There is just something very Finnish about self knitted socks, crafting nights with your collage friends and the sound of knitting needles clicking in a class room. Hobbies like knitting or sewing are often seen as elderly activities but in Finland handcrafts are for all ages and I think that’s neat.
I remember when I got my so “sewing machine license” also known as “ompeluajokortti” in Finnish. All Finnish kids my age also had one and I think handcrafts stay as a part of our lives because we’re being taught those skills young. Those simple moments of pride and feelings accomplishment really knit Finnishness together crafting.
I have noticed not a lot of other countries put as much effort into teaching and preserving handcrafting. People outside Finland usually think it’s a little strange to see half of a lecture hall knitting socks or are amazed to hear that some one has knitted a whole sweater from scratch. And they are right knitting a garment from scratch is amazing. I think we should be as proud of our everyday seamstresses and knitters as we are of Marimekko and Finlayson.
I hope Finland keeps it’s connection to handcrafts alive and well.
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