Browsing by Author "Vinkki, Silja"

The aim of this study was to analyse and describe the craft activities of Estonians in Finland from the point of view of textile hobby craft. The study focused on the characteristics of the Estonian craft enthusiasts, as well as on the importance of hobby craft to them. Well-being as part of crafts was also examined in this study. It is important to study this subject, since there is no previous research on the craft activities of Estonians in Finland. The study was based on previous research knowledge related to the pursuit of crafts, its meanings and connection to well-being. In addition, the theory section of the thesis discusses research related to the history of Estonians in Finland and textile craft methods used in Estonia. Furthermore, the topics of cultural heritage and cultural identity are also discussed. The study was carried out by qualitative means. The research data was acquired through a survey and interviews. Sixteen Estonians women who live in Finland participated in the survey, and five Estonians women who live in Finland were interviewed. All research subjects were enthusiasts of textile crafts. The survey was used to examine the general picture of Estonian craft enthusiasts who live in Finland. The survey data was analysed with data-driven content analysis. Interviews were conducted for a deeper look at the meanings of crafts among the enthusiasts, and the interview data was analysed with theory-driven content analysis. The categories of craft meanings, created by Kouhia (2012), served as the basis for the theory-driven analysis. The findings revealed that Estonians craft enthusiasts who live in Finland are women between the ages of 25 to 64. Half of the study participants dabbled in crafts almost every day. Among the participants in the study, sewing, crochet and knitting were the most used techniques. Woollen socks were the produces craft products most. Among other things, crafts were used to maintain Estonian cultural tradition. None of the meanings related to crafts was more important than the others; handicrafts were seen as a holistically significant pastime. Craft was perceived as an important part of well-being, and the enthusiasts were aware of its therapeutic effects on their own psychological well-being.