Ruutu-raita/yellow 140×240

Additional information

The Ruutu-raita/yellow design is a masterclass in Marjatta Metsovaara's ability to combine vibrant energy with mid-century structure. Ruutu-raita in Finnish translates to "square stripe" or "check stripe". Marjatta Metsovaara composed this wonderful tartan-like design with overlapping squares and stripes in 1956.

The Colors of Ruutu-raita/yellow
The color palette for this specific design is a refreshing, light-filled combination:
• Acid Yellow: The dominant "glow" of the rug, acting as a vibrant highlighter for the pattern.
• Seafoam Green and Deep Lichen Green: These organic tones provide a cooling Nordic contrast to the bright yellow.
• Taupe Gray: A sophisticated neutral used to ground the brighter shades and define the overlapping "square-stripe" (Ruutu-raita) structure.
• White Accents: Often used in the structural grid to enhance the luminosity of the surrounding mohair.

Artistic Expression and Intent
When Metsovaara created this tartan-like design in 1956, her focus was on the "Blossoming" of Color:
• Natural Luster: She transformed textile production by adjusting the typical material ratios of the time, using mohair to make colors appear to "blossom" and glow, rather than just sit on the surface.
• Geometric Joy: With the yellow colorway, she sought to capture the bright, fleeting light of the Finnish summer—the "lemon yellow" she preferred for its ability to brighten any space.
• Modern Heritage: The design was meant to be a "timeless luxury," bridging traditional hand-weaving with the demands of the high-end international market, especially for prestigious U.S. department stores.

The Enormous Advantage of the 140x240cm Luxury Throw
Producing this design in the larger 140x240cm size with 72% mohair significantly elevates it over the 1950s travel rug (135 \times 180 cm):
• Luminous Depth: While the original 1950s versions were often denser for practical travel, a 72% mohair blend creates a "fluffy" form that allows the yellow and black to blend at the edges, creating a more painterly, sophisticated look.
• Architectural Scale: The 240cm length (including the signature 15cm fringes) transforms the piece into a "true statement" for contemporary large-scale furniture. It provides the necessary volume to drape elegantly over modern, deep luxury sofas.
• Featherweight Comfort: Modern slow-machine weaving allows for a much lighter weight. This makes a larger throw feel airy and silky rather than heavy, providing high comfort for home use in climate-controlled environments.
• Tactile "Quiet Luxury": The increased mohair content provides a "furry" luster and softness that serves as a vital tactile counterpoint to the hard glass, stone, and metal surfaces of modern architecture.

The fabric is now produced on slow-speed power looms with a distinctly hand-crafted appeal. This beautiful mohair and wool throw blanket, featuring the original Metsovaara fringes at the ends, will keep you warm this winter. At newly built state-of-the-art combing and spinning facilities, these natural fibers are transformed into unique variations of yarns. Woven in the original Ruutu-raita pattern, in original colors, the fabric is brushed to create a classic, fluffy form. All this means that a throw blanket from Metsovaara not only adorns any room but also provides high comfort and a genuine sense of craftsmanship and heritage.

With today’s improved production methods, the material is more reliable and resistant to washing.

BODY SIZE:
140 cm x 210 cm

FULL SIZE:
with Metsovaara fringes 140 cm x 240 cm

SLOW MACHINE WOVEN FABRIC

MAIN MATERIAL: 72% Mohair / 28% Pure New Wool
WEIGHT: 280 g/m²
MATERIAL WEIGHT: approx. 941 g

Fluff up the throw after use. Brush it lightly against the pile from time to time. Dry cleaning is recommended. Hand wash or machine wash with natural detergent, with no spinning at washing and drying and no hanging at drying.