Valentina Semyonovna

About the craftswoman

Valentina Semyonovna is one of those craftswomen for whom the Orenburg down shawl is an essential part of the wardrobe. She not only knits these items but also enjoys wearing them herself.

“I believe the Orenburg shawl is no relic of the past,” she states confidently. “It should be in every family, with every woman. So many health benefits, so many ways to wear it — countless!”

A hereditary craftswoman

Valentina Semyonovna was taught to knit by her mother, who at that time worked at the local down workshop — so she rightfully bears the title of hereditary craftswoman. This positive woman first picked up knitting needles at 9.

In primary school she was already freely knitting borders, and a little later she knitted her first complete down shawl. She knitted it — and sold it. Since then Orenburg shawls have become both a passion and a way of earning for her. Like most craftswomen, Valentina Semyonovna has been knitting since childhood and has accumulated vast experience.

Counterfeits — the main misfortune of the craft

Valentina Semyonovna shares our opinion: one of the main problems of modern down knitting is the widespread distribution of counterfeits.

“Call that a shawl?” she says. “Mass-market junk, nothing more. And then people think that's what Orenburg down shawls are…”

A look into the future

The craftswoman looks to the future with optimism and is sure that the craft has one.

“Yes, young people knit little now,” she says. “But in time they will come to the craft; the main thing is that there is someone to teach them properly: mothers and grandmothers who are also hereditary craftswomen and knit well. In time young people will understand that the down shawl and the ability to knit it is a useful skill that will never leave you without money.”

Valentina Semyonovna is convinced that the fashion for natural things will only gain strength in the coming years.

“Of course people will continue to be drawn to everything natural, and that's exactly why the craft has a future, I believe. In the coming decades the down craft won't disappear. The value of the items will only grow, I'm completely sure.”

Valentina Semyonovna recently had a granddaughter, and the craftswoman very much hopes to introduce her to the craft in time.

“It really is an enormous pleasure,” she says. “Even when you have troubles, knitting really can calm you down. Yes, it's titanic work, but most craftswomen enjoy it.”