During my residence in Karstula I would conduct research about local ways to produce conductive threads and fabrics, based in local and grassrooted technologies and material resources. The goal is promote a connection among traditional textile technologies and new electronic and digital possibilities, but rooted in local needs and interests.

Mietala suomenlammasfarmilta, visiting a local sheep farm

Mietala suomenlammasfarmilta, visiting a local sheep farm

18th January we visited a sheep farm in Pääjävi, Mietal suoemenifarmita. The owners, Maarit and Simon raise Finnish sheeps (suomi lammas). Maarit also produce its own yarn and felt in traditional way

They started over five years ago and now raise more than 100 sheep. They raise the animal for meat and also for the wool, although there is not a big market for that. The sheeps more preciate for their wool are the brown (ruskea) and the black (musta) ones for the cuality of their fibers

Maarit show me how she cards the sheared wool, by hand and the carding machine. Afther that, she showed me how to make the yarn in the spinning wheel. She also experiment mixing diferent kind of fibers (angora rabbits and dogs)

She sell the yarn in local crafting shops. Also, she produce their own felt for clothes and hats. I love her creativity making her own soft luminescent ornaments