Here in Estonia, children look forward to St. Martin's Day (Nov. 10th) &
St. Catherine's Day (Nov. 25th), when they go around to homes in the
neighbourhood, sing songs & get small tokens of candy or fruit. Boys &
girls dress up as men on St. Martin's Day & as women on St. Catherine's
Day. We had mandarins to give out but we didn't get any visitors this week.
On Friday I travelled up to Tallinn by bus to demonstrate bobbin lacemaking
at the St. Martin's Day Fair (or Mardilaat) at the Song Festival grounds,
underneath the big stage. A display of lace had been set up on the 3rd
level & that is where Kristiina, Liia, Triina & I sat making lace for the
afternoon. Olga from Narva had her own table covered with her Russian lace.
I had my photo taken several times, but the best moment was when an older
couple stood in front of us, & he pointed to Triina's pillow & said, in
English, that she was making a sash that is worn around the waist. I think
he really meant the woven belts. I quickly corrected him by saying that it
was a bookmark! They were from Gloucester & said that they hadn't seen
lacemaking before, but he knew of the lace machines in Nottingham. I
answered a few more questions & then they left.
The theme for the fair was "National Lace" & there was also a small display
of a lace collection on the first floor which I saw before I left to return
home. It wasn't possible to get close to the lace, so I couldn't see any
details.
This year was the 9th time this fair has been held. There are many
different sorts of handicrafts for sale. And I hope I can be there next year.
Warm regards from,
Penelope Piip
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
City of Tartu, Estonia
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