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
