Inside, surrounded by colorful threads and the soft rhythm of knitting needles and crochet hooks, Manushaqe Arifaj has spent more than two decades transforming a childhood passion into a lifelong profession.

For over 20 years, Arifaj has remained devoted to traditional crochet and knitting techniques – crafts that today are increasingly rare in an era dominated by industrial production. Every scarf, sweater, handbag, decorative frame, or home ornament she creates carries not only craftsmanship, but also personal history, memory, and a deep attention to detail.

“I started when I was in first grade, by imitating my grandmother,” Arifaj told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) as her hands moved with practiced speed and precision. “Very quickly, it became a passion.”

The early years were not easy. At a time when factory-made goods dominated the market, handmade products often struggled to find recognition. Still, she refused to abandon the craft.

Initially producing small custom orders for relatives and friends, Arifaj gradually built a loyal clientele. Today, her creations attract buyers not only from Durrës, but from across Albania, as well as foreign tourists drawn to the authenticity of her work.

Her workshop features a wide range of handmade items, including handbags decorated with stones and beads, wall frames for homes and hotels, and glass vases covered in intricate textile designs.

“Every piece is unique,” she said. “Even when the pattern is the same, no two creations are identical.”

According to Arifaj, demand rises significantly during the summer season, when Durrës receives large numbers of foreign visitors and Albanian emigrants returning home for holidays.

“There is strong interest especially in handbags, accessories, and decorative items,” she said.

Beyond its economic value, the craft also holds deep personal meaning for her. Knitting, embroidery, and crochet have become a form of meditation and calm in an increasingly fast-paced world.

“When I work, I forget every worry,” she said with a smile.

Arifaj expressed concern, however, that younger generations are showing less interest in learning traditional crafts, raising fears that such skills could gradually disappear or remain concentrated among older artisans.

“I’d love for this tradition to continue,” she said.

Her hopes have gained renewed encouragement as “ojnat” – the refined Albanian tradition of crochet and needlework and embroidery – has been nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The prospect fills Arifaj with pride.

“It would be a great victory if that happens,” she said. “It would recognize the importance of handmade art that I, along with many other women across Albania, continue to preserve and hope to pass on to future generations.”

In a world increasingly shaped by technology and mass production, Arifaj’s story stands as a reminder that the value of craftsmanship and handmade traditions endures. In every thread she weaves lives a fragment of tradition, a personal story, and proof that true passion can withstand the test of time.

1 of 8

/e.i/a.f/r.e/u.sh/

In her remarks at the event, Denaj praised master tradesman and journeymen for their successful career in craftsmanship, saying their success is yet another indicator of the positive performance of the labour market that is now being largely focused on crafts and business that produces skilled professionals and provides an added value to the country’s economy.

Highlighting that more attention is being shown to craftswomen and their involvement in this trade to best preserve tradition and help their household economy, Finance and Economy Minister Denaj noted that further development of the labour market adapting vocational training courses to meet labour market needs in line with the international standards remains a challenge.

The state budget support for the labour market through vocational education and training has increased in recent years.

“Many sectors of our economy are performing well despite the pandemic and the difficult situation we went through. Labour market is rebounding and the number of newly-employed people is higher than last year,” Denaj said.