By Nancy Ebner
Have you ever judged a literal book by its cover? I’ll often pick up a gorgeous hardbound book just to feel it in my hands and marvel at its cover. Such is the case with “Vovne Skattar,” a book about historical woven bands of the Åmli district of southern Norway, near Kristiansand.
Its authors, Olga Maria Breivik (now deceased), Eldbjørg Breivik Smeland and Magnhild Peggy Jones Gilje have created a book that is filled to the brim with exquisite photos of 49 cataloged and registered bands. The authors researched and registered over 120 patterns and 100 artifacts in total, some of which date back to the early 1800s. Each photograph is presented along with details of interest for each band. These details include band length, width, type of material used, number of warp threads, number of mid and edge pattern threads, whether fringed or tasseled, and finally, place of origin within Åmli. Places of origin may be a region or a specific farm.
While much of the book is in Norwegian, it has five key sections in English along with translation of band specifics needed by the weaver.
The first section, “Woven treasures,” tells of the process of cataloging the over 120 different weaving patterns from the region.
The second section, “Pick-up band weaving in Åmli”, shows the equipment used to weave the bands, documents the historical use and type of pick-up bands, and provides some pictures of original weavers in traditional dress.
My favorite section of the book, “Catalogue of artifacts”, presents 49 bands, many of which have been recreated, a colorful photograph of each band, and band characteristics.
Section four,” Endless possibilities with patterns,” displays the pick-up patterns, both the middle and edge patterns, and the warp threadings that have been documented thus far.
The final “how to” section of the book provides detailed instructions for weaving three specific bands. This section is in Norwegian, with a statement referring the English speaker to comprehensive “how to” books, in English; Norwegian Pick-Band Weaving by Heather Torgenrud and Susan J Foulke’s books and online resources under “The Durham Weaver.”
As an active weaver since 2017 and a beginning band weaver, I recommend this book for its historical significance, pattern templates and inspiring content. As far as I can tell, the book is only available in Norway at Husfliden shops. Look for your copy of Vovne Skattar during your next Norwegian adventure!