We can't talk about bobbin lace in Finland without mentioning Eeva-Liisa Kortelahti. I am sure that most of you have seen her designs in books or magazines, sometimes without knowing that they belong to her. But a life dedicated to designing (modern, delicate and absolutely personal designs), deserve an article in my blog.
Thanks to my trip to Finland this summer, I have been able to know her personally. She is one of today's best lace designers. Her designs have a personal touch: in most of them appears a three lobed leaf (sinivoukko in finish, hepatica in English) which she herself considers to be her distinctive or logo.
At one side of her impeccable garden, there is a typical Finish wooden cabin, with the name PITSI-PIRTTI (bobbin lace cabin) carved in its front.
As soon as I entered, I was impressed of all the laces (about 500), all of them designed by her, and exhibited with an exquisite taste. From the wooden walls hang laces in a frame, other s inside showcases, panels with laces on them, 3D figures hang from the windows ... It is also possible to buy some of her numerous published books, patterns, postcards, even laces.
Eeva Liisa has dedicated all her life to designing and making lace. She has published over 10 books. Her patterns are easy, and at the same time contain much detail. For example, they include small arrows, very useful to indicate which way we have to follow.
Apart from edgings for tablecloths, doilies and handkerchiefs, Eeva Liisa designs pictures with festive and religious subject, as well as human figures full of movement. They look like drawn pictures.
In her warm cabin she teaches a few lessons a week. I wish I lived near to be able to attend her lessons!
You can buy her books in her own Web page http://www.pitsipirtti.fi/ or in specialized bookshops.
