Last week, Jeanette and Enrico from the Sourcing Team traveled to Lithuania in search of new linen fabrics. Over the centuries, Lithuania has established itself as a significant location for linen production for several reasons. The rich tradition and historical heritage of linen are deeply rooted in Lithuanian culture. Generations of Lithuanian families have perfected the craft of linen weaving and passed down their knowledge from one generation to the next. Additionally, Lithuania has a long history in the textile industry and boasts a well-developed infrastructure and skilled workforce, making the country an attractive location for linen production. Its proximity to other European markets and access to modern production facilities also contribute to Lithuania's leading role in manufacturing high-quality linen fabrics.
Our behind-the-scenes look at linen production revealed a fascinating world of weaving. From freshly dyed linen rolls to complex Jacquard weaving, each stop on this journey has its own peculiarities and requires a great deal of expertise. In Panevėžys, we entered a world full of colors and patterns. For instance, freshly dyed yarn rolls were waiting to be woven into beautiful, timeless, yarn-dyed fabrics. We also marveled at fabrics that were dyed post-weaving. In this case, the undyed fabric ran in strips while dye rollers pressed the color into the fabric from both sides. It was a fascinating process where every detail was carefully monitored to ensure quality. Afterward, the dyed fabric was packaged to allow the color to set in. The weaving processes themselves were, of course, incredibly impressive. From rewinding to re-twisting onto the warp beam, each station was a crucial step towards the finished product. The Jacquard machines, in particular, capable of controlling each warp thread individually to create diverse patterns, were especially impressive. A skillful craft that required dexterity and precision.
As we entered the production sites, we could feel the history embedded in the walls. For 60 years, the company has produced high-quality linen fabrics, experiencing many ups and downs along the way. Today, with state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team, it continues to set standards in terms of quality and sustainability. The finishing process was the last step on our journey. Here, the fabrics were dried and set before they were ready for further processing. It was a job of great precision and care, highlighting the high standards of the company.
But it wasn't just the technology that impressed us on our journey. The history and culture of this region also left a lasting impression. In Vilnius, and later in the Latvian Riga, we encountered exciting architecture and art that literally keep the heritage of linen alive by turning it into artworks.
Overall, our production trip to Lithuania and Latvia was a journey full of discoveries and inspirations. We are grateful for the insights we were able to gain and look forward to sharing the fruits of this trip in the form of unique linen fabrics with you.
