Magda Tsironi

Yfadi

Weaver

©Constantinos Georgakopoulos

At the service of Greek tradition

Magda is inspired by Greek tradition, everyday life and other artists
She opened a workshop with her husband in March 2013
Her handwoven textile creations are made using sitting looms

Magda Tsironi has been inspired by Greek tradition ever since she was a child when she learned Greek traditional dances at the age of five. After graduating in archive, library and information studies at the Ionian University, Magda decided to pursue an entirely different career led by her passion for Greek cultural heritage. She was introduced to textiles in 2013, when she founded Yfadi workshop with her husband, Yannis, a traditional dance teacher. Together they started making traditional Greek costumes. Magda took weaving lessons from an experienced weaver, and her husband learned how to embroider for costume-making. Today, they use traditional looms and modern machines and techniques to create Greek costumes and other handwoven creations such as bags, scarves and stoles.

Interview

©Constantinos Georgakopoulos

©Constantinos Georgakopoulos

Did you learn your craft from a master?: I learned my craft from an experienced weaver who had been weaving since childhood and whom I met by chance. She wanted to transfer all her knowledge about the weaving craft to me because she would soon be stopping. In recent years I have attended weaving courses with a scientist-researcher specialising in ancient textile technology.
How does your craft relate to the territory you are based in?: The area where I work is connected through tradition to my craft. This was also the reason why I wanted to learn weaving in depth. At our workshop, we aim to keep alive our culture and the treasures of Greek heritage.
Is there something about your craft that people usually do not know?: People hardly understand that, in some cases, the fabric is created at the same time as the decorative pattern-embroidery. Most people believe that the fabric is created first, and then we take it off the loom to embroider and decorate it. Also, some people do not realise that weaving relies on muscle power and not electricity.
What would you say to someone who wants to work with the same craft as you?: I would encourage them to learn this craft. The creative journey you embark on with weaving has so much to offer to a person. In addition to cultivating creativity, you become aware of aspects of yourself that you did not know existed, as it happened to me.

Magda Tsironi is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2024