knitted fabrics

I had another course on knitting, this time with patterns and some new techniques. First I designed different test patterns by using a computer program and after uploading the patterns into a control device I started to knit test pieces with varying yarns. It was all in all very inspiring and interesting. :)

We also had a great chance to manufacture some knitted fabric industrially at Kutomo Holopainen Oy in Tuusula, Finland. Here is my two-sided fabric:

I had made a decision to turn it into a cardigan that can be used with both sides. By now I have planned a photoshoot for documenting the final product. Kutomo Holopainen finished the cardigan very decently, I must say.

Reversible knitted cardigan

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Design: Amanda Halonen

Sewing: Kutomo Holopainen Oy

today (and tomorrow) at the Cable Factory

Kierrätystehdas / Recycling Factory is Finland's biggest annual event for sustainable lifestyle. I visited the event again this year and rotated myself around the place for a little while. astubutiikkiin.fi had an own department too. :)

The spirit of the whole event is recycling and upcycling. I was happy to find some good leather pieces for projects that I'm planning to accomplish at some point.

Enjoy the spring folks!

thinking back last summer

... and dreaming up plans for next summer.

Some days ago I browsed through my computer and traced some photos of myself around one lovely country - Spain. So this is me in my element: traveling.

Pictures in random order...

Start of the trip: Bilbao - bad(ish) weather, hah. :D

After that: San Sebastian - nice and good! Sunny.

Followed by: Zaragoza - a dose of culture.

Last stop: Madrid - big city heat. Loved it.

In total: two weeks of happiness.

This is my travel-mate Kristiina. She's cool (and she took the pictures above).

Summer: please come back quickly!

weaving is fun

School is keeping me busy again. At the moment I'm weaving interior textiles with a computer connected loom (pics 1-2) and a jacquard machine (pics 3-4). I took some pictures on the go.

Here are two examples of my woven fabrics.

And then the jacquard try-out. Huge difference with thick and thin yarns. :)

lovely love moves

Seeing this made me smile - I wish it makes you too! I found this delightful video from Flow's web page and I just needed to share this here with you. ;)

Happy Valentine's Day everybody!

"bouquet"

A good old post card with a good old Hello! - special flowers for a special person, though.

a good morning

Yesterday I ate breakfast when it was already bright outside.

I start my days very often with coffee & muesli with nuts, sunflower seeds and lovely minced Hippophae rhamnoides - sea buckthorn powder to put it more clearly (Fin: jauhettu tyrnimarja). Sometimes I add crushed linseeds among the mix (Fin: pellavansiemenrouhe).

I can not leave the house without a proper amount of energy and this is the ordinary way for me getting it.

triangle cushion

Hi there!

The second year in Metropolia University started with hands-on action by experimenting different textile materials. Let me introduce to you the handmade triangle cushion which I designed last fall.

This unique triangle cushion of mine is made of recycled materials. It consists of carefully selected pieces from two different vintage leather jackets and self-made yarns from leftover fabrics. I hope you like it! :)

2013 randomly

I had a lovely year. I have spent my time mainly in Finland, but also in Great Britain, Spain and Turkey. I have loved the many visits to my boyfriend's summer place, but Helsinki is always a good place to come back.

2013 in pictures - I enjoyed summer time the most this year. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014! :)