined with how to achieve fair prices for traditional skills.

Local wool is traditionally woven in to carpets, rugs and socks

Imported cotton is woven into curtains, hand towels and table cloths.

Hemp used to be grown locally and woven into a wide range of fabrics, but this has disappeared in the last five years with very few left who have the necessary skills. It is hoped that ADEPT will be able to get a license to grow some hemp in 2008.

EMBROIDERY

After lunch in her courtyard the hostess will often show a range of embroidery including her current work to that inherited from her great grand mother. Items include simple table cloths to traditional items used for births, weddings and funerals. Some new items are for sale.

BARREL MAKING

Much of the barrels makers work is repairing old wine barrels or making new ones for the local market which is extremely price sensitive and barely rewards his efforts. The 10l barrel pictured above was for export at a fair price.