I designed and wove my first rya in 1992. Since then new ryas have been born every year. 

The first stories of Story Ryas and their characters have developed from ideas generated more than ten years ago. The evolvement has been slow requiring much time, space, and maturation. 

Building our home and settling down in Sanginsuu made the Story Rya “pregnancy” visible and the last kick to the birth of the Story Ryas was given by my friend Hannele Kiviniemi. Hanski has acted as the midwife with her assistance and encouragement. She has also created the graphic expression of Story Ryas. Many thanks to you, Hanski! 

I have been dreaming about telling stories for a long time. The written form of my original idea of stories has been sharpened by Kiisi Isotalo, who has made the characters come alive by blowing the spirit and life into the Fairytale Bunnies with her magic pen. A hearty thanks to Kiisi! 

My drawings have got flesh around their bones from rya yarns, their colours and shades.

I am grateful for learning the art of rya making from the master weaver Anneli Marjoniemi. 

Mervi Oinas has created the nest for rya packages, i.e. a bag and a box for them. Thank you Mervi for the fruitful collaboration! 

Fairytale Bunnies are woven into ryas in competition with Merja Ketvelli. Good job, Merja! 

The home pages are updated by Kari Penttinen. Many thanks to you again for the updating! 

Story ryas are thus the result of collaboration. I agree with Mikko Kuustonen, the singer who often likes to quote the African proverb “If you want to go fast, walk alone. If you want to go far, walk together with others.” 

I am Riitta Johanna Laitinen, a textile designer and youth counsellor, living in Oulu. I am working in the world of creativity and imagination with children, young people, colours, and yarns.