Hannele Köngäs

Waveweaver's Wool

Weaver

Where soft wool leads us

Hannele specialises in the high-twist yarn techniques
She creates durable textiles for Nordic conditions
She advocates for ecological practices by using Finnish wool

Hannele Köngäs' journey as an artisan started during her school years when she was pondering whether a piece of textile was a twill or a tabby. She later found out that twills can be made to look like tabby with special yarn twist techniques. Twenty-five years later Hannele was weaving fabrics and teaching as a master in several Finnish institutes. In early 2000 she made her wildest dreams come true by opening up her own workshop. Currently, as an independent artisan, Hannele advocates for ecology, sustainability, and tradition, by educating and weaving unique pieces from Finnish wool. Her works incorporate functional beauty that can endure harsh conditions but also respect the notion of nature's cycles when it comes to sustainability.

Interview

What were the first experiments you made?: I received a grant for product development and began to test yarns with an extra twist technique. I tested various amounts and densities with yarns to figure out the right texture. Based upon my newfound knowledge I developed my own yarn that a Swedish spinning mill now produces for me.
How is your craft linked to your territory?: The wool I use is from nearby farms. I also found out that the fabric that inspired me during my school years was made around here. And when I worked at the local museum I discovered that the extra twist yarn technique I use is linked to iron-age textiles made in Finland and other Nordic countries.
What are you specialised in?: I am specialised in several types of Finnish wool and sheep, as well as in extra twists in yarns. I use Kainuu region grey sheep wool in my pieces as it is soft, and its grey colour allows me to dye it with natural dyes.
How would you define a well made piece?: The weaving and dyeing of the material has to be excellent! For me, it also means using local materials and creating sustainable products. For instance, my products can be repaired, redyed, reused, and composted.

Hannele Köngäs is a master artisan: she began her career in 1991 and she started teaching in 1979