Kauppala is shop in Finnish. Aunes Kauppala is a quaint little place that is open from May through October ..but only on Thursdays through Sunday. Aune has a real job..so she is one busy lady. When you shop there, it takes some time..her items vary from homemade potholders..to used paperback with a few antiques and collectibles thrown in for good measure.
Many local artisans consign their wares at Aunes..I believe she still has a few of my Ladyslipper Cards. She doesn't have any of the tourist trap made in China or Taiwan crap. She may however have just a few things that are made in Finland.
Last Fall during Snellman Days Aune had her small loom set up outside. This loom used to belong to her Mother. Aune was giving a weaving demonstration.
I know nothing of the process other than I used to help cut strips of fabric and then when the ends were sewn together I used to help roll them into balls..they would then go to the rug maker and in a few months we would have new rag rugs. I have watched a number of people work the loom..I believe it is all about rhythm.. and of course stringing that warp (Thread) on the loom must be a real nightmare. My Father built a loom. One winter he took his brother Ervin's Loom and made an exact replica. There are a few looms in the family..someone should take some lessons..before all the old teachers are gone.
Aune was making place-mats and table runners.. she talked while she demonstrated. The thing that she said that stuck with me was " My Mother used this loom so much that her hand wore a spot in the wood. I can almost feel her closeness when I weave.":)
How sweet the comment about her mom is. Thanks for allowing us in this quaint little shoppe for a while. It looks like someplace I could really spend some time. Connie, you bring us the best stories. I am never disappointment.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great day!
This is my kind of shop. I love old cookbooks and I see a few in the photo. Also, the pine paneling in the background is like the "den" in the house I grew up in - built @ 1950. I have a blog friend, KathyB @ Spot on Cedar Pond who weaves her own Jacob sheep's wool. I love placemats and table runners - they make a home look so warm and cozy. Thanks for sharing a part of your world with us.
ReplyDeleteBeen there many times, but didn't know which woman was Aune! I'm ready to go again come spring!
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great place to shop!!
ReplyDeleteI also love that remark about her mother. Sometimes when I'm not thinking about it and I hear my own laughter, I hear my mother and it makes her feel so close. I remember when I was a little girl making a simple loom and threading it. It was so satisfying to end up with a potholder! Thanks for the story about Aune...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful comment and a wonderful store.
ReplyDeleteWe have what is called an union loom, rug loom, among other ones. If you have been to my blog you would of seen them. Hers is different from some that I have seen.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed my little visits here!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty amazing when people can do some complex task and still speak coherently.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little shop, looks like we could all find some treasure in there.
Jen
There are so many things we need to preserve, as you say, before it is too late and no one is left to tell us about them. I loved the comment about her Mom. Heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful shop.. and that loom is something else.
ReplyDeleteMy kind of shop... I'm not a big shopper at retail stores, in fact, I rather hate it. But something like this, well, it's quaint and cute and I love it! Homemade wares are unique and they always catch my eye more than the retail junk ever will.
ReplyDeleteOh to be able to learn everything in our lifetime, and how our desires even change and evolve... I would love to learn how to weave!!