A craft that keeps you warm and cosy in winter.

Our mother likes to tell us how they used to have sheep in Yavoriv, and everywhere else in the neighbouring villages, and that every household had a loom to weave beds. And she did, but when she was little, like most children, she spun wool, because they had pity on children and gave them easier work.

They wove not only beds, but also spindles, spare parts, knitted slippers, vests or sweaters, mittens, and everything else they needed.

Long ago, Hutsuls used to do all this only for their families, and then they started selling it. They took what they made to the market to sell. This was already during the Soviet era, because housing was difficult and money was scarce. So everyone had a side job. Weaving, knitting, and embroidering to order.

The first money of a teenager who had just finished school in the 70s was to weave a bedspread, go to the Kosiv market and sell it. Or to spin on order. Or knit slippers to sell.

Nowadays, there are rarely any places where everything is done by one person or family. Some people keep sheep, others go with them to the meadows, and others work with wool: they steam it, squeeze it, wash it, dry it, rake it, and then sell it. Other women (like our mother) spin the wool, wrap it in balls or bundles, and still others knit or weave it.

Our mother has been doing this kind of work all her life. She learned to spin wool when she was a little girl, and she still does. Sometimes we call her and ask what she did today, and she says: "I've been spinning all day, it was so easy for me today, so I'm going to continue spinning as long as I'm able."

That's how it is. I spin as long as I am able and as long as I am able.

It is a great and artistic craft. For which prizes are awarded and products are exhibited. And there is a craft that is so everyday and human. It makes us warm and cozy in winter. It is in our woolen socks and vests.