The new issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter is up! (If your email does not show images, read this web version.)
A focus on Finland continues in this issue, with two articles on Finnish folk ryijy (or ryas) by Marjo Ahonen, Curator at the Craft Museum of Finland–such a clear and interesting history. I hadn’t thought of a rya this big:
In the large rooms of stone-built royal palaces and manor houses, ryas were used on the sleeping lounges along the walls of the rooms. Blankets with thick piles to ward off the cold were the lifeblood of sleepers. Ryas made in narrow looms were joined with several seams to make a wide blanket, and up to four people could sleep side by side under one blanket.
In her second article, Ahonen describes many of the symbols typically found on the folk ryas.
Read “The Meanings of Finnish Folk Rya: Cultural Traditions” and “The Meanings of Finnish Folk Rya: Patterns in the Folk-Style Ryas.”
It is an honor to conclude our Finnish Focus with articles by noted Finnish tapestry artists Aino Kajaniemi and Inka Kivalo. Their styles are different, but both articles are deeply personal explorations of their work. You’ll be inspired!
Read “Playfulness and Joy in my Atelier” by Inka Kivalo.
Read “Impressionism in Tapestry: Translating Thoughts and Feelings with Thread” by Aino Kajaniemi.
Don’t you love the idea of a project that reconstructs Viking-age fabric for contemporary commercial production? Norwegian fashion designers and a furniture company did. Read “VikingGold: Weaving History and Fashion Together” by Tone Skårdal Tobiasson.
A Nuen chair with fabric woven by Krivi Vev from wool spun at Hillesvåg Wool Spinnery.
Norwegian artist Ann Cathrin November Høibo wove “Dreams Ahead” on an enormous loom. Read how she faced the challenge both technically and emotionally during her seven months of weaving. “To Reach the top of a Mountain: Ann Cathrin November Høibo.”
Mary Skoy reviewed a new book by a Danish knitting expert: Vivian Høxbro’s Knitting Handbook: 8 Schools of Modular Knitting. I would like someone to knit me every one of the projects in this book. “Book Review: Vivian Høxbro’s Knitting Handbook: 8 Schools of Modular Knitting.”
If you did not get a chance to visit Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum this summer, you can still see the 2022 Ribbon Winners from the Annual Exhibition of Weaving in the Norwegian Tradition.
Laura Demuth, Decorah, IA. “Two Long Winters” People’s Choice Award
I sent out the “Nordic Notes” column early, but there are additions now, an abundance of Scandinavian textile materials to read and view.
And Thank you to everyone who helps support the Norwegian Textile Letter with donations to cover expenses. Your financial support is crucial; an end-of-the-year donation would be much appreciated. Thank you for being a subscriber!
Robbie LaFleur
For those who would like to donate, here’s an easy link.
