Kihnu skirts are of different colors, but they all have one common feature, a "naaritsetud pael" - a woven red ribbon that lines the bottom of the skirt. Of all the Kihnu braids, this one is the easiest to make and is also used in our traditional Kihnu leather slippers. In the workshop, you will learn how to make the braid, which is woven together from coloured wool yarns.

 

The next most difficult braid is called "südamepael" (heart string), named so thanks to the appearance of a heart in the middle. This braid is often used to close Kihnu skirts around the waist and is our most common friendship band.

 

The third braid is the most difficult braid to make called "säärepael" (calf braid). This braid has many uses in Kihnu costumes and is used as an apron braid, thank you braid, instrument braid and much more. This braid holds a particularly important role in Kihnu weddings when they are placed around gifts from the bride.

 

The strongest braid is the "ponimus". This braid is good to learn in pairs, as it can be difficult at first alone. The four stranded braid, which requires weaving clockwise and counter clockwise is often used in Kihnu knitting bags or closing the skirt. 

 

In the workshops, an average length of 50 cm braid is made. For this, 2 bunches of yarn (90 cm) are used.

 

Who is this workshop suitable for?: All groups regardless of age and gender. Groups can choose the most suitable braid dependant on difficulty level.

 

Number of people in the group: up to 12 people

In the past, toys were not available in the store, Kihnu children made their own toys with the help of their mothers. In the workshop, a little doll is made from cloth and yarn. Scissors, needle, and thread are used.

 

Who is this workshop suitable for?: This workshop is more complicated than braids, so it is suitable for children aged 9 and up. Great workshop for a parent and child together.

 

Number of people in the group: 5 to 9 people

One of the oldest activities in Kihnu is boat building. While fathers were busy building large ships and boats, the children were making their own small boats from pine bark. This workshop uses pine bark, studs, a small knife and by the end of it, children have made their own boat that is fun to float at home.

 

Who is this workshop suitable for?: Children aged 9 and up. Great for parent and child.

 

Number of people in the group: up to 9 people

Kihnu girls and women have always wanted to adorn themselves. In Kihnu, the necklace is still worn today and is believed to have a protective effect. During this workshop, we will make a necklace from tweed and natural materials with very young children. Wooden beads are used with older children. "Kudrused" (a traditional Kihnu necklace) are more advanced and making them requires dexterity and focus. For this reason, kudrused are more suitable for ages 9 and up. These necklaces are are coils of colourful pearls, with different patterns. Depending on the complexity, the kudrused may not be able to finish during the workshop, however can be taken along to finish at home. Participants get to keep the necklace they made from the workshop.

 

Who is this workshop suitable for?: Ages 4 and up: twill fabric and wooden bead necklace, ages 9 and up: Kudrused

 

Number of people in the group: up to 12 people

A fishing net is woven using a traditional "ui" (netting needle). Nets of different mesh sizes are used in Kihnu to catch different fish, depending on their size. In the workshop, you will learn how to make a net knitting eye (knot). Everyone gets a worksheet and if you wish, you can buy a "ui" from the museum shop to take and practice your net knitting at home.

 

Who is this workshop suitable for?: For people aged 9 and up.

 

Number of people in the group: up to 12 people