Last summer, I heard that there would be a sale in Hamina, as the textile campus there was closing. I had never been to Hamina before — I’m not even sure I had properly heard of it — but it was summer, the weather was beautiful, and what better excuse for a road trip?
On the way there, someone mentioned that Hamina is known for having the biggest flag of Finland. Which made me think… why would the biggest flag of Finland be anywhere else than Finland? But anyway.
When I arrived, I found myself in a large room filled with fabrics, sewing accessories, machines, dress forms, and all sorts of tools — some for sale, some even for free. I met two lovely teachers who worked there, and I told them about IKIGAI. I showed them the brand’s Instagram, and one of them said something that stayed with me: that people are often curious to know the person behind a brand, because curiosity is a very human thing.
So, here I am 🍃
After a while — and with my wallet almost completely depleted 😅 — I decided to check the upper floor just in case. And that’s when I found them: two beautiful hand-printed fabrics, with bright colours on a white background. The maker, who was also a teacher, told me she had originally printed them for curtains. But as soon as I saw them, I could already picture them as a summer dress 🤍
At that point, I was already working on the pattern for a summer dress, but I had only sewn it in sizes 36–40. Seeing these fabrics, it felt clear that they would be a perfect match for a slightly larger size range — 42–46 — and for the final piece of the summer mini-collection.
It was sad to see such a place closing, but I’m grateful I happened to be there at that moment. For the conversations, the fabrics, and the way one thing quietly led to another — eventually becoming what is now the Flower Dress.
0 comments