Our story

Pekan turkisompelu / Pekka's Fur Sewing is a family business run by Pekka and Emily Vakkilainen in the remote woods of Kainuu, Finland.  Our livelihood is comprised entirely of fur-sewing and commercial fishing, as a whole family. 

As commercial lake fishermen, we test the limits of winter clothing:  It must be moisture-resistant and super durable, while offering warmth on a -30C snowmobile excursion and protection from fall storms. Yes, we know what's required of quality winter accessories.  

In our experience, genuine fur is by far the best material to meet these requirements.  Fur is light-weight, warm, durable, breathable (yes, try it!), soft, and, depending on the species, weather resistant.  And what's more:  genuine fur is an extraordinarily ecological choice, because a well-sewn fur garment can last decades (and when it's useful life is over, it simply degrades back into the cycle of nature).

We believe in our products, and we use them actively, both at work and in play.  

Pekka spent his childhood fishing and hunting in the lakes and woods of Central Finland, graduating as a furrier in 2005 from the Petäjävesi Trade School.  His practicum was completed at Turkisliike R. Heikkinen in Jyväskylä, under the guidance of furrier Reijo Heikkinen.  Pekka established his own fur-sewing and commercial fishing business in 2007.  Soon afterward, lured by fish-filled lakes and good hunting opportunities, Pekka moved his business northward to his grandmother's home village, Suomussalmi, just south of the Arctic Circle.  

Emily is originally from a small village in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, where her family operated the local general store.  During her youth and on into university, Emily enjoyed participating in wildlife surveys, hunting, outdoor skills, and working as both a forestry research assistant and wildlife research field technician.  Through these pursuits she has gained a healthy respect for the balance yet resilience of nature.  Presently Emily manages the logistical side of our business, including transactions in English.

And our dear boys inspire and test our line of children's products, as they participate in family hunting and fishing trips, or try their hand at the sewing machine.

We value nearness to nature, quality time as a family, and freedom to develop creative and sustainable solutions.

Thank you for choosing our family enterprise!