Kirov craftswomen shared the secrets of weaving the famous Kukarka lace

Guests of the Kirov region's stand at the International RUSSIA EXPO keep getting acquainted with the history, traditions and crafts of the Vyatka region in the year of the 650th anniversary of its capital, Kirov. During a masterclass on weaving Kukarka lace, visitors learned about the history of the oldest crafts of the Vyatka region.

One of the most famous Vyatka brands today is Kukarka lace. Its distinctive feature is the combination of different weaves in one piece, which give it openwork, lightness and unique beauty.

Visitors of the Kirov region stand took part in a masterclass on weaving Kukarka lace, which was conducted by the staff of the KRSPEAI "Technical College of Industry and Folk Crafts of Sovetsk". One of the lace makers weaved a Dymkovo barynya, others demonstrated the skill of weaving lace with a colored fringe. Guests of different ages took part in the creation of Kukarka lace.

Modern Kukarka craftswomen weave lace using bobbins. They are made of birch or heather. These wood species provide the bobbins with a pleasant ringing sound during the lace weaving process. Traditionally, a wooden stand with two crossed frames, a bobbin pillow with a pillowcase to keep the lace from getting dirty, and bobbins are used to create lace. In addition, craftswomen always have a crochet hook, a needle for knitting and different yarns - cotton, linen, silk.

The first mention of lace in the Kukarka sloboda of Vyatka province dates back to 1849. In 1888 there were already 2 thousand lace makers in Kukarka volost. Under the orders of the governor, they supplied the royal family with bedspreads, cushion covers, tablecloths, woven dresses. Kukarka laces entered the international market and received medals at expositions in Atlanta, Paris, Brussels.