Inspired by a conversation with Jane Crowfoot, our knitting expert for this tour, we’ll take you on a journey from Finland’s capital, Helsinki, north to Vaasa and Korsnas, home of the Korsnas sweater. On route we’ll meet and have workshops with local craft experts and enjoy three half day workshops with Jane.
I was really intrigued when I stumbled across images of traditional ‘Korsnas’ sweaters from Finland as they appeared to be made from both knitted and crocheted stitches. After a bit of research, I discovered this was indeed the case - the sweaters have intricately patterned crochet borders and yokes and hand knitted central ‘body’ and ‘sleeve’ parts. When researching this method of combining both knit and crochet into a project I found that not only is the tradition of making these amazing sweaters still practiced in Finland, but that there is a museum in the town of Korsnas where many examples are on display.
So, when Arena asked me if I had any suggestions as to where I would like to take a group of avid yarn lovers, my immediate response was Finland!
I am going to design a small bag project to accompany the trip. You will be able to choose whether they want to knit or crochet the project or whether you want to tackle both techniques.
You will need to be of intermediate to advanced level and should know how to read a pattern.
- Jane Crowfoot
This cosy 4-star hotel is located by the sea in the idyllic Katajanoka district, right next to the Market Square and Helsinki centre. This hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
The comfortable bedrooms are available as a twin/double to share, or for sole use and are equipped with the following facilities:
A stylish and unique hotel located in the heart of the city. The bedrooms overlook either the town square or the hotel courtyard and are decorated with magnificent paintings of the Kvarken archipelago. The hotel also has a sauna, gym and restaurants on site.
The comfortable bedrooms are available as a twin/double to share, or for sole use and are equipped with the following facilities: