Crafts in Malta

I'm just back from a wonderful holiday in Malta and have just a few photos to share with you over the next few posts.  Although there seems to be no evidence of patchwork and quilting in Malta they do have other talents and traditions in crafts.
Of course I had to track down some real lace (a lot of what is available is machine made, or even imported).  On the island of Gozo I visited Bastion Lace where all the lace is handmade bobbin lace, so beautiful. (Teresa and Carol, this is where your lace pieces came from)

We watched this gentleman patiently gilding, applying the finest gold leaf to pieces for a processional statue in Mdina.

Later we chatted to a jeweller who makes the traditional Maltese filigree work.

 I couldn't resist this beautiful silver thimble he made.  I think it will be to admire rather than use although it does fit me perfectly.

I made a visit to this lovely haberdashery shop in Valletta and spent ages choosing while DH waited very patiently, bless him, although he was more than ready for a coffee by the time I'd finished.  (Teresa and Carol this is where your ribbons and pieces came from).

And I did do some sewing myself, here I am enjoying the sunshine and making a fabric postcard for a Global Piecers swap.