Leena Kaisa Halme

Artist and drawing teacher by training Leena Kaisa Halme is one of the most prolific Finnish designers of ryijy patterns. She designed most of her patterns for Neovius and the Friends of Finnish Handicraft in the 1960s and 70s. Many of the patterns, including Kehrä and Kuutamo, became popular classics. The color scheme of the ryijys covered the entire spectrum, from strong colors to pale shades. The pattern of the ryijy could cover the entire surface or focus on a large central motif. Halme also intended to design patterns that would not be too difficult for someone who had purchased the product package to make on their own. After retiring from teaching, Halme's expression changed completely. The unique ryijys she created herself in the 2000s are based on a square format, a vibrant color field bordered by a frame, and the materials used are wool, linen and viscose.