🪡 Mountain Stitches: A New Chapter for Traditional Embroidery

On 25 September 2026, traditional embroidery took the spotlight in Montenegro as the Grebaje Valley hosted Interreg Cooperation Day. The event celebrated European cooperation and marked a special moment for DanubeCrafts: the first public presentation of souvenirs created through the project’s pilot activities. 🏔️

Developed by the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije (RDA BKP), the collection is the result of months of collaboration with women from Berane and the surrounding area.

🧵 From embroidery workshops to a collection with market potential, the initiative brought together 41 trainees, with 20 women continuing to develop products inspired by traditional techniques and local heritage. This work led to Gorski vez (Mountain Stitches), an initiative that connects traditional embroidery with contemporary design and new economic opportunities.

The first products, featuring hand-embroidered motifs inspired by Montenegro’s mountain landscapes and cultural heritage, were presented to visitors in Grebaje. The event also included a panel discussion where DanubeCrafts beneficiary Dubravka Barjaktarović shared her experience and reflected on the opportunities created through participation in the project. 🌿

✨ The next steps for Mountain Stitches include refining the collection, establishing shared quality standards and a visual identity, and exploring opportunities to bring the products to market.

By supporting local skills and encouraging new approaches to traditional crafts, DanubeCrafts helps keep cultural heritage alive while creating opportunities for the communities that preserve it.

#DanubeCrafts #LivingCraftsDanube #GorskiVez #MountainStitches #TraditionalCrafts #CulturalHeritage #InterregDanube #Montenegro
https://bjelasica-komovi.me/en/gorski-vez-presented-to-the-public-for-the-first-time-at-interreg-cooperation-day-in-grebaje/