Helmi Salo's Finnish parents settled in Maynard, Massachusetts, along with other Finns who found work in the American Woolen Mill. Helmi became interested in Finnish weaving, which she took for granted as a child, after she started working at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. The school had many looms, and she began taking weaving courses. She visited Finland when her younger daughter was studying there. Alhough born here, Helmi says, "It was like going home." She toured Finnish craft shops, and learned from many weavers there. She now focuses specifically on Finnish weaving, like this bold, reversible wall hanging.