Škodas: tried-and-tested partners
The Finnish countryside is vast, so it’s no surprise that most of these women travel by car between their homes and the somewhat remote Myssy headquarters. For example, there is only one bus service from Turku, some 45 kilometres away, with only three buses a day. That makes driving pretty much a necessity. But car sharing is popular, with the women taking turns to drive. And many of the four-wheeled partners the grandmothers rely on are Škodas.
The Finnish countryside goes on forever, making a car a necessity.
Each of the ladies is free to work at her own pace and in her own style. The work is an opportunity to experience something new or make unexpected friendships. For some, the money earned from working at Myssy even opened the door to a first-ever holiday abroad. “Knitting with us is not just a craft: it’s an opportunity, a new chapter in life, a new big family,” Anna explains. There are currently almost a hundred women working at Myssyfarmi, and interest is still growing. More and more are adding their names to the waiting list, keen to become part of this growing dynamic community.
The Myssy farm gives work to around a hundred local knitters.
Today, their creations can be bought in sixteen countries, from little boutiques to more upscale department stores. But the essence of each Myssy hat remains unchanged – each one is carefully knitted by a local grandmother from the finest Finnish sheep’s wool. “And even though Pöytyä may not be a fashion capital, even Parisians seem to have taken a liking to our hats,” Anna adds, her eyes shining with pride. “Maybe it’s because Myssy clearly sets you apart in a world where blending in has become the norm.”