finlandia

Well, that is the name of the bottle of alcohol we bought from the duty free shop in Copenhagen, on our way here. It seemed appropriate at the time. And when mixed with apple juice, it's pretty nice to drink, sitting outside watching the planes take off and land on a clear night.

But I've been thinking about Finland a lot lately, so I think a trip there might be in order while we're living so close by. I'm interested in the landscape, the seasons, and the shopping. I'm not sure how I would get on with the language though. After looking at Finnish blogs for a while, I decided the multiple 'i's in the words are a lot like friendly snow falling over the writing.

I have long adored the blog puhti (beautiful writing + crafting) and today I received a parcel from Katja with some Finnish treats. Lovely cotton lawn (maybe Liberty?) and some vintage trim. Books for A and K (my favourite from childhood) plus a Moomin print for their wall. It's called 'Comet in Moominland.' Thank you Katja! If I had a guitar, I would sew that embroidered ribbon onto the strap. But until then it will make a good headband.

Here are some Finnish sites that I love to visit. Happy weekend to you!

hel-looks

designed-in-finland (textile)

puhti

merruli

only shallow

liivian talossa

pot of rose tea

Comments

[heidi]

i hope all is well with you sweet friend. finnish love is a serious bonus of living up north!

[Martha]

I have spent half a day already on the Hel Looks site, and I'm only 1/4 through it. I sincerely hope your other recommendations aren't so good.

[isoinpapu]

Ah, welcome welcome! We live a one day ferry trip from Stocholm, Sweden (very much worth visiting), so yea, come! Ah, the archipelago there is absolutely amazing and unique. I do strongly recommend coming sumertime though..

[caireen]

I love that moomintroll print! one of my favourites growing up also. Cx

[Di]

I love the Moomin print - very cool! You should try and get your hands on a copy of Tove Jansson (Moomin's author) book called The Summer Book - the most amzing, touching tales of a young girl and her grandmother as they spend their summer's on a small island in the archipelago of islands in Finland. A truly wonderful book!

I have been to Helsinki for a weekend and the shopping was good, the food great and midsummer evenings long and bright. I also too a trip to the little town of Porvoo along the coast = definitely worth a visit for the architecture and gift shops!

[Helen]

I'm glad you've had lots of nice snail mail lately to make you feel welcomed and missed!

x Helen

[Maria]

I have been reading your blog for a long time and I was very surprised when I saw that you wrote about Finland! (I live in northern Finland, in Oulu.)I think Finland is worth visiting :-)

[Angie]

Those are some lovely sites, thank you for sharing!

[mumintroll]

I love the moomin print!

[Kirsten]

Thank you for sharing the wonderful sites, nice to connect a little with my Scandinavian roots. Love the coffee cozy too!

[Suzan]

I've only been introduced to the Moomin recently. There is some lovely strangeness to the Finn's mind I think.

[Florence]

Hi, I just wanted to say I love your blog and your creations! The photos that you have shared in the past few weeks are really beautiful. I'm in Christchurch, crafting away here. You can visit my blog at http://onecherryberry.blogspot.com
ps that photo of moomintroll is so sweet!

[Hege]

My kids love the Moomin or Mummi trollet as we call him here in Norway ;)

have a great week!

[Tracy]

Love thos mummitrolls! I've lived here in Norway ages, but haven't been to Finland yet. We'd planned a trip there but it had to be postponed. Thanks for the great links. And, loved your coffee cozy from previous post. Happy week to you all ((HUGS))

[Chara Michele]

Oh that ribbon & fabric is absolutely lovely!

[quilteva]

If you have the chance, go to finland, I promise you, you will love this country. I stayed a few times in Helsinki, you will enjoy and love the design, the places and the stores and coffee-bars. If you can, go to Poorvo by boat or train. And have a good time at Suomenlinna, in summerevenings on the rocks or in winter during the day when it is icy cold and windy.
Have a great time in Norway, I stop very often at your blog and enjoy it very much!

[Felicia]

Aw, that little fellow is adorable :)

[amisha]

i am totally fascinated by finland. the home of marimekko + iittala has to be an amazing place :) did i tell you that e lived there for a year? he was in turku. he has amazing stories of foraging for mushrooms! and skiing near the arctic circle... i can ask him for some recommendations if you want! xoxo