Today we're talking with Sari Nordlund about her sigh-inducingly pretty colorwork pullover from Issue 24, one of her favorite places in her hometown, and a little about Finnish crafts. By the end of this interview you'll want to visit Finland to experience its beautiful nature and rich traditional crafts yourself!
amirisu: What challenges did you encounter during the design process?
Sari: I based my design on the traditional Korsnäs sweaters that have been knitted in the Western part of Finland since the 19th century. The original Korsnäs sweaters have a boxy fit and combine both knitted and crocheted parts, so the challenge was to keep the feel of the traditional sweater but modernise it by making it with a circular yoke. I also wanted to keep the feel of the crocheted elements but do them in knitting instead, so that was something I thought long how to do.
amirisu: If you were to knit this design in another color, what would it be?
Sari: The original Korsnäs sweaters were mainly red on white background with accents of green, so I think that would be a fun colour combination to try. If I were to knit it for myself, I would probably choose a monochrome white-grey-black combination so it would best suit my own wardrobe.
amirisu: Tell us a little bit about a favorite place of yours in the town or area you grew up in or where you live now.
Sari: I grew up in a small seaside town Pietarsaari on the west coast of Finland. My favourite place there is the Fäboda beach, with its fine sand and smooth rocks, and it is surrounded by beautiful forests. We often go there to swim and watch the sun set into the horizon. In winter we hike along the beach over the ice when the sea is frozen.
amirisu: What is one handicraft or traditional art or skill (other than knitting) from your country or region that you like or have an interest in?
Sari: Finland has a rich tradition in tapestry crochet, which is something I would definitely love to learn. I would also love to learn more carving. I have tried to carve wood a few times, and it is fun but very challenging! But I love hand carved wooden objects such as spoons, there is something utterly beautiful about natural wood!
Thank you, Sari!