Mereme Arapi

Mereme Arapi is a traditional textile and garment maker from Albania, who's skills in knitting and crotchet she learnt and refined through practices passed down through generations. At NEÖSPHERA, we believe it is of utmost importance to learn directly from the makers; listen to their stories, and witness their process.

What materials do you use, and where do you source them?

The materials I use when I work depends on what kind of work I do: For the sweater, I used acrylic, sheep wool, cotton, etc.
I buy them in stores or ask siblings and relatives to get me some yarns from Albania, that usually have been produced in Turkey. When my children were kids and we were in Albania, I used the sheep's wool that my mother used to make me yarn. She also dyed it for me and I made sweaters, socks, carpets with my own hands.

How do you typically begin a new project? Do you start with any visualisations, sketches, prototypes, or something else?

I started crocheting when I was 12 years old, my mother taught me to crochet starting with easy work. I used to work when I was growing up, and I was going to get married, according to tradition, making crocheted baskets by hand, embroidered sheets and made them with tassels to decorate them, carpets and many other things. At first it was passion, then when I had small children it was necessary, because there weren’t enough resources at the time in stores

What do you feel is the value of making a product in comparison to simply buying something from a mass-manufactured fashion shop?

Now I have a lot of inspiration:
there are materials that were missing when I was young. I like to make baskets for the house, towels for aunts, crochet sweaters for girls, make scarves, blankets for babies, work with spears, crochet and embroider, recently I have made women's bags. I enjoy working with my hands. I also have orders from my children, grandchildren, friends, I really like the classic fashion of the early years....

Do you experiment with different or new materials or techniques often, or do you tend to stick with what you know works well? Do you usually stick to the traditional, or do you find yourself inspired by more modern ideas and techniques?

In general, a new project arises from the need for what to use it for, how do I start with visualisation and sketch.
I like to experiment with new materials and techniques, I stick to what I think works well.
I like both tradition and combination with modern techniques and ideas.
When I work by hand, I pay attention because I am driven by passion that the product comes out with high quality, with the right dimensions, a combination of colours and designs, I like it very much. I find sometimes in stores pieces that I like to buy, when they worked beautifully and with passion.