In today’s world, where industrial production is dominant, Velinka Laušević from Žabljak had the opportunity to preserve tradition and pass on the knowledge of wool knitting to new generations.
The informal group “Domaća riznica” (Homemade Treasury), through the project “Strengthening Civil Society to Support Sustainable Socio-Economic Development of Montenegro”, funded by the European Union, engaged Velinka to teach a group of women the basics of knitting and give them the chance to earn income from their work.
Velinka points out that her involvement in the project helped her acquire the necessary materials for knitting workshops, and that the women who attended managed to master all the required techniques. This, she stresses, enabled them to sell their own handmade products. “I consider that my greatest success,” Velinka notes.
She explains that at first she worried whether she would succeed in teaching the workshop participants everything about knitting, since they had no prior experience. “These were beginners who had never picked up a needle in their lives. They started with simple scarves, then moved on to hats and socks. After that, I began teaching them how to work with multiple threads and colors, to make patterns, and that was when they were truly delighted,” says Velinka.
Velinka’s dedication brings excellent results because, as she says, handmade products always find buyers. “I am happy that I know how to do this and that I can pass on my knowledge to others. Even if I had a thousand pairs of socks, I wouldn’t worry that they wouldn’t sell. A craft is learned and mastered, and even if you lack routine and skill, everything can be learned gradually.”
Her workshop not only preserved an old craft but also became a driver of economic independence for the women she taught, such as Tijana Lučić. “I didn’t know how to knit, crochet, or embroider, and through this project and with Mrs. Velinka, I learned a lot. This is a craft that, I hope, will never die out,” Tijana concludes.
Through her work, Velinka Laušević not only keeps knitting from being forgotten, but also empowers women to create their own business ventures, supporting them through education and her personal example of entrepreneurial success.
This is one of four stories, within the campaign of the Ministry of European Affairs on the occasion of International Women’s Day, created through the EU4ME project, with the financial support of the European Union.
Author: Anđelika Durutović