Last Saturday's CYM activities were unique. When learning about history, traditions and the beginnings of Ukrainian culture, we often refer back to traditional handicrafts such as pottery, embroidery and weaving. All of us have been in awe of home-made woven costumes and other hand-made items. On the invitation of our educational coordinator, podruha Marusia, a well-known weaver visited us last Saturday. Elizabeth Holinaty drove down from Edmonton to to give our sumivtsi a chance to learn first-hand, the art of weaving, while also making small rushnyky (towels).

When the youth arrived at the domivka, they found the hall had been transformed into a weaving workshop. After a quick review of the basics, as many had a chance to weave during summer camp, Elizabeth let everyone choose their designs and thread colors and separated the youth into groups to start their weaving with enthusiasm.

Weaving the white parts of the rushnyk were pretty easy, but when it came to using colored thread for the design, some had difficulty. With a little help from the expert, the work progressed and everthing fell into place.