2009 craft books :: Norwegian Handknits: Heirloom Designs from Vesterheim Museum by Sue Flanders & Janine Kosel
this is a collection of 30 knitting patterns all inspired by traditional knits from the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa.
this was the most interesting 2009 craft book that i read. i learned so much about the Norwegian knitting traditions. the above black & white photo was taken in the 1890s & it shows a traditional 2-color Norwegian sweater, these sweaters worn as underwear, that is how they started out. can you imagine all this beauty & not to mention hard work being hidden for so long? thank goodness today Norwegian sweaters are outerwear today !
it was fun reading all the stories behind the handknits that inspired the knitting patterns in this book... here's one example about Nisse history, a Nisse is a Norwegian folklore elf - easily recognized by his red stocking cap, liked by children, it is mentioned in many Norwegian folk songs & folklore. "The Elves" tapestry shown above was woven by Pauline Fjelde, she along with her sister embroidered the first Minnesota state flag.
i knitted a little Nisse egg hat, it goes on top of a soft boiled egg to keep it nice & toasty warm until it's ready to be eaten. check out the ravelry link for more info.
see you tomorrow for day 5 !