Bobbin and Lace and Tatting

Crafts And Creativity With Malta Hotels

Craft markets are a big part of both Malta and Crete and a fantastic thing to look around. From artwork to uniquely intricate lace, Malta’s markets are the ideal place to pick up a fantastic holiday souvenir to display at home. What you save on Malta hotels, you can splurge on these beautiful holiday reminders that will last a lifetime.

Despite becoming a fading business, the interest from tourists has since revived the traditional lace craft in Malta. You can purchase lace all over the island but a well known shop for the handicraft is Ta’ Qali Crafts Village. Named bizzilla, the traditional form of lace was introduced to the island by the Knights of St John. Back in the 16^th and 17^th centuries, the lace, which is also known as bobbin lace, was used to make collars and ruffles for clothing.The beautiful lace not only makes perfect gifts but is important to the locals because of its artistic and cultural values.

If you want to be near the markets, many Crete hotels are located near the main square so you’ll be right by them. One of Crete’s most popular crafts are the gorgeous Frutti-di-mare clay sculptures, which are found in most of the markets here. A place selling traditional Cretan knives is O Armenis, and it’s here that you can actually observe how they match the handles to the blades. For locally produced lace in Crete, head to The Women’s Cooperative on the main square, where you’ll find rare pieces.

Tarxien Temple, The National Museum of Archaeology and Saflieni Hypogeum are a must-see for those interested in ceramics and pottery. A more traditional Maltese market is the fish market of Marsaxlokk. Whilst here, you can also pick up souvenirs, crafts and locally produced vegetables. Pottery is the oldest craft on the island, dating back to the prehistoric age. A great way to explore the markets is by staying in one of the hotels nearby. On Sunday, stop off at the market in Valletta, where you can pick up a whole host of things from crafts to clothes to daily essentials.

Nancy Today: Bobbin lacemaking 3

Alphabet Inspirations in Colored Bobbin Lace $14.43 With these beautiful patterns by an award-winning lacemaker, it’s as easy as ABC to stitch any monogram in exquisitely-hued bobbin lace. In addition to the 50 color photos of all the finished pieces, detailed line diagrams accompany the instructions for each lovely letter in Sandi Woods’s “Leafy Glades” alphabet. Plus, every letter has not just one but two templates: one uses simple stitches, and …