Maija Fagerlund is a textile designer and a lecturer in textile design at Aalto University, who has mentored countless budding designers during her career. Many of Maija’s former students have also gone to design products for Lapuan Kankurit. Over the years, various projects have also fostered collaboration between the two.
“Back in the day we didn’t have an industrial weaving machine at the Aalto University, so we began collaborating with Lapuan Kankurit: students would get a chance to become acquainted with the operation and premises of an industrial weaving mill, as well as weave their own designs. The first students visited Lapua in 2015,” Maija recalls.
“I think it’s so important for students to meet entrepreneurs who are excited and driven to try new things, and of course to see how everything works in practice. Later, when we acquired our own industrial weaving machine, we received so much help and advice from Lapuan Kankurit on its initialisation.”
Maija has an unequivocal answer to what is the most rewarding part of teaching.
“The students. They are such a diverse bunch; all interesting people full of interesting thoughts. Teaching is also a great way to deepen your own knowledge, because you have to dig really deep into everything to explain how it works.”
Maija’s profound understanding of the principles of textiles is an enormous asset in her design work, as well. Through her teaching, she also immerses herself in the history of textile production. The solutions of yesteryear are a font of inspiration for today.
“There’s so much history behind it all, it’s wild. There can be such an interesting and innovative weave in a pair of 3000-year-old pants. And back then they didn’t even have grid paper to sketch the weave on!” Maija laughs.
Restrictions, for many, can be limiting. For Maija, they are a treasure trove of inspiration. According to her, too much freedom can feel like no freedom at all.
“Limitations provide the framework within which to work, and they force you to think. This makes the whole process more inspired and the project more deliberate.”
MAIJA FAGERLUND
Maija’s multidimensionality is greatly appreciated at Lapuan Kankurit.
“It has been wonderful to witness over the years how amazingly Maija has welcomed students into the world of woven textiles, and how important she has always been to her students, as well. As a designer, Maija is tremendously talented in designing weaves and patterns, in particular,” shares Jaana Hjelt, entrepreneur and co-owner of Lapuan Kankurit.
Maija has designed Lapuan Kankurit’s RAITTI and SUMU cushion covers, which were released last autumn. The two designs highlight Maija’s love for both the history of textiles as well as the world of weaves.
Photos @Henri Vogt
