When I moved to Oulu to study, I could already kind of knit. By “kind of knit” I mean that I had successfully figured out how to make many a scarf, headband, and a few hats. I probably started knitting in very late elementary school or middle school. It is something I saw my grandma doing, but I didn’t know many others that did. We certainly didn’t learn how to knit in school, something that is taught in Finnish schools as part of käsityö or “hand work”. Some of the stated objectives of käsityö in the Finnish curriculum are to develop motor skills, creativity and industriousness among students. The curriculum also states that the significance of käsityö is in long-term innovative work projects and as a self-esteem booster that offers satisfaction. It also helps the students value themselves as makers.
Return to the Tupa
I have been a member of the Ladies of Kaleva (Kalevan Naiset) Aallottaren tupa #15 since fall 2017 after I had been invited by one of its members. I remember wondering what the group was all about and if I would enjoy being part of this Finnish group -- MN is lucky to have so many!
During my first meeting I was greeted with much enthusiasm as I learned that we refer to one another as sisters and that at least a little bit of Finnish is used in every meeting.
Excerpts from study abroad: finding our way in Tampere
Collaboration is Key
The past few years have been a balancing act. As wonderful as it is to own a small business, it can also be a challenge as you navigate relationships and make decisions about career and associated risk. When I started Luumu at the end of summer 2017, many people thought I was opening a bakery. I knew from the beginning that maintaining a brick and mortar bakery store would not be a good fit for my life's ambitions. That is the beauty of owning your own business — you get to make your own decisions.
