Weaving is a traditional craft which originally was manual but modernized during the Industrial Revolution when the weaving machine was invented. The first thing that comes into most people’s mind when speaking about weaving is the production of carpets but actually many sorts of things can be created with this technique such as clothes or bags. Weaving requires great amount of concentration and patience, of course but preparation takes more time than the weaving itself. Furthermore, when you would like to make any sample into your production you have to be more precise to count on which strings you would like to weave it. Keep it in mind that weaving is also a craft which you should try once in your lifetime since it can be a real fun if you have already learnt the technique.

The local spider

Personal life of Irén Balajti

Irén Balajti lives in Cheșereu and she is a weaver. She has 7 grandchildren, and because she is not working, she spends a lot of time with them except in the summer, when she crafts a lot of items for them. Before starting weaving, she was a farmer, she had all kind of plants and she likes gardening. Weaving came from her grandmother; she was the one who inspired her starting this craft. Because she spends a lot time with her grandchildren, she needs to have a way of income, so starting selling her items that she makes with all her love was the best idea. All her products are made of natural materials, which include old pullovers and secondhand clothes. She confessed to us that her husband died 4 years ago, but he didn’t help anyway so she can still continue her craft as she did before. However, her husband used to call her a spider that weaves every time she was working, because of the amount of time she spends weaving. She would never quit her craft because it relaxes her and makes her happy.                              

How to increase income with weaving craft?

• Look for opportunities to get materials from flea markets, weekend sales or second hand shops.
• Consider making the prices higher, because they seem to be too low for handmade work.
• Create a profile at the website www.etsi.com in which you can sell only handmade products.
• Host workshops for young people to keep this tradition alive and to raise products popularity.
• Take part in various craftsman fairs, Sunday markets, festivals and similar events.
• Collaborate with vintage, antique shops in order to sell your product more efficiently.
• Promote your product as eco-friendly. That might attract a wider range of customers.