This issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter features several articles about the Scandinavian Weavers Study Group of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, or by members of our group. There is currently a retrospective exhibit at Norway House in Minneapolis, Vibrant Tradition: Scandinavian Weaving in the Midwest, so this is an appropriate moment to celebrate the group’s more than thirty years of weaving in Scandinavian techniques.
The exhibit at Norway House includes historical technology–a Viking-style warp weighted loom–and cutting edge presentation, with QR codes for details about the artists and weavings. Read Vibrant Tradition: Scandinavian Weaving in the Midwest (Exhibit Recap).
Lisa Torvik wrote about the Scandinavian Weavers’ rosepath group project, inspired by the Swedish author Anna Östlund. That technique will always remind them of the pandemic. Read A Rainbow of Rosepath.
Lisa Torvik wrote about Anne Holden, an interesting weaver she met on a trip to Norway last fall. Holden didn’t know how to weave when she came to Norway to ski as a young woman. Now she is known for weaving deeply traditional plaid fabrics for national costumes. Read Scotland is not the only Place for Plaids!
Lisa Torvik also wrote about a remarkable tapestry she noticed at a friend’s home. What does foot surgery have to do with a superstar Norwegian tapestry weaver? I’ll bet some readers will recognize who wove this before even reading the article. Read Finding Unexpected Treasure in a Familiar Place.
Mary Skoy’s great-grandfather received a monogrammed blanket for a wedding gift 1n 1880. 150 years later she wove a new family heirloom. Read A Treasured 1880 Wedding Blanket, Reinterpreted.
Wendy J. Johnson of Saga Hill Studio has an infectious passion for flax and a deep interest in Scandinavian textiles. She grows, spins, knits and weaves linen in Minnesota. Read Linen Flax in Norway—Past, Present, Future.
Fans of band weaving will want to sign up for two free classes coming up from Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. They are listed in this issue’s Nordic News and Notes.
Sally Yerkovich, Director of Educational Exchange & Special Projects for the American-Scandinavian Foundation, introduces a new exhibit, Nordic Echoes: Tradition in Contemporary Art, opening in New York City on April 6. After you see the article, you’ll understand this comment…shouldn’t someone bring a guinea pig to the exhibit? Read Nordic Echoes: A Journey Curating a Celebration of Contemporary Nordic Traditions.
Krokbragd hasn’t only crossed the ocean to American weaving fans. British author Angie Parker has added her signature vibrant color palette to the technique. Minnesota weaver Jan Mostrom wrote a review of Parker’s new book, “Krokbragd: Contemporary Weaving with Colour” .
Thank you everyone for reading and sharing! The Norwegian Textile Letter was first published in 1994, forty years ago. I just completed ten full years of publishing the newsletter online. It could not be done without the unflagging help of generous contributing authors, and the team of talented friends who edit and proofread the articles. Special thanks for this issue go to Mary Skoy, Lisa-Anne Bauch, and Carol Colburn.
Looking forward to future issues, there’s still so much to share. Please let me know if there are topics you would like to see covered.
Robbie LaFleur
Help support wonderful articles on Scandinavian textiles (and the publisher’s upcoming research in Norway) with a donation to the Norwegian Textile Letter. This warbler is chirping his thanks! Tusen takk
Cynthia Atley Peterson is an American sweater designer who has taken inspiration from Norwegian weaving. She has used both skilbragd and doubleweave åklær to design unique sweaters, hats, and mittens. Read 
North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota, holds a wonderful Fiber Retreat each winter. This year the guest artist and speaker was 
This issue of the 
At the depths of winter temperatures during our Midwest polar vortex this winter, Martha Brummitt was assembling a Viking-style pram boat. Next she will be weaving the cloth for an authentic wool sail. Read about her project and follow along on her adventure in “
I wish I was closer to Philadelphia so I could see From the Heart, Made by Hand: An Exhibit of Swedish Textiles at the American Swedish Historical Museum before it ends on March 10, 2019. Maybe some readers will be able to make the trip, but the rest of us can get a taste with photos from curator Trevor Brandt. See them 
I was lucky enough to examine the historical båtrye (boat rya) owned by Norma Wangsness of Deborah, Iowa, described in “
Lisa Torvik, author of “
And finally, TUSEN TAKK for those who have supported the Norwegian Textile Letter with donations this year. For the holidays, there is a new incentive. For those who feel the holiday season leaves them sometimes ready to “Scream,” or feel the current political climate deserves this holiday sentiment, or those who are just fans of Edvard Munch, new donations in December will be rewarded with your very own Scream ornament, backed with fringed, handwoven fabric and beads. 
The NTL includes articles about exhibits of weaving in Scandinavian techniques, for the enjoyment of fans worldwide, and to inspire contemporary weavers. Each summer the 
Relevant articles published in other venues are often reprinted with permission, resources of high quality that NTL readers may not have seen the first time. Recent reprints include “
For the many readers who are active weavers, the newsletter includes articles on technique, including weaving drafts. After teaching a class at the Osterøy Museum near Bergen, Norway, Icelandic instructor Hildur Hakonardottir wrote about an historical Icelandic weave structure in “
From the first issue in 1994 featuring “