TOYS knitted by artisans from Ukraine are set to take pride of place at Hatton Country World’s Christmas market.
Five artisans from Odessa have created toys which will be sold on the stall over the next two weekends.
The stall will also be manned by Ukrainian refugees and the profits from sales will go back to helping those in the war torn country.
And according to organiser Philip Lee the toys have already been going down a storm not only due to their quality but people’s desire to help those stuck in unimaginable circumstances.
Philip is hoping to feature the work of even more Ukrainian crafters throughout 2023, with plans to appear at more markets across Warwickshire.
One Ukrainian artisan whose work is featured is Yulia.
Yulia was a senior accountant for a grain company when Russia invaded.
She explained: “Our beautiful village in the Kherson region of Ukraine was shelled every day. My husband and I both lost our jobs and everything we couldn’t carry avoiding the bombs. Along with our beautiful daughter, we have had to avoid the bombing many more times.
“In peacetime since I was 12 years old I have knitted toys. All my toys are made with great love and tenderness, each is individual and unique.
“I am so pleased that my knitwear will be safe in the hands of people who care about the fate of Ukraine.”
While Oksana was a school teacher before the war.
The mum of two said she and her family were forced to flee to the Kirovohrad region of Ukraine and it has been impossible to find employment during the war, so she has returned to her hobby of knitting.
She said: “I started knitting toys when my daughter was born. When I create new dolls it is with love and affection so they are all kind, gentle and cheerful and full of hope for the future.”
The Ukraine Arts and Craft Stall will be at Hatton Country World’s Christmas Market from Friday (December 9) until Sunday (December 11) and then on Saturday December 17 and Sunday December 18.
