Master weaver keeps old world tradtitions alive in Highland Park. Walking through the door into the Pets with Fez Weaving Studio in Highland Park is like taking a magic carpet ride back hundreds of years to a craftsman's den in Persia.

Instructor and old-world expert Babajan stands amid a wide assortment of hand operated weaves and looms, plus hundreds of spools of natural fibers including wool, cotton, linen, mohair and silk.

"While I enjoy creating my own tapestries, rugs, and articles of clothing, my true joy in life comes from passing on my knowledge to others" said Babajan, who offers classes in tapestry, spinning and Persian rug weaving.

Babajan has studied Eastern weaving in Turkey, Iran, and India. He comes from a long line of Assyrian and Kurdish weavers and musicians. His expertise in weaving art is recognized nationally. He worked for the Smithsonian and has consulted several other museums across the country.

Classes in weaving, tapestry, and spinning continue year round at Pets with Fez.