Tuula Pöyhönen

Specialized in new concepts development with an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing processes in the textile and clothing industry. Enjoys the challenge of merging cutting edge design, brave branding and commercial reality.

Q&A

What craft do you work with?

The Ragamuf chair cover idea was born in Edinburgh Scotland during artist residency period 2015. The residence had an old worn-out sofa. I visited a local material shop and saw their net material with big eyelets. I had previously worked with T-shirt yarns.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

Yarns are left over from the textile industry. The manufacturing process is handcraft and suitable to be done without any machinery. I ended up to co-operation with the entrepreneur wanting to help Syrian refugees in Turkey. The method enabled women in a low economic situation to work at home and earn money by themselves. Maker can choose the colors and design the pattern which makes working more meaningful and Ragamuf unique. Concept is very flexible for different kinds of uses. Lately I have given courses in Finland and Estonian.

How do you start your creative process?

Material always inspires me and leads the process. I enjoy working by hand. Even when designing for industry, I often make prototypes myself by hand. The most difficult stage is funding and producing which are totally different professions but designers should be good at them too.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

Before, when I had a bigger home, I used to work there. Now I have 8 square meter space in the cellar. It’s enough for a big cutting table, industrial sewing machine and materials.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I would prefer get change to use new materials, like wood fibres developed in Finland.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

It’s best when working together when you can see different interpretations of the same theme. Then you can better understand your own style too. Often solutions can be found easily by sleeping overnight. I would still like to work back in a multi-professional design team that would include a model master and seamstresses.