Day 24 - Weaving and Reflections

Read full story and photos here.

Today was the day I began weaving on a loom, just like my great-grandmother Anette, who made many Estonian rahvariide skirts in Australia during the 60s and 70s. Arriving at Craft Camp meant walking through active summer roadworks, something unheard of in Australia! Inside, familiar memories returned, and we caught up with Katlin, our Kihnu guide from six years ago, before heading to class.

Our teacher, Inna Raud, who taught me leather shoe making two years ago, introduced the cultural significance of rahvariide across regions. We chose patterns for our loom project, mine being the Ambla design from one of my skirts. Selecting vibrant wool, I loaded the spools, amazed at both old hand-crank winders and clever drill-powered ones.

Weaving on the tall stools was a workout, but I felt deeply connected to my great-grandmother. In the afternoon, Dad visited to see the looms, sparking memories for him too. A touching moment came when Mum, Ingrid, and Maie sang an old Estonian work song, something even the organisers had never heard. After cutting my patch from the loom, tying knots, and ironing, it was ready for the next day.

That evening, the Mayor of Viljandi personally led our walking tour. We explored Jaani Church, the old castle ruins, and the suspension bridge Dad used to bounce when I was little. From scenic lake views to stories of the Viljandi Folk Festival, red-brick buildings, and whimsical cat statues from a children’s story, every stop revealed more history. I especially loved learning that castle stones had been repurposed into the town’s foundations.

It was a day of heritage, connection, and discovery, both through weaving and through Viljandi’s rich stories.