Warm Woolen Lovikka Mittens
(See pages 12-13)

Wendy Johnson’s passion for linen is highlighted in an article in this issue, “Linen Flax in Norway—Past, Present, Future.” Johnson is also a knitting designer, author of books on knitting, and teacher. She was recently interviewed about the tradition Lovikka mittens from northern Sweden in Nordstjernan, the Swedish Newspaper of America.

Mae Colburn’s Norwegian-American grandmother, Audrey Huset, was an avid rag rug weaver, and collected wool skirts as material for sturdy, colorful rugs. But would Audrey have ever guessed that her collection would become a serious research passion of her granddaughter? And that Mae’s inherited collection of 632 wool skirts now in her weaving studio would receive notable press on the website of Vogue magazine?

Mae Colburn’s deep ties to Scandinavian weaving will be explored in a future Norwegian Textile Letter issue. For now, enjoy this interview: “Artist Mae Colburn Talks Archiving Her Grandmother’s Vintage Skirt Collection.”

Sámi Bandweaving (Online course)
June 8, 2025 (2:00-3:00 pm CT)

From Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum: “Join us for the first presentations in Vesterheim’s series of cross-cultural webinars exploring bandweaving from multiple cultural perspectives. Join weaver and Sámi culture bearer Laurel Sanders to discover the art of Sámi bandweaving, a traditional craft that weaves together history, culture, and intricate design. In the webinar Laurel will be sharing some history and background information about Sami band
weaving. She will also give a brief overview of the back strap rigid heddle weaving method with a depiction of the tools, materials, and steps involved and share about the uses and patterns of this beautiful tradition.”

Register here.

Norwegian Bandweaving (online course)
September 21, 2025 (2:00-3:00 pm CT)

This webinar is the second in Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum’s series of cross-cultural webinars exploring bandweaving from multiple cultural perspectives. The webinars foster perspective about the way Norwegian and Scandinavian handcrafts are part of a global community.

Register here.