Finland has a long tradition of practicing different handcrafts. This includes things like sewing and knitting, and even weaving and embroidery! For part of my time in Finland, I have had the chance to try several different types of traditional handcrafts. I am even taking a class to learn how to make Finnish National Costume, a traditional outfit worn for special events.
I have been a knitter and a sewer since I was very young, but while in Finland, I have learned a lot of new and challenging skills! One of the first things I tried was knitting wool socks. Wool socks keep toes toasty in the winter, and I love making them in many different colors!
I am also taking a class to learn how to make Finnish national costume. These special clothes are based on how people in Finland used to dress in the past; and people from different towns or regions wear different types of national costume. For my national costume, I decided to make the skirt, apron, shirt, and vest from Rovaniemi, a town a few hours north of Oulu. The shirt and apron will be white, while the vest will be black. The skirt is striped black, yellow and red. When Finns make national costume, they do everything by hand. I had to learn to make tiny stitches with a small sewing needle!
