Current Issue

Crown Princess Mette Marit Became a Weaving Student – And Now There are Full Weaving Courses and Waiting Lists

The Crown Princess "Mette-Marit effect" is filling weaving classes around Norway.

Tales of Magical Weavers Keep a Medieval Tapestry Tradition Alive

Could the legend of two conjoined sisters who were tapestry weavers in Gudbrandsdalen be true? They are celebrated in a new series of books by Norwegian author Lars Mytting.

Gudbrandsdalen Tapestries and the Story of the Hekne Sisters

Marianne Vedeler discusses the legends and myths surrounding the tapestry tradition of Gudbrandsdalen, and explores the role tapestries may have played in visual and oral storytelling of the past. This article was originally published in Viking: The Norwegian Archaeological Yearbook.

Swedish Hairwork

Karen Keenan is helping to revive the almost forgotten art form of Swedish hairwork jewelry in the Midwest and beyond.

Book Review: Dressing With Purpose: Belonging and Resistance in Scandinavia

Contributing authors explore the history, preservation, and evolution of folk dress in Sweden (folkdräkt), Norway (bunad), and Sámi (gákti).

From England to Norway: The 2023 Vesterheim Textile Study Tour

After a pandemic hiatus, the Vesterheim Textile Tour resumed with a festive start in England, just two days after the coronation of King Charles.

Bergen Husflidslag: Finding the Pleasure in Weaving

Eight lucky Minnesota weavers spent a beautiful week in May trying Norwegian weaving techniques under the guidance of Ingebjørg Monsen.

Burning the Midnight Oil in Bergen

Peg Hansen learned that if time is short and your blanket is large, you may be weaving until 2 am!

Rölakan Rug Weaving in Sweden

Christine Novotny gained rölakan rug weaving skills and friendship on her trip to Sweden to study with master weaver Ulla Parkdal.

A Weaver’s Dream: The Weaving House in Tingsryd

Nancy Gossell traveled to her version of weaving heaven at a Swedish Vävstugo [weaving studio] - twice!

A Visit to the Icelandic Textile Museum 

Nancy Ebner traveled to Iceland to hike in its beautiful landscapes, but found time to admire weaving as well.

Spinning and Weaving in Iceland

See how talented tapestry artist Rebecca Mezoff interpreted an Icelandic black sand beach in wool during her residency at the Icelandic Textile Center in Blonduos.

Nordic News and Notes: October 2023

How can you resist a tale of "Kleptokatta Siri," who has an affinity for wool?

Nordic News and Notes, December 2023

Sign up for a webinar or some virtual fiber classes. Read about the best in Norway's contemporary craft, or about the reconstruction of historical fabric.

Nordic News and Notes (November 2023): Bunads

Interest in historical bunads remains strong; a recent Vesterheim webinar on the topic was very popular. Yet the tradition continues to evolve with contemporary expressions of the festive costumes.

Annemor Sundbø’s Latest Book: An Eminent Exploration of Nordic Sweater History

Annemor Sundbø has a new knitting book, which is ALSO a work of cultural history, religious history, philosophical history, and much more.

Nordic Hands: 25 Fiber Craft Projects to Discover Scandinavian Culture (Book Review)

Nordic Hands should be on the bookshelf of Scandinavian textile lovers, and it would be a great entry point for future Nordic fiber enthusiasts who haven't been exposed to Scandinavian handcraft and culture.