Albania's women silk makers weave big dreams for ancient trade | AFP

Women in Albania's northern Zadrima region keep the ancient local trade of silk weaving alive, mastering every stage of production from raising the silkworms to weaving the precious fabric. The history of silk making in Albania stretches back to the 10th century, but in recent years massive emigration and competition from synthetic fibres nearly killed the local trade. "In Zadrima, we say that raising silkworms requires as much dedication and love as raising children," says the workshop's co-founder Franceska Pjetraj.