Meet masters of the textile craft: some of Lapuan Kankurit’s very own weaving family, who make every thread count.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with my
hands: there’s something very rewarding
about it. It’s great to see the work of your
own hands and be a part of creating
something special. Each piece of work has
meaning, both to the material, and
to myself. My job combines precision
with the joy of handwork.”
Aija – Finishing Operator
“I still remember how it felt to take a leap
into the new and unknown: to become
a seamstress and take up an internship at
Lapuan Kankurit. I was so nervous! Today
I’m so proud of how much I have learned
over the years. I know I’m a valued part
of the community, and that means a lot.
I love my job, and especially the people
I work with.”
Jasmina – Seamstress
” I’ve always liked working with machines,
and there are more than enough of those
here! Each weaving and finishing machine
has a personality of its own, full of moving
parts and small adjustments. The work
is its own reward: when you get the
machines working smoothly, you can
feel it. And that’s the best feeling.”
Juha-Matti – Weaving Technician
“It’s been incredibly fulfilling to be
able to grow and evolve in my job over
the years, from seamstress to weaver,
from inspection and knotting to warping.
Each step has taught me something new.
Warping requires attentiveness and
expertise: it’s the most crucial building
block of a fabric, like the foundation
of a house. Without it, nothing stays
intact. I’m familiar with the entire
production chain of a fabric, so I
know how vitally important this
first step of weaving really is.”
Olesya – Weaving Operator
“My over 20 years of work at Lapuan
Kankurit have given me so much. It’s
great to be able to really apply your
skillset. Together with the design team,
I transform designs into a weavable form.
Choosing the right yarn is an important
part of design work, and procuring wool
fibres straight from local farms has added a
new dimension to my work. It’s a privilege
to be doing something where tradition
and present time walk hand in hand,
and where each fabric tells a story.”
Elina – Jacquard Weave Coordinator
“I have worked in Kankureiden’s logistics for almost 8 years. My job includes stocking products in the finished goods warehouse, from where they are picked for orders for both retailer and online store customers.
The best part of my job, besides my amazing coworkers, is the variety. One day I might be packing online store orders, the next day stocking products on the shelves, and on another day preparing a large sea container shipment for export. Occasionally I also help in production, for example in the warping department.
Over the years there’s been many new designs and patterns. It’s always fun to see which of them become customer favourites.”
Hanna – Logistics Operator
“My work includes fabric inspection, project packing, ironing, rolling fabric, sewing, preparing shipments, washing, the final stage of the loom frame, wool teasing and brushing, as well as cutting lengths. That’s pretty much everything I do,” she laughs.
“I enjoy my job because it’s varied and keeps me active. It’s in my nature to be curious about everything and want to learn new things constantly. I’ve really enjoyed working at Lapuan Kankurit, and my coworkers are great.”
Merja – Finishing Operator
Photos @ Henri Vogt