Checks and stripes

The looms in the sailor’s house are used to give weaving demonstrations. The weavers use old pieces of cloth found during renovations as models for their work. Out of the cloth they produce costumes, curtains, bedcovers and rugs.

The first period costumes were sewn in the summer of 1949, and the craftsmen, museum staff and guides have worn them ever since. The women’s dresses and hats are made according to the clothes typical of the 18th and 19th centuries’ common woman in western Finland.

The Gustavian costume dates back to the 18th century and includes a type of jacket, a skirt and a linen hat. Representing 19th century fashion are the pinafore dress and the gown, both of which are worn with a silk cap. Finally, the post office lady is wearing a typical early 20th century professional woman’s outfit.

The craftswomen wear plainer clothes. They usually have on a skirt, a blouse and a head scarf as well as a protective apron if needed. The models for men’s working clothes are taken from old photographs and master craftsmen’s tales.